Effortless Full Sun Perennials For Your Garden
Are you searching for perennials that can withstand the heat and add beauty to your garden? Look no further! In the South, where the sun can be relentless, finding the right plants that can thrive in full sun is essential. Full sun perennials not only survive but flourish in these conditions, providing vibrant color and texture to your landscape year after year. Whether you’re looking for resilient ground covers, showy flowers, or unique foliage, these easy-to-grow perennials are sure to enhance your garden. Now is the time to start thinking about planting perennials because Fall is right around the corner…I know hard to believe! Where did summer go?!?! I am ready for it though! I feel much more grounded in my routine Fall-Spring than I do in summer. Can you relate? Contrary to popular belief that Spring is for planting, the opposite is true. Fall is the best time for planting, especially perennials and bulbs. The cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock and plants can focus on root establishment all Fall and Winter. When you plant in the Spring, the plant is focused on pumping out foliage, flowers, and top growth while also trying to root in. That’s a lot to put a plant through. By planting in the Fall, you’re essentially removing a lot of those strenuous plant tasks so root development is its primary focus. This equals a stronger, healthier, and happier plant that will be ready to shine in the Spring. Here is a rundown of some of my favorite full sun perennials!
Sedum: A Resilient and Versatile Choice
Why Sedum? Sedum is a large class of plants in the succulent family, making them naturally heat and sun-resistant. They come in various shapes, colors, and sizes, providing diverse options for your garden.
Recommended Varieties:
‘Lemon Coral’ Sedum: This chartreuse ground cover illuminates paths and draws you into the garden. It is valued more for its foliage than its flowers.
‘Autumn Joy’ and ‘Carl’: These shrub-like sedums are known for their autumn blooms. ‘Carl’ is more compact and well-behaved in the garden.📷: NC State Plant Toolbox
‘Back in Black’: A standout varietal perfect for unique or monochrome gardens with its striking dark foliage.
Lesser-Known Gem: Lantana
Perennial Lantana (Lantana camara) Many gardeners are unaware that perennial forms of lantana exist. These floriferous plants bloom all summer, bringing tropical colors to your backyard. Hummingbirds love them too!
Hardy Varieties:
‘Ham & Eggs’
‘Miss Huff’ 📷: NC State Plant Toolbox
‘Chapel Hill Yellow’
These varieties are hardy from zones 7-11. In lower zones, provide a thick mulch layer for winter protection.
Personal Favorite: Hardy Hibiscus
‘Midnight Marvel’ Hibiscus My favorite full-sun perennial is the hardy hibiscus, especially ‘Midnight Marvel’. It boasts dark foliage with deep cranberry-red flowers, growing bigger and more beautiful each year. Unlike older varieties, ‘Midnight Marvel’ blooms from top to bottom, providing a stunning display from June through the first frost.
Pairing Suggestions:
‘Cheyenne Sky’ Red Switchgrass
Ginger Wine Nine Bark
Coreopsis 'Redshift'
These plants create a three-season screen in front of my large alternative septic system. ‘Midnight Marvel’ reaches up to 4.5 feet wide and 4 feet tall by its third season, thriving in zones 4-9.
Southern Native Perennials:
Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium):
This native perennial, often overlooked, has a striking presence with its yucca-like foliage and white, prickly globe-like flowers that bloom from July to August. Perfect for prairie or meadow gardens, it supports many insects and pollinators. It also has an interesting history of being used medicinally against snake bites and for crafting by Native Americans.
Blazing Star (Liatris):
Blazing Star sends out tall purple flower spikes that attract native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They thrive in full sun but may flop if placed in shaded areas.
Eastern Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana):
This plant bursts with baby blue star-like flowers in spring and transitions to golden foliage in fall. It’s hardy in zones 3-9 and tolerates various conditions, making it a reliable addition to any garden.
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis):
Ideal for wet spots or rain gardens, Cardinal Flower thrives in moist areas. It sends up tall red spikes that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. If you prefer a similar look for drier areas, try Blazing Star (Liatris spicata) which is outlined above. If red isn’t your color, there is also Blue Lobelia.
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana):
This plant stands out with its vibrant purple berries, adding a rare color to your garden. It grows well in most soil types with good drainage and provides a valuable food source for birds and small mammals. Its believed mosquito and tick-repelling properties make it even more appealing.
Full sun perennials like Sedum, Lantana, Rattlesnake Master, Hardy Hibiscus, Blazing Star, Eastern Blue Star, Cardinal Flower, and American Beautyberry can transform your southern garden into a vibrant, thriving space. These plants are not only beautiful but also support local wildlife and add unique elements to your garden.
Need help designing your garden or choosing the perfect plants for your yard? I offer garden consulting services to provide personalized recommendations tailored to your landscape. Whether you're looking to create a stunning flower bed, a pollinator haven, or a low-maintenance perennial garden, I can guide you through the process and help you achieve a beautiful, sustainable garden. Reach out today and let's start planning your dream garden together.
Keep blooming! 🌸
Nicole Dillon | Breemar Flower Farm | Ashland, VA
