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Sunlight is essential for growing plants because light is necessary for photosynthesis—the process that converts light, carbon dioxide, and water into energy. Plants cannot grow or bloom without the sun.1 On the other hand, some flowers can’t handle a full day of sun in the South. Exposure to too much sunlight can scorch, bleach, or even kill shade plants, which is why you want to select flowers that will thrive in the sunniest areas of your garden.
Southern states are known for intense temperatures. Here, we’ve rounded up our favorite flowers that thrive in the often blistering sun of Southern climates. They look good in the summer, spring, or fall, as long as the sun shines. Plant them in a container or put them in a beautiful flowerbed to add some color and personality to the garden. No matter how you plant these full-sun flowers, the blooms will be magnificent in the sunshine.
Agapanthus
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- Botanical Name: Agapanthus spp.
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Sandy loam
- Soil pH: Varies by species
Also called Lily of the Nile, agapanthus actually originates from southern Africa and can be evergreen in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 to 11. This sun-loving, summertime bloomer looks striking in a pot on your patio or in a border along pathways. Agapanthus thrives with weekly watering but must have well-draining soil. In frost-free areas, it will continue blooming into fall. A. africanus prefers acidic soil, but other species can handle neutral or slightly alkaline soil.
Allium
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- Botanical Name: Allium spp.
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Rich, well-drained, sandy loam
- Soil pH: 5.5-6.5
These ornamental onions have pollinator-friendly flowers ranging from demure clusters to blooms that look like enormous pom-poms or fireworks. Plant bulbs in fall in rich, well-drained soil (most can be grown in Zones 4-9). They rarely need watering and happily soak up the sun until they bloom in late spring or early summer.
Angelonia
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- Botanical Name: Angelonia angustifolia
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich
- Soil pH: 5.5-6.2
This beauty is also known as the summer snapdragon. Not only does it love the sun, but it also only needs to be watered about once a week. It’s an excellent choice for hot, sunny spots and can thrive in a container. Angelonia is often grown as an annual but is perennial in Zones 9-11.
Black-Eyed Susan
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- Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirta
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial
- Soil Type: Well-drained but moist, loamy, clay, sandy
- Soil pH: 5.5-6.8
The black-eyed Susan is one of the easiest flowers to grow in full sunlight. Often found in open woods, prairies, fields, or along roadsides, this short-lived wildflower spreads quickly by self-seeding. Flowers appear in late summer and early autumn and resemble daisies, bearing yellow petals surrounding a brownish-black center. Deadheading encourages a longer blooming season. Plant in Zones 4-9.
Blanket Flower
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- Botanical Name: Gaillardia pulchella
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Sandy, well-draining soil
- Soil pH: 6.8-7.2
From spring until first frost, the brilliant colors of blanket flower bask in the sunshine along sandy roadsides and beach boardwalks. You can enjoy this plant in your garden, too, as long as you plant it in full sun in well-draining soil that isn’t heavy or overly moist or rich. This species is an annual, while the hybrid G. x grandiflora is a short-lived perennial.
Blazing Star
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- Botanical Name: Liatris spp.
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial
- Soil Type: Varies by species
- Soil pH: 5.5-7.0
Blazing star is just what you need for the blazing sun. These spiky pollinator plants are often purple, though you can find white and pink varieties. Many types of blazing star grow well in poor, dry soils. The widely available L. spicata likes well-drained soil but can handle more moisture and even grow in rain gardens.
