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What does “Full Sun” mean for plants? When you see Plant in “full sun” on a label, it means that the plant needs direct sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. These 10 plants and flowers do well in sunny areas and are often drought-resistant. Meaning they do well with below-normal precipitation.
Bee Balm
Bee Balm – Scientific name Monarda, other common names include bee balm, bergamot, horsemint, and oswego tea. Bee Balm is a flowering plant in the mint family, with beautiful blooms available in red, pink, purple, or white. Bee Balm thrives in full sun and will add color and beauty to any garden.
Catnip
Catnip – A member of the mint family, also known as catmint or catwort. Catnip is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun; they don’t mind a bit of afternoon shade, especially when grown in hot climates. These hearty plants can be grown in almost any area of the garden as long as it’s in well-draining soil. Wet locations can lead to root rot.
Columbine
Columbine – An easy-to-grow flower that comes in a variety of colors. Columbines enjoy full sun to partial shade and are often an attractant for hummingbirds. Established columbines are drought-tolerant perennials that re-seed and spread easily.
Hardy Geranium
Hardy Geranium – Hardy Geraniums are perennial and available in over 300 varieties, most widely seen in pinks, purples, blues, and whites. Most do well in full sun to partial shade and they prefer well-draining soil. The warmer the climate, the more the plants will appreciate some afternoon shade
Lavender
Lavender – A shrubby perennial plant in the mint family, lavender is grown for its flowers and fragrance. Lavender does well in full sun and hot, dry conditions. It is suitable for use in a variety of landscape settings and is an excellent candidate for areas prone to drought.
Peony
Peony – Peonies like sunny locations and well-draining soil. They bloom best in sunny spots that get 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. Peonies are extremely fragrant and they come in a wide range of colors.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb grows best in climates where the ground freezes in winter. In naturally cold climates, plant rhubarb in full sun. For hot, dry climates, make sure rhubarb gets afternoon shade and lots of water. Rhubarb is a perennial plant that will grow for many years in the same spot. Choose a location that can accommodate the growth of rhubarb. They can grow to about 3 feet in diameter and can sometimes grow as high as 6 feet tall.
Rosemary
Rosemary – An evergreen shrub with beautiful blue flowers. Rosemary prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Rosemary does best in zone 8 or warmer but can be grown in containers in zone 7 and colder. Rosemary that is grown in a container in zone 7 and colder will need to be brought inside during cold weather.
Shasta Daisy
Shasta Daisy – Shasta daisies thrive in dry, sunny areas, and they can tolerate cold weather. They have the classic daisy appearance of white petals around a yellow center. Shasta daisies are perennial and return every spring or early summer and bloom until early fall. A wonderful addition to any garden.
Sunflower
Sunflowers – Sunflowers are called sunflowers for a reason; they need full sun. Most sunflowers are annuals, which means they will not come back year after year. But it is easy to harvest and dry the seeds for planting the following year.
*Bonus*
Vegetable Gardens
Vegetable Garden – Vegetable gardens are generally best positioned in the very sunniest location you can find with well-draining soil. The following 10 vegetables/fruits love the sun.
-Beans
-Corn
-Cucumbers
-Melons
-Okra
-Peas
-Peppers
-Tomatoes
-Squash
-Strawberries
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- Remarkably Drought-Tolerant & Low-Maintenance - Once established, lantana thrives with minimal watering, making it perfect for busy gardeners, xeriscaping, and hot, dry climates. It actually prefers to be on the dry side!
- Guaranteed Pollinator Magnet - Your garden will come alive! These fragrant, nectar-rich flower clusters are irresistible to butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, ensuring vibrant ecological activity all season long.
- Heat-Loving & Sun-Thriving Performer - Lantana flourishes in the hottest, sunniest spots where other flowers might struggle. Plant it in your sun-drenched areas for continuous color from spring straight through to fall frost.
- Continuous Color Show with Minimal Effort - Enjoy a self-cleaning plant that requires no deadheading! The unique flower clusters naturally change colors as they age, creating an ever-evolving display of pinks, yellows, oranges, and reds on the same plant.
- Versatile Growth for Any Garden Space - Perfect for ground cover, containers, hanging baskets, or landscape borders. Its vigorous, spreading habit quickly fills empty spaces with lush, colorful foliage and blooms.
- COVERAGE: 20,000 seeds of creeping thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) provide extensive ground coverage for gardens, pathways, and landscaping areas
- PERENNIAL GROWTH: Hardy flowering plant returns year after year, creating a dense, low-growing mat of fragrant foliage and delicate purple blooms
- VERSATILE PLANTING: Ideal for rock gardens, between stepping stones, lawn alternative, or as an attractive border plant that helps suppress weeds
- GROWING SPECIFICATIONS: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, reaches 2-4 inches in height, and spreads up to 18 inches per plant
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- 🌱 High Germination Ground Cover Seeds – Create a lush green carpet for paths, patios, and empty garden spaces.
- ☀️ Easy Growth & Low Maintenance – Thrives in full sun and poor soil, perfect for effortless landscaping.
- 🐝 Fragrant & Pollinator Friendly – Releases a pleasant scent when stepped on and attracts bees and butterflies.
- 🌿 Fast Spreading Coverage – Quickly forms a dense mat that helps suppress weeds.
- ❄️ Hardy Perennial Plants – Cold-hardy in zones 4–9 and returns year after year with minimal care.
- A lovely biennial flower that growing up to 12"-24" tall and 6"-12" wide
- Blooms the year after planting, in mid-spring to mid-summer; produces clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, red and violet
- Sweet William will attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees, ladybugs, hummingbirds and more. Biennial, Zones 4-10; Requires full sun and good drainage; Suitable for beds & borders, cut flowers, and the fragrant garden
- Start the seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting out, or direct sow them in early spring or early autumn so that the seeds may be exposed to frost. Ideal temperature: 15-21°C (60-70°F). Seeds germinate in about 10 days. Just cover the small seeds very lightly with soil, as they need light to germinate
- Sweet Williams are part of the dianthus family but the main difference is the type of plant they are. Dianthus plants are either annual or perennial but Sweet Williams are biennials or perennials
