This post shows you the best container plants to grow that love being in full sun!
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Are you tired of battling the extreme summer heat when it comes to your garden?
If you’ve never tried gardening in North Florida during the summer, then you don’t really know heat and the absolute toll it can take on your plants.
The truth is, there really is no escaping the sun’s rays and you’ll just have to adapt! If you can’t beat ’em, join them!
Instead of trying to water your garden multiple times a day, try growing container plants that thrive being in the full sun instead!
Gardening ideas that involve a bit of research, planning, and observation mean a blooming and healthy container garden that thrives in the heat, all summer long!
Tips for Growing Container Plants in Full Sun
- Choose Lightweight Containers. Opt for lightweight containers made of plastic, resin, or fabric to make moving them around your mobile home easier to move into shady areas on extra hot days.
- Group Plants in Threes. Arrange containers in clusters or groups to increase humidity and moisture among plants. Grouping plants with similar water and sun requirements together also makes maintenance more manageable.
- Invest in Shade Cloths. Consider investing in shade cloths or mini plant umbrellas to ensure your plants are able to hold moisture, especially during hot, dry periods. This can help conserve water and reduce the need for frequent watering.
24 Beautiful Container-Friendly Plants That Love Full Sun
1. Marigolds
These vibrant annuals are not only strikingly beautiful but also many gardeners swear these flowers repel pests with their strong scent.
Colors vary from deep maroons and reds through sunny orange and yellow!
Use dwarf varieties in tubs or borders while the taller varieties are better for in ground planting.
You can buy these at the store or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date!
2. Petunias
Petunias are an annual flower favorite!
With their colorful blooms and trailing habit, petunias are excellent for adding a pop of color to a balcony space.
These are convenient to hang in baskets with a cascade variety.
Pinch back plants after the first blooms to encourage branching and healthy flowering all summer!
3. Zinnias
Hot weather and Zinnias go together.
Easy to grow from seed, zinnias come in a variety of colors and sizes.
Watch them adapt and bloom profusely throughout the summer and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
They tolerate hot sun and don’t attract unwanted pests to your garden!
4. Geraniums
These classic flowering plants come in a range of colors with heart shaped foliage you’ll easily fall in love with.
They are known for their drought tolerance, making them ideal for containers in full sun, but not extreme heat!
If it gets too hot, you may want to move them to an east-side of your home to catch the morning light with shade in the evenings.
Plant in well-drained soil but do not let the soil dry out and pick off faded flowers to keep the top-quality ones blooming!
5. Cosmos
Cosmos does great in sunny locations but can tolerate shade if needed.
If you’re looking to add cut flowers to your space or a great “background” plant, go for Cosmos!
These daisy-like flowers come in pink, white, and purple, blooming prolifically in full sun and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
They’re cheap, easy to grow, and love the sun!
6. Verbena
This herb is a perfect candidate for sunny environments.
Perfect for cascading over the edges of window boxes, verbena produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers and thrives in full sun with regular watering.
The leaves have a fragrant lemon scent and can be used in potpourri or drinks!
These heat resistant plants prefer moist, well-drained soil with full sun!
7. Basil
Fragrant and flavorful, basil is a must-have herb for any container garden.
This herb thrives in full sun and adding a fresh taste to salads, sauces, and more.
During extreme heat temperatures, try to give your basil some shading during the hottest time of the day.
Keep watered with the leaves pinched back for continuous growth!
8. Thyme
Many Mediterranean herbs will love sunny conditions and some don’t even mind being in soil that occasionally dries out.
Thyme will do well with some neglect
with irregular watering, or an occasional drying out in the afternoon sun.
Bees are attracted to thyme so you have an herb and natural pollinator in one.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary is a very hardy herb that thrives off neglect, dryness, and poor soil.
Rain is more likely to kill it while they will survive through drought.
Best of all, it loves the sun! It can survive hot climates, growing up to four ft. tall.
Be sure to bring them in for winter because this herb won’t tolerate winter in cold climates.
10. Garlic
Fragrant and flavorful, garlic is a must-have herb for any container garden, adding its strong flavor and scent to foods!
Plant the cloves in a sunny location in early Spring.
When the tops are brown and are dead, you can dig them up to harvest!
Repeat the process for an ongoing harvest all year.
11. Sweet Potato Vine
Perfect for adding trailing foliage to containers, sweet potato vine comes in a variety of colors and thrives in full sun with regular watering.
Good varieties include Jersey Orange, Nugget, Nemagold, or Centennial.
Soil preparation is the key to growing sweet potatoes, a moderately fertile, sandy loam is ideal!
12. Peppers
Perfect for adding trailing foliage to containers, sweet potato vine comes in a variety of colors and thrives in full sun with regular watering.
Keep pepper plants well watered throughout the summer and free from weed competition.
Top soil with mulch to choke weeds out and keep the moisture high!
13. Squash
With its trailing vines and bright yellow blooms, squash adds height and drama to sunny container gardens, attracting bees and butterflies.
Many new bush forms of squash have been developed to replace the old-fashioned, space-taking vining varieties.
14. Eggplant
Perfect for adding growing in containers, egg plant comes in a variety adapted for pots and thrives in full sun with regular watering.
Eggplant is a warm season crop that needs a long period to mature so you’ll want to plant these seeds early in the season!
A shiny and glossy coating is a sign that your eggplant is ready for harvest!
15. Muskmelon (Cantaloupe)
These charming warm season crops have been developed that growing them is super easy and less space consuming!
Melons can easily become large but the secret for ripeness is the smell.
A ripe melon will have an delicious odor and easily slip off the stem for you to snack on all summer!
16. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are the ultimate summer plant, with their cheerful yellow blooms that follow the sun throughout the day.
While some varieties can grow quite tall, there are smaller, container-friendly varieties that are perfect for pots.
Sunflowers love the sun and can withstand hot temperatures, bringing joy to your garden all summer long
17. Echeveria Succulents
Succulents are ideal for hot, sunny spots where other plants might struggle.
These drought-tolerant plants come in all shapes and sizes, and they’re perfect for adding texture and interest to your container garden.
Succulents need very little water and can thrive in full sun, making them a low-maintenance option for busy gardeners.
19. Lantana
Lantanas thrive in well-drained soil and require little water once established. They prefer full sun and can handle the hottest summer days.
They’re loved for their bright, multi-colored flower clusters that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Lantanas are often used in butterfly gardens because they provide a consistent nectar source throughout the growing season.
20. Lavender
Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
It requires minimal watering and prefers dry conditions.
It’s mostly cherished for its fragrant flowers and foliage, which are often used in aromatherapy and crafting.
Lavender is known to repel pests like mosquitoes and moths, making it a great addition to any garden.
21. Bougainvillea
Plant bougainvillea in full sun with well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal water once established.
Bougainvillea is admired for its vibrant bracts, which come in various colors and create a stunning visual impact in the landscape.
Did you know?
Bougainvillea’s bright colors are not its actual flowers but modified leaves called bracts. The true flowers are tiny and white.
22. Oleander
Oleanders prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant but benefit from regular watering during hot, dry periods.
Oleanders are popular for their showy, fragrant flowers that bloom throughout the summer, adding a tropical feel to gardens.
Despite its beauty, oleander is highly toxic if ingested, which is why it’s often planted in areas where pets and children don’t frequent.
23. Canna Lily
Cannas need full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
They require regular watering, especially during dry spells.
Cannas are favored for their large, tropical-looking leaves and bright, colorful flowers that add drama to gardens.
Cannas are not true lilies but are more closely related to bananas and gingers.
24. Portulaca
Plant portulaca in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. Consider soil for succulents rather than potting mix.
These beauties are drought-tolerant and thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Portulaca is loved for its low-growing, succulent-like foliage and bright, colorful blooms that open in the morning and close at night.
Portulaca flowers only open in full sunlight, making them a perfect indicator of sunny weather.
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This Post Has Shown You Container-Friendly Plants That Love Full Sun!
Whether you’re looking for vibrant blooms, tasty edibles, or attractive foliage, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in a sunny container garden. Happy gardening!
