When I hear the word “early summer”, my thoughts go right to lots of sun and high temperatures.
Trouble is not all plants are “sun-loving plants” and like full sun and heat. Heck when temps start hitting the 90’s we’re all looking for shade plants.
However, sun loving plants offer a stunning range of expressive blooms in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and hues.
As their name suggests, they thrive well in sunny conditions or direct sunlight, but can handle some light shade and some even withstand water shortage.
If you live in a location with water rationing or need drought-tolerant plants, these plants can be an excellent option.
This post includes a selection of varieties suited to your landscape, from climbing vines to ground covers.
#1 – Rosemary
Rosemary thrives well outdoors in containers, especially in a spot where it receives full sun.
It grows best in a fertile, well-drained soil. It can be planted alongside other flowers and herbs in containers.
More on –> Growing the Rosemary bush in your garden
When the plant finally grows and achieve a size that is too big for the pot, you can remove it from the container and prune off about two inches.
When doing this kind of invasive pruning, ensure you cut the top part of the plant to compensate for the pruning of the roots.
Then replant back into the same pot with fresh soil.
#2 – Day Lilies
One perennial plant that survives and thrives well in almost any region – The day lily. They can tolerate a variety of soil conditions but prefer a well-drained soil with lots of organic matter and are resistant to most of the pest and diseases. These sun-loving perennials require less maintenance and bloom faithfully for years.
Their botanical name, Hemerocallis, simply means “beauty for a day”- they open in the morning and die at night. However, the plant produces dozen flower buds and thus it’ll bloom for several weeks.
The shorter varieties work well when planted in the garden borders as they provide a mid to late summer boost. They can form a great fence or walkway as they are known to form a dense display.
#3 – Yarrow
Though considered as a flowering perennial, yarrow plant is actually an herb. Whether you decide to grow the yarrow plant in your herb garden or in flower beds, it’ll still be a lovely addition to your garden.
More on –> Growing the Yarrow Plant (Achillea filipendulina) in the garden
The plant grows virtually care-free and is so easy to grow. Whether you grow it as an herb or for decorative purposes, yarrow plant will add beauty to your yard.
#4 – Climbing Clematis Vines
Every flower gardener should know the beauty and pleasure of growing climbing clematis vines. Some of the traditional favorite varieties include General Sikorski, Jackmanii, and Henryl.
Because of the huge demand of this vine in recent years, most garden centers have stocked dozens of them.
When selecting a spot to grow the clematis, consider its mature height and flower color.
Traditional varieties can grow vigorously up to a height of 10-20 ft. However; there are compact varieties that can be grown in a small garden.
#5 – Cleome
Cleome, also known as spider flower, is often overlooked and seen as seedling because of its weedy and nondescript appearance. However, once it establishes, cleome produces a dazzling summer flower that lasts until a hard frost. Even with a musky odor, they are flowers hummingbirds like and the “fragrance” doesn’t keep butterflies away either.
#6 – Nasturtium Flowers
Once the nasturtium flowers grow and mature, the green foliage resembles a bunch of small lily pad leaves topped with attractive and colored two inches blossoms.
They are two varieties of Nasturtiums; the dwarf variety which grows to a maximum height of 15 inches forming compact clumps and climbing varieties that can climb to a height of six to eight inches.
#7 – Blue Rug Juniper
These plants are low-growing shrubs that remain evergreen. Their foliage is silvery-blue and thus its first name. The plant forms a low, dense mat, making it an ideal groundcover. It can achieve a height of four to six inches and can spread to a width of five to six inches.
The foliage turns to purple color during winter.
#8 – Portulaca
Portulaca a truly, colorful low-growing ground cover plant native to Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. They are easy to grow and attract butterflies to your garden due to their eye-catching and colorful blooms.
#9 – Celosia
Celosia plants and flowers are a popular direct sun annual plants. One of the reasons this flower is loved is because it’s easy to grow. You can plant it in garden beds, container gardens, and borders.
This sun-loving plant mixes well with other flowers and attracts butterflies. They last for a long time when cutting for bouquets as well.
#10 – Sweet Potato Vine
It’s one of the most versatile sun-loving plants on the list. You can grow sweet potato vine in container gardens, garden beds, borders and landscape in either sun or shade. Its foliage appears in shades of purple, bronze, chartreuse, copper, or black color.
You can grow it as a focal point at the entrance of your garden. Use compact varieties planted in hanging baskets.
Consult with your local garden center when growing the above sun-loving plants to learn more about them before planting in your yard.
Other Sun Loving Plants To Consider
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