If you’re looking for a plant that will thrive in direct sunlight, there are a few choices that will give you stunning results. Million bells, verbena, and Shasta daisies are just a few of the many choices. They are all excellent choices that will thrive in direct sunlight, but there are also a few other great options that you should consider, too. Read on for some tips on what plants thrive in direct sunlight.
Shasta daisies
A clump of Shasta daisies will stand about two feet tall and spread 2 feet wide. Their flowers are white with yellow centers. They blend in well with many other colorful plants and only need weekly watering. Despite their etiquette, a few daisies are toxic to dogs. Shasta daisies need full sun to thrive. They also need well-drained soil.
First, dig a hole that is about twice the width of the root ball. Plant the plants approximately two feet apart. Make sure that the soil is evenly moist and well-drained. Once the plant is established, mulch around it to keep it moist. The best time to mulch is in late spring, after the first frost. You can also deadhead the plant to extend its flowering season.
For optimal blooming, Shasta daisies require full sun. The more sunlight the plant gets, the more its flowers become hard and durable. They also grow well in poor soil, but need a rich, fertile spot. Loam soil is ideal, but if you have poor soil, add organic matter to improve it. You can divide clumps of Shasta daisies into two or three rhizomes and plant each one in a pot with soil under the crown.
Portulaca
Start portulaca seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Portulaca seeds don’t need to be covered, but they do need light to germinate. Heat mats can help hasten germination. When they emerge from the soil, they should be spaced about six inches apart. Portulaca can be grown as either an upright or trailing plant. After they are established, they don’t require thinning.
Plant your portulaca in good-quality potting soil. To make sure it receives proper drainage, add perlite, peat moss, and drainage gauze to the soil. You can also opt to pot them in air pots. These pots have a materials siding that promote airflow, allowing the soil to drain more easily and the roots to breathe. Afternoon Delight is one variety that blooms late into the evening.
To keep your portulaca plants healthy, you should avoid overwatering them. They are drought tolerant but need about an inch of rain a week. Water them twice during their growing season. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Plant them in containers if the soil is too wet for them. They may require protection during the early stages of growth, so keep your garden well-ventilated.
Verbena
If you’re looking for a bright, cheerful plant that thrives in direct sunlight, Verbena may be the one for you. This cheerful plant is happy in nearly any type of container, including pots made from stone or ceramic. If you live in a colder climate, verbenas should be grown indoors as annuals. If they cannot survive the cold winters outdoors, you can overwinter them indoors in a cool, sunny area (about 50 degrees Fahrenheit).
The best time to plant verbena outdoors is once the last frost of the season has passed. It thrives in well-drained soil with good drainage. Make sure to prune verbena after new growth emerges. Verbena plants are susceptible to powdery mildew and may be visited by common pests. To prevent powdery mildew, treat them with insecticides, but don’t overdo it. Water verbenas at ground level, so air circulation will reduce the risk of fungal infections.
Tall varieties of Verbena, commonly called purpletop vervain or Brazilian verbena, are best for gardens. These plants have compact, slender stems and two-inch flower clusters. Tall verbenas can be aggressive self-sowing, but newer cultivars are less assertive. Tall verbenas also look great in hanging baskets and window boxes. The ‘Imagination’ verbena has dark purple flowers and will grow to about 16 inches.
Million bells
When growing millions bells, remember that you can use a combination of indoors and outdoors. They do not need much maintenance, but they are sensitive to frost. When planted in early spring, they will flower by late spring. You should deadhead them after blooming in order to redirect the plant’s energy to new growth. In fall, they will need mulch to protect their roots from frost. Depending on their location, they can survive USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11.
Million bells do best in full sun, but they will tolerate morning and afternoon shade. You should plant them about 18 inches apart in well-drained soil. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can result in leaf burn. To boost the plant’s nutrients, apply a liquid flower fertilizer if possible. Liquid flower fertilizer is especially important as it will give it nutrients more quickly. The best time to plant them is around tomato season.
Succulents
Succulents are best for gardens with full sun, a position they prefer in a southern window. They are known for their distinctive cylindrical shape and can grow up to 10 feet tall. They are drought-tolerant, tolerate moderate heat and mild frost, and grow in full sun. Despite their relatively low water requirements, they will thrive in a well-drained soil with a high level of humidity.
Some succulents thrive in full sun, but be sure to use a plant that will tolerate full sunlight. Plants with spines, like prickly pears, can tolerate full sun as long as the sun isn’t too harsh. This foliage protects the plant from predators and provides shade during the hottest part of the day. They will also be more vibrant during cooler months. If you can’t tolerate full sun, plant a variety of smaller succulents indoors.
Hens and chicks: A popular type of succulent, hens and chicks are easy to grow and attractive. They grow by clustering baby chicks around the mother plant. Some varieties grow large while others stay small. You can use these succulents in a hanging basket or container. If you aren’t sure which ones to choose, give Sempervivum a try.
Begonias
Begonias have hundreds of varieties, and some are coddled houseplants while others thrive in full sun. Some varieties are annuals, while others are purely a houseplant. A few varieties are hardy, such as the ‘Red Star’, which will survive the harsh winters in Brooklyn. Other types, like the ‘Aurora’, are perennials that need dappled sunlight throughout the day.
Begonias like evenly moist soil with plenty of organic matter. A balanced water-soluble fertilizer should be applied once a month during the growing season. Begonias do not tolerate soggy soil, and you should avoid over-watering it, which can cause rotting. Water from the base of the plant rather than the stem to prevent root rot. Ideally, Begonias are placed in bright filtered light, with increased humidity.
When choosing your begonia plant, consider how much water they need. Begonias will suffer from stem rot if they are not given sufficient water. To prevent this problem, use lighter potting soil or mix equal parts of both clay-based and sand-based soil. If you don’t have a soil-mix, you can always make one yourself. Creating a custom mixture is a great way to ensure your begonias get the proper amount of sunlight and water.
Persian shield
When it comes to planting in direct sunlight, some plants thrive. The term “full sun” describes bright, open areas. While some plants thrive in direct sunlight from dawn until dusk, others need a break. Full-sun plants can tolerate intense summer sunlight but may need a break in the evening. To survive the intense summer sun, choose heat and drought-tolerant plants, or ones with silver or gray foliage.
English ivy
Although English ivy does well in deep shade, it should not be kept in full sun all year round. It should be watered only enough to stay hydrated and not allowed to dry out. The soil should have adequate drainage. If you do decide to bring your plant outdoors, do so after the last predicted frost date. First, bring it out for an hour a day for a week. After that, you can leave it outside for the entire day.
The best time of day for your English ivy depends on the climate in your area. If you live in a hot area, it may grow faster if the day is warm. Otherwise, if the day is cool, you can move it to a cooler area. If you live in an area with less sunlight, you can move it indoors in the winter and leave it out during the day.