If your yard receives full afternoon sunlight, you may be wondering what plants grow best in this type of weather. Here are some suggestions. Shasta daisies, Corydalis, Clematis, Verbena, and Heuchera are among the best-suited choices. All of these types of flowers are perennials and will grow back from their roots year after year. This means you can enjoy their flowers for weeks.
Shasta daisies
The perennial Shasta daisy is a hardy perennial. It will survive a freeze in zones 5-8. Because of its short life, it must be planted every year. Deadheading is necessary to remove finished blooms and prevent your plant from looking unkempt. To do this, cut the flower stems at the base of the plant and place them in a container or plastic bag.
When choosing a location, choose one that receives full sun to light shade. If you live in a hot climate, choose an area with filtered afternoon sun. In general, Shasta daisies prefer well-drained soil up to 15 inches deep. Plant them after danger of frost has passed. Early spring or late fall is a good time to plant them. They can be grown from seeds, potted or in the ground.
Once established, Shasta daisies tolerate full afternoon sun well and grow in clumps. The flowers are bright, contrasting with the leaves that are white and light green. To plant your Shasta daisies, dig a planting hole twice the size of the root ball. Water thoroughly and let the plants soak up the water before planting them. Space daisies evenly 12 to 30 inches apart for best flowering. To provide visual interest, plant bulbs, annuals, and summer blooming perennials around them.
Corydalis
A corydalis plant can grow well in a cool spot in your garden, but the full afternoon sun is crucial to the plants’ growth. Corydalis need cool temperatures and a well-drained soil to thrive. Corydalis can be hardy in Zones 5-8, but their growth may slow or even stop in these conditions. In the Pacific Northwest, they prefer cool, wet summers.
There are several species of corydalis, but the most popular cultivar is the Blue Heron. This corydalis plant is deer-resistant, self-sowing, and non-invasive. It is an important food plant for butterflies and has more than 400 species! Corydalis plants are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Asia, and northeast Africa.
A corydalis plant needs a slightly shady area or a partial shaded area. Its flowers are small and trumpet-shaped. It comes in many different colors. This plant will bloom for several months. It is a low-maintenance plant and can be planted in soil that drains well. A blue-purple corydalis plant is a great choice for a part-shady area.
Clematis
Clematis is a vigorous climber that blooms all summer long. It can tolerate most garden soil types, although some cultivars are better suited to Indiana’s climate and soil conditions. Clematis grows best on a trellis, so you can plant it on a fence or trellis-like structure. Clematis will require regular watering during the growing season. In the spring, fertilize with a balanced fertilizer.
To get the most beautiful flower and foliage, water your clematis regularly. Too little water will cause the leaves to dry up and fall off. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will fall off and the plant will not thrive. Clematis prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil, although they can also tolerate an acidic soil. They are best grown in a well-drained soil to avoid overwatering.
The ‘Arabella’ clematis bears velvety purple flowers in early spring and early summer, followed by its white filaments. It grows to a height of three feet and flowers from midsummer to early fall. Its fragrant white flowers are highly ornamental and are available in a variety of colors and shapes. Clematis are suitable for planting under deciduous trees.
Verbena
Verbena is a heat-resistant, drought-tolerant perennial that will add color to your garden all summer. Although it grows tall and upright, most people are familiar with the shorter varieties. These plants are ideal as accents for other annual plants, and they also look great in hanging baskets. Verbenas produce clusters of small, white, pink, or red flowers. They will thrive in full sun, and they require average water. Plants need an inch or two of water a week.
It is best to plant verbenas in full afternoon sunlight – it’s easy to grow these hydrants! But be careful with overwatering – Verbena plants do not tolerate heavy watering, and they often floppish. Instead, look for shorter hybrid varieties. While these tend to be more sturdier, they’re still vulnerable to mildew. A hose will be necessary, but it’s worth the effort!
In full afternoon sun, verbenas grow best in soil that is enriched with compost. They thrive in most soil types, but clay and compacted soil should be avoided. They will also suffer from root rot if they’re planted in poorly drained soil. Another important consideration is air circulation. If you can’t provide adequate air circulation, verbena will develop powdery mildew.
Zinnias
When choosing a summer flower for your garden, zinnias are an excellent choice. Their high heat tolerance and drought resistance makes them an excellent choice for full-sun gardens. Their colorful flowers are also a delight to cut, and they can bloom for weeks on end! During a cool summer, pinch growing tips to delay flowering. Zinnias are easy to grow in containers and make beautiful border plant choices.
Because they prefer dry soil, plant zinnias in a container. Their tall, bushy foliage and big blooms will provide a shaded spot for weeds and other plants. Zinnias are low-maintenance and require little or no fertilization. Deadheading the plants is an easy task and will produce more flowers. The Profusion Series and Zaharas are drier-tolerant varieties with less mildew and powdery mildew problems.
Zinnias need at least 6 hours of full sun to thrive and bloom well. Planting them in partial shade will reduce their size and flower count. However, if you grow them in a full-sun location, zinnias can tolerate the heat. If you live in a climate with a mild winter, they are still a good choice. However, they do require a fair amount of sunlight.
Creeping Phlox
If you want a perennial flowering plant with a large spreading habit, Creeping Phlox is an excellent choice. It has five flat petals with each one individually notched, which gives it a beautiful appearance. During the spring, it blooms a cluster of lilac-pink to red flowers, which can cover an area of up to 24 inches. This plant also has a low-growing, mat-like form.
In late winter and early spring, you should fertilize your phlox to encourage flowering. Apply a slow-release fertilizer that is formulated for flowering plants. Use an organic insecticidal soap to treat weeds and other pests. After flowering, you can cut back the stems by half to promote dense growth. Deadheading is not necessary with creeping phlox.
When it comes to planting, “creeping” phlox needs a moderate amount of water and a moist soil. It grows between four and six inches tall and two feet wide. It’s a versatile plant that can thrive in a wide range of climates. You should choose a sunny location for the creeping phlox and ensure that the soil is moist.
Daylilies
There are many types of daylilies. Some are midseason bloomers while others are late bloomers. Choosing the right plant will depend on its growing conditions. Most daylilies need at least six hours of full sun to bloom. They also need at least six hours of indirect light for best blooming. If your garden receives direct afternoon sun, you should plant a tetraploid daylily to ensure a longer flowering season.
To plant daylilies in your garden, you need to dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep. The crown of the plant should be about one inch below the surface of the ground. The roots of daylilies need a well-drained soil. Avoid clay and sand as these types of soil are less suitable for growing daylilies. You can amend these soils by adding some organic matter to them.
Planting daylilies is easy. First, prepare the soil for the flowering plant. Make sure it is well-drained and loose. Loosen it to about 18 inches. Remove rocks and other debris. Loosen the soil by mixing in compost before planting. Moreover, heavy clay soil should be lightly amended with compost. This will allow the roots to develop properly. If you’re planting daylilies in shady locations, make sure that they get enough water during the daytime.
