Croton, Azaleas, Daylilies and Amaranthus caudatus are great plants for full-sun gardens. These are hardy, low-growing and easy-to-grow ground covers. These are all low-maintenance plants that will provide you with years of enjoyment. If you are looking for something different, try a different type of plant. Read on to find the perfect plant for your sunny backyard.
Croton
Croton is a bushy shrub that can grow up to five to six feet high and exhibit a wide variety of shades and hues. They are not a fan of very cold climates, but they do tolerate high humidity. Crotons are easy to grow in most climates, and they don’t require much care. If you’re thinking about planting this plant in your garden, keep these tips in mind.
Crotons prefer bright light, so they’ll do best in full sunlight. However, too much shade can wash out their colors, and too much direct sunlight can cause scorching and leaf burning, especially on lighter varieties. During the summer months, you can leave your crotons out in the garden in your hardiness zone. Crotons will grow much better in partial or indirect light, and you can rotate them as needed.
Pests are few and far between with crotons. Although they don’t attract many pests, they can occasionally fall victim to common plant pests. Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can cause significant damage. You can eliminate mealybugs by wiping the affected leaves or stems with rubbing alcohol. If you do not want to deal with pests, you can simply move your croton to a different spot in your garden.
Azaleas
Despite their name, azaleas are not the same as rhododendron plants. They are native to Asia and are best suited for sunny, well-drained soil. Their preferred pH level is 4.5 to 6.0. To find out the right pH level for your soil, conduct a soil test. Azaleas need plenty of moisture to grow properly, but they do well in a range of soils.
Azaleas need plenty of water, and they need to be watered frequently. Azaleas like soil with a pH of about 6.0. Soil that is higher than this can benefit from soil amendments. A soil pH test will reveal how acidic your soil is, and will recommend a suitable soil amendment for your azalea. They also need good drainage, so make sure that you add some organic matter to your soil. For optimal growth, plant azaleas slightly above their nursery pot, but not too deep.
Choosing the right plant for your garden is important – not just the kind of soil, but the exact climate. Azaleas do not do well in hot climates, and they will probably suffer from sunburn and drought. To grow them properly, the top part of the root ball should be one to two inches above soil level. Azaleas are best for areas with a moderate climate, but you must consider the age and surrounding conditions before deciding on a variety.
Daylilies
If you live in a region with a short growing season, you can choose among the many daylilies that will thrive in your area. While the latest varieties can be quite expensive, there are many beautiful varieties available for a lower price. Consider the size of your yard, the type of leaves, the color and shape of the flowers, as well as the hardiness zone. Because of its short growing season, daylilies in Minnesota must be hardy. Many new daylilies come from southern states. However, you may find daylilies that are regionally hardy in one part of the country or even across three zones.
The best time to plant daylilies in your garden is spring or early summer. These summer perennials prefer about six hours of direct sunlight per day. Plants in partial shade will not flower as well or have as lush foliage. Daylilies need at least one inch of sunlight per week to bloom properly, and their bloom scapes will lean toward the sun. Full sunlight is essential for light-coloured varieties to fully show off their colouring, as the foliage will be dotted with diamond dusting. In contrast, daylilies that are darker in color will retain their colouring in the shade.
If your daylilies are crowded, you can divide them by digging them up with a sharp shovel. Only healthy divisions should be kept. Small ones should be removed and those with poor roots should be disposed of. After planting, the newly divided pieces should be mulched in late fall. It is best to water them regularly until they establish themselves. If you are unsure about what type of divisions are healthy, divide them into separate pots.
Amaranthus caudatus
Amaranthus caudatus is one of the easiest annuals to grow, and it needs at least half of its day to thrive. Planting it directly where you want it will ensure it gets as much sunlight as it needs to thrive. The flowers grow in long tassel-like racemes, and are deep magenta in color. The seeds are edible, and you can dry them to use in dried arrangements. This plant is also known as the tassel flower.
Amaranthus caudatus is not a pest-prone plant, and you can start it indoors and transplant it when it’s ready. Make sure to water it regularly, but don’t overdo it. Herbaceous plants like amaranthus need more water than their woody cousins, so make sure to water them twice a day to allow the water to penetrate deeply.
Another perennial that will thrive in full sun is Amaranthus caudatus. This perennial will grow very quickly if you have a well-draining soil, and it will produce attractive spikes of deep purple-red flowers. Planting it in a large container will give you ample room to enjoy your beautiful new blooms. In addition, it has edible leaves that will make it a great plant to add to a meal.
Amaranthus plants are not frost-hardy, but they are tolerant of temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants in areas without frost will grow as a perennial, but it isn’t as cold-hardy in northern latitudes. Amaranthus caudatus ‘Coral Fountain’ grows up to 5 feet tall and is suitable for full sun gardens in USDA Zones 2 through 11.
Joseph’s coat
If you want to grow a beautiful, colorful plant that is tolerant of part shade, you should grow Joseph’s coat in full sunlight. This plant needs a medium amount of water each week, but will thrive with a light watering regime. It grows best in full sun, although it will tolerate part shade if the soil is well-drained. This plant can survive both hot and cold climates, but prefers full sun for the best results.
This plant should have full sun for its brightest leaves, though it will grow in partial shade if the conditions are too hot. It tolerates any well-drained soil, but will lose its vibrant coloring if it gets too wet. While this plant is drought tolerant, it will need regular watering to stay vibrant. It grows to a height of 10 to 14 inches, but prefers full sun for the best display of its beautiful colors.
Aside from the foliage, Joseph’s Coat is an excellent choice for full-sun gardens. The foliage of this plant can range from warm shades of red to a cool, purple hue. The leaves are also variegated and spotted. It grows large and can be pruned once in late summer. Aside from full-sun locations, it also thrives in containers. This plant is a great choice for any garden or patio.
Japanese Spirea
Spirea bushes are a hardy perennial that can thrive in zones three through nine. They thrive in well-drained soil and do not mind a little bit of frost, but should not be planted in very alkaline soils. To make your soil more fertile, add some rotted organic matter around the base of your plant. They grow rapidly and can reach full size in just a few years.
There are a number of different spirea varieties, each with slightly different flower colors. Spring blooming spireas produce large white flowers in May while summer bloomers produce flowers in July that are red or pink. Regardless of which species you choose, be sure to consider its leaf-shredding habit. It is a great choice for full sun gardens or for shady areas. They are easy to grow and require minimal care.
The soil in which Japanese Spirea grow best is slightly alkaline to acid. The right pH range for this type of plant is 5.5 to 8.0. Most garden soils fall in this range. In order to properly care for your Japanese Spirea plant, make sure to test your soil’s pH level. If it is too acidic, add some pelletized limestone. If you have too much alkaline soil, you can add organic compost. Use this mulch as mulch around your plant to maintain an acidic pH level.