Plants that do well in full sun and heat include Gaillardias, Marigolds, Cosmos, Bearded Iris, and Stachys. These are just a few examples. There are many more to choose from, including a host of perennials, annuals, and shrubs. If you want to add some color to your garden, try one of the perennials mentioned above.
Gaillardias
Planting gaillardias in your garden is a great way to create a tropical oasis. They are easy to care for, thrive in full sun, and flower all season long. There are many different varieties available, so you can choose the right one for your climate. Arizona Sun, for example, is an early blooming variety with large yellow petal tips. It will bloom its first year after seeding.
Growing gaillardias from seed is fairly easy, and the flowers bloom between seven and 14 days after the seeds are planted. Plant the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last spring frost, and they will be ready to plant outdoors in about four to five months. Planting them in full sun and with plenty of good air circulation will minimize disease and pest issues. Gaillardias tend to be hardy, so rabbits will not destroy them. Native bees also love them, and they thrive in full sun and heat.
A good place to plant gaillardias is in the front of a border. Their blanket-like flowers are a beautiful touch to a garden. The plant itself grows to 15 inches tall, so it can be planted at the front of borders or in containers. Gaillardias blend beautifully with soft textures, including spiky plants. Their blue-green flower petals are excellent for cut flowers, and their vibrant blooms attract butterflies. In hot climates, Gaillardias tolerate partial shade, but the plant will be floppy and flowering will be less.
Marigolds
You can start marigold seeds indoors as long as you don’t anticipate any frosts. Marigolds will germinate in just a few weeks once they’re transplanted into the ground. Planting marigolds outside directly after the last frost is a bad idea because weeds will take over the space and choke the plant. Also, marigolds will likely never reach their peak before summer. So, it is crucial to maintain weed control for the long-term appeal of your blooming flowers.
Marigolds thrive in full sun and heat. These plants have many benefits, including their fragrant flowers and tan-colored leaves. They’re also known to repel a wide range of pests and insects. Marigolds can grow in containers, or as standalone plants. Marigolds can be grown in containers for a variety of purposes, from displaying vibrantly colored flowers in bouquets to serving as a decorative accent in the garden.
You can start marigold seeds indoors fifty days before the last frost date. Marigold seeds don’t need much sunlight, but a clear plastic lid acts as a greenhouse. Seedlings will grow best with six hours of light a day. When their second set of leaves appears, thin the plants and plant them in the garden. If you don’t plant new seeds, marigolds will self-seed and will keep growing.
Cosmos
Plant cosmos in full sun. They need about seven hours of direct sunlight a day for best blooming. You can use a fertilizer every few months to keep their foliage lush and healthy but this will reduce the number of flowers they produce. Also, you should remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Deadheading a cosmos plant can cause the plant to self-seed the next year.
Cosmos are generally easy to grow in beds or containers. They make excellent cut flowers and tolerate drought, poor soil, and general neglect. Once established, cosmos will self-sow. Pests are easy to control, but they can be affected by aster yellows, bacterial wilt, and powdery mildew. Tall varieties look lovely in the middle of a border, while short varieties make airy edging plants.
For a more dramatic effect, try growing several varieties of the same Cosmos. Cosmos bipinnatus, for instance, has flowers that look like sea shells. The flowers of this Cosmos are typically small, and grouped together in a gradient of shades of pink to burgundy. The varying color of the flowers will help to create a natural feeling of depth in your garden. Planting different kinds of Cosmos is an excellent way to vary the color scheme in your garden.
It is important to keep in mind that cosmos are quick-growing, and should be kept away from late frost. If you don’t want your cosmos to get too tall, you can stake them in a raised bed and let them grow. They’ll start to sprout in a week or two if they receive half-day sunlight. But don’t overfeed or water them as this will lead to fewer flowers.
Bearded Iris
When planting your bearded iris, avoid watering it too much. Irises need full sunlight and air circulation and can’t stand standing water. You should plant the Rhizomes 12 to 24 inches apart, root side up, and cover with one inch of soil. Bearded irises require moderate watering throughout the year, and should be pruned after blooming to promote new growth and reduce the chances of unwanted seeds being produced.
Bearded irises are hardy perennials that bloom in early summer. Their flowers have three petals and are typically purple but can be other colors as well. The bearded iris grows from five to 20 years. To maintain their blooms, be sure to fertilize them annually with organic fertilizer. You should plant a new plant every three to four years, and be sure to divide the old ones.
When growing bearded irises in the garden, water your bearded irise only when necessary. During periods of drought, watering should be supplemented every week or two. But, in areas with high temperatures, Mother Nature will take care of the watering for you. If you are planting a new clump, water it every other week. During hot months, it’s best to water it a little more often.
Petunias
Marigolds come in a vibrant orange and yellow shade. They are easy to grow and need little care, but you must deadhead them and prune the stems to keep them in good condition. This plant grows as high as 30 inches, and is a good deterrent to rabbits and other pests. Marigolds grow easily from seed or purchased from gardening centers. Other popular choices include Zinnias, which attract hummingbirds and butterflies. These plants need very little maintenance and are easy to grow in containers or hanging baskets.
In addition to a range of hardy perennials, there are several annuals that thrive in full sun. Sun-loving petunias are a perennial in warmer climates but will grow as an annual in your garden. Another perennial plant for full sun is the bluebonnet, the state flower of Texas. The plant is both annual and perennial and has a dense, compact growth habit. SunBelievable(tm) Brown Eyed Girl Helianthus grows to about 30 inches tall and is a good choice for containers. It blooms continuously and grows as an annual and will bloom continuously for the duration of the season.
Petunias are an excellent choice for bedding in full sun. Petunias grow well from seedlings bought at the local gardening center. They are low maintenance and require no annual maintenance, making them the perfect choice for gardens with limited time. These plants will also self-seed so you don’t have to worry about replanting them. A good choice for full-sun gardens is a perennial, as they won’t need to be fertilized every year.
Penstemons
Because penstemons prefer full sun, they are best planted in the spring, when their root system is able to expand. Planting them in the fall may result in poorly developed roots, and they won’t survive the cold winter. Penstemons do well in partial shade, but they will thrive in full sunlight, too. They will also tolerate drought better than other plants, so it’s important to plant them as soon as possible after receiving their seeds.
Although penstemons are hardy in most climates, some varieties aren’t. A harsh winter can kill off a penstemon plant. To avoid this problem, it is best to propagate your penstemon plants. The most common method is to take softwood cuttings. Cuttings taken earlier in the year will produce healthy young plants. To ensure good results, heat the bottom of the container before planting.
Penstemons are native to the western half of the U.S. During their flowering season, penstemons create a colorful show in your landscape. Firecracker penstemon, for example, produces orange-red flower spikes in winter and early spring, attracting hummingbirds. This plant prefers full sun and is frost-tolerant to -20°F.
