If you’re planning to plant a shrub garden in your yard, you’ll want to choose a suitable one that’s suited to full sun. The most popular shrubs for full sun gardens include rose of Sharon, California lilac, and Hardy hibiscus. Read on to discover which plants thrive in this type of light and where to find them. You’ll be amazed by the variety of choices available, and will also be able to find a suitable plant for your space.
Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon shrubs thrive in full sun and grow well in most USDA plant hardiness zones. If you want to have a private border around your home, this shrub is perfect. It can spread to 10 feet and reseed, so you can easily relocate it if you want to make room for a second plant. You can also share your rose of Sharon shrub with friends. You can also consider planting roses of Sharon in groups, as they make attractive and colorful border plants.
The pruning of rose of Sharon shrubs is easy. You can cut back the shrubs to a couple of buds per branch in the winter to promote more blooms the following year. However, it’s best to prune the shrub back to about six inches each year. In addition, you can prune it hard every few years to keep it from becoming leggy and overgrown. And while it’s relatively low maintenance, you’ll want to avoid over-pruning it because of its tendency to become leggy.
A rose of Sharon shrub adds color to the landscape throughout the summer and fall seasons. Its flowery stems produce clusters of red, purple, blue, or violet flowers. These shrubs grow to be eight to 12 feet tall, and they can be pruned to create a small tree. While they don’t leaf out until late summer, they do produce flowers in late summer. Rose of Sharon shrubs are easy to maintain and will bloom well for several months.
Hardy Hibiscus
If you’re thinking about growing a hibiscus in your garden, you’ll need to be aware of the proper planting techniques. Firstly, you’ll need to loosen the root ball and dig a hole about half an inch deep. Once planted, make sure there are no air pockets. Then, water well to keep the soil moist. Hardy hibiscus are drought-tolerant once established, but make sure you choose a location where they get enough water.
One of the first things you should know about hardy hibiscus is that they’re perennials. They’re typically pink, red, or white. While these plants may not be as tropical as the tender hibiscus, they’re still great for planting in the garden. Hardy hibiscus flowers can endure temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit and -34 degrees C. Hardy hibiscus shrubs are hybrids of the tropical Hibiscus moscheutos. Native to the United States, Hardy hibiscus are found growing in wetlands and along riverbanks.
To plant a hardy hibiscus, make sure the soil is well-drained and contains plenty of organic matter. Alternatively, you can make a raised bed to eliminate any potential water build-up. Plant hardy hibiscus in early spring or autumn, once the risk of frost has passed. Make sure to plant the plant one inch below the edge of the container. Ensure that the soil around the root ball has good drainage holes.
Silky dogwood
The Silky Dogwood is a beautiful shrub that is equally happy in full sun or partial shade. This shrub is great for a moist woodland, shrub border, or naturalized area. It also makes a good choice for erosion control. Its flowers and drupes attract butterflies and bees, and it is hardy and fast-growing. It grows about 6-10 feet tall at maturity.
The Silky Dogwood is native to the eastern half of North America. It is hardy in USDA zones four through eight and grows well in a variety of soil types. It grows best in full sun or partial shade, and can tolerate a slightly acidic soil. Silky dogwoods do best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and is nutrient-rich. Watering should be done weekly, but the silky dogwood doesn’t require special care during drought.
The flowers of the Silky Dogwood are attractive and are 2.5 inches wide. These flowers attract a variety of pollinators and are an important host plant for the larvae of the Azure butterfly. The flowers are followed by drupes that begin white and then gradually turn blue in the fall. Birds and game animals feast on the fruit, and silky dogwood provides a good habitat for migratory songbirds.
California Lilac
A popular California lilac is Ceanothus ‘Puget Blue’. This variety is prized for its small, blue-blue flowers, which appear in clusters in the late spring and early summer. It can also be trained against a sunny wall or used to create a tall informal hedge. This hardy shrub grows quickly and easily to 5-6 feet high, but you should allow for some afternoon shade if you want it to remain imposing.
While California lilac shrubs are a hardy choice for full sun gardens, be aware that they can attract deer. Lilac flowers attract bees and butterflies and are a favorite snack for deer. Several Native American tribes have used the leaves to treat chest and nose inflammation. In addition, deer are not a major pest, so prune any damaged branches to ensure the health of your plants.
California lilacs grow well in full sun and may appreciate afternoon shade in shadier areas. They require well-drained soil, and require very little fertilization. Once established, they need only one or two deep waterings per month. You may also want to give them an occasional watering in summer if you wish to enhance their appearance. Pruning should be performed after flowering, but never into old wood. Winter rains encourage deep root growth in California lilac shrubs.
Japanese flowering quince
The best Japanese flowering quince shrubs for full sunlight are compact, bushy plants that grow between 2 and 3 feet tall. They thrive in a medium-drained soil, are drought tolerant once established, and tolerate dry soil. Fertilize before new growth begins and do not touch foliage, which will scorch the leaves. Use a slow-release fertilizer to promote blooming and encourage early flowering.
The best time to prune your flowering quince shrubs is during the early spring when it is actively blooming. Prune away thorny branches to promote good air circulation throughout the plant. The interior branches of Japanese flowering quince shrubs for full sun should be pruned yearly, so that the flowering season begins early. Prune to shape the flower buds, but avoid removing the leaves altogether. This way, you will give your plants a head start on next year’s display.
While Japanese flowering quince is generally pest and disease-free, you should be aware of the risks of fungal leaf spots. These discolored spores fall to the ground and wait for another plant surface to start the process all over again. Infections caused by fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases may also infect the leaves of flowering quince. The fruit, though, is not edible raw, but it is used to make jellies and jams.
Rudbeckia
There are many reasons to grow Rudbeckia in your garden, from its stunning flower displays to its hardiness. This species is a hardy perennial that likes rich, fertile soil with ample drainage. Some varieties self-seed, while others are drought tolerant. Planting Rudbeckia depends on the type of flower you want, but for annuals, planting should be early April, or after the last frost date. For perennials, planting can be done in the fall or spring. The most important factor to planting Rudbeckia is knowing where to plant it – the sunniest part of your garden is the best place for it.
A great way to add colour to your garden is to plant Rudbeckia shrubs in full sun. These plants grow to be 2 to 3 feet tall and one to two feet wide, and they self-seed if planted in the right conditions. They grow well in full sun and require little maintenance. In addition, they attract butterflies, birds, and pollinators to their fragrant flowers. They also bloom in the early spring, so you can enjoy the fragrance and beauty of your garden even after the first frost.
Sweet Black Eyed Susan: This is the showiest of all Rudbeckia varieties, with its large, deep orange-gold petals, a green center disk, and a beautiful bloom. It blooms from late summer into fall, and its large flower heads are perfect for close-up viewing. Its foliage is rich and thick, and it will survive even the hottest summers. Its compact form will grow well in a sunny garden, and it will even survive winters in warmer climates.