Are you in search of plants that can survive in intense heat? Have you ever felt the intense heat of the sun beating down on you and thought to yourself that your plants must be feeling the same way?
If so, you’re not alone. Many gardeners struggle to find plants that can withstand the harsh conditions of the full hot sun.
It might be difficult to grow plants in full light, particularly in containers, unless you select varieties that can withstand these circumstances. Many plants that thrive in full sunlight also do well in containers because they tolerate drought and dry soil.
It may seem impossible, but many plants thrive in direct, hot sunlight.
What Plants Thrive In Full Hot Sun (List):
Cacti
Cacti are perhaps the most obvious choice for plants that can tolerate full hot sun. Cacti are adapted to the dry climates of the North American and South American deserts, where they thrive.
These desert dwellers are experts at dealing with intense heat and little water. In fact, many cacti actually prefer full sun and will begin to stretch and become leggy if they don’t get enough light.
They are well-known for their spiny, fleshy leaves, which help to protect the plant from predators and reflect heat away from their delicate bodies. Cacti are well-adapted to dry environments because they are excellent water storage plants.
To properly care for a cactus, you should wait until the soil is totally dry before watering again. It will stop the roots from rotting. Also, cacti require at least six hours of direct sunlight, so make sure you plant them somewhere bright and sunny. With proper care, cacti can make a beautiful addition to any home.
Succulents
If you are looking for bedding plants that can survive and even grow in full sunshine, succulents are an excellent choice. Succulents, like cacti, evolved to thrive in dry, desert climates and are, therefore, native to such regions.
Cacti, agave, aloes, and Serums are just a few of the more than 60 families of succulents. They range in size from those that can be kept on a windowsill to those that would consume an entire garden.
Some succulents are green, while others are red, yellow, or purple. In addition to their visual appeal, succulents are low-maintenance plants requiring little water and care.
That’s why you’ll find them so frequently used for plants both indoors and outdoor plants.
Lavender
Many people like to use lavender because of its calming scent and lovely blossoms. Lavender is a native plant that grows in hot, sunny conditions.
Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid over-watering this herb, as it will cause the roots to rot. Lavender thrives best when watered only once every several weeks when the soil is completely dry.
The many uses of lavender demonstrate the herb’s adaptability. Tea can be made from flowers and leaves, while the oil can be utilized in aromatherapy or as a natural pesticide. Lavender is also a popular ingredient in potpourri and sachets.
Santana
There are roughly 150 different species of Santana, which are all part of the verbena family (Verbenaceae). In addition to their natural range in the tropics of the Americas and Africa, these plants are also commonly cultivated as ornamentals in many other parts of the world.
The Santana flowers are tubular; most have four lobes fused into a disc.
Santana is a popular choice for landscaping in tropical and subtropical regions. These sun plants thrive in hot, dry, sunny locations. It doesn’t need a lot of water or fertile soil to thrive.
Santana is an aggressively spreading plant due to its rapid growth rate. As a result, it is important to deadhead the flowers regularly to prevent the plant from spreading.
The flowers range from white to yellow, orange, red, or purple, often with contrasting colors on the upper and lower surfaces of the flower heads. The fruit is an ellipsoid drupe containing numerous seeds.
Santana typically has a relatively short life span as an annual in temperate climates but can be perennial in warm tropical areas. It usually regenerates spontaneously after being cut back at the end of the flowering season.
They are known to be toxic to humans and animals if consumed in large quantities; however, they are not known to be fatal. Some bananas can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Cosmos
The genus Cosmos includes both annual and perennial members of the sunflower family. About 26 species make up the genus, all found in Mexico. The magnificent blossoms of the cosmos plant come in a rainbow of colors.
Cosmos plants require full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. They are also fairly drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions. However, cosmos plants will produce more flowers if given enough water.
Cosmos plants are popular in both gardens and bouquets. The lovely blooms are a great way to brighten up a garden or home decor with their vibrant color and design.
Cosmos plants are also easy to grow from seed, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners.
Geranium
If you’re looking for a plant that can take direct sun, then you should consider geraniums. These hardy plants thrive in full sun and are relatively drought-tolerant, making them ideal for hot, dry climates. Geraniums come in various colors, from vibrant reds and oranges to more subdued hues like pink and purple.
Geraniums require well-drained soil and consistent watering, especially during the summer. Deadheading the blooms consistently will also help promote the growth of fresh flowers.
Because of their attractive foliage and vibrant colors, geraniums are frequently used in hanging baskets and other containers for decorative gardening. Additionally, they make lovely fresh-cut flowers.
Hibiscus
The hibiscus is a beautiful tropical flower that you may find in a wide range of colors, such as pink, white, red, and yellow. They’re often used in landscaping and are also popular as houseplants.
If you want your hibiscus to thrive, you should put it somewhere that receives at least six hours of sunlight every day. However, they can also tolerate partial sun, especially if the temperatures aren’t too hot.
When watering, you should keep it moist but not soggy. With proper care, hibiscus can thrive in full and partial sun.
Purple ConeFlower
The purple coneflower is a common garden plant that originated in North America. This perennial enjoys bright sunlight and blooms in the early summer to late summer. The plant gets its name from the shape of its flowers, which have large, cone-shaped centers surrounded by petals.
The petals can be any color, but most commonly purple. The purple coneflower is a popular choice for gardens because it is easy to care for and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Verbena
You may have seen Verbena popping up in container gardens and hanging baskets over the last few years – and with good reason! This heat tolerant plant is easy to care for and provides a colorful addition to any sunny spot.
Since it doesn’t need a lot of room to grow, verbena is also great for use in containers. In fact, Verbena is sometimes used as a ground cover in landscaping, as it spreads easily and quickly fills in any empty space.
However, it does need consistent watering and soil with good drainage. Select a container with drainage holes if you plan to plant your verbena in a container to avoid the dreaded root rot. Verbena is a beautiful addition to any garden and will provide color all season long.
Black Eyed Susan
The Black-Eyed Susan belongs to the daisy family. This annual flower is native to North America, and its natural range extends from Quebec and Newfoundland down to Florida and Texas. The Black Eyed Susan can grow up to 3 feet tall and has deep green leaves 6 inches long.
The common name derives from the blooms’ appearance, characterized by yellow petals with a black cone in the middle. They start to blossom in the late spring and continue into early September.
The Black Eyed Susan is a very easy plant to grow, and it will thrive in any well-drained soil. This plant is not only hardy but also resistant to extremes of temperature.
Euphorbia
Euphorbia is a large and diverse group of plants that includes over two thousand different species. Many Euphoria are succulents and have thick, fleshy leaves or stems that store water. Others are herbs, shrubs, or even trees.
Some species of Euphoria are native to North America, while others come from Africa, Asia, or Europe. There is an extremely toxic milky white sap in every Euphoria species.
This sun-loving plant utilizes this fluid to ward off predators, but it can also cause inflammation if it comes into direct contact with human skin. Although Euphoria are often considered difficult to grow, many species are surprisingly easy to care for and make excellent houseplants.
They are also very tolerant of drought and heat, so they are perfect for gardens in hot, dry climates.
Impatiens
Unsurprisingly, impatiens are among the most often grown plants in direct sunlight. These lovely blossoms are available in a rainbow of colors and prefer to grow in the shade. It’s also simple to maintain your impatiens: just make sure to water them regularly and provide them with consistently moist, well-drained soil.
However, they are not tolerant of drought, so they will need to be watered more frequently during periods of dry weather.
As a bonus, impatiens are not easily damaged by pests and diseases, making them a top pick for gardeners. However, they can be susceptible to powdery mildew, so choosing a variety that is resistant to this disease is important.
Peony
Peonies are classic garden flowers, and they have been cultivated for centuries. For many gardeners, peonies are the crowning jewel of their springtime gardens. These showy flowers come in various colors, ranging from delicate pink to rich crimson, and their sweet fragrance is sure to please.
Although peonies require little in the way of upkeep, there are some things you should remember to help them flourish.
First, peonies need full sun to produce an abundance of flowers. Plant them in an area that doesn’t keep them too moist, and make sure the soil drains well.
Moss Rose
The Moss Rose is a beautiful flowering container plant that is perfect for adding a touch of color to any garden. Though it is native to Europe and Asia, it has been widely cultivated worldwide and is now a popular choice for gardens in warm climates. The Moss Rose is best known for its pretty pink flowers blooming in clusters throughout the hot summer. The flowers are most often seen in the morning sun.
The moss rose is a low-growing plant that typically only reaches a few inches in height. Its fleshy leaves are often tinted with red or purple, and its stems are covered in tiny hairs.
The blossoms of moss can display a wide range of colors, including pink, yellow, and even white. They usually start blooming in the early summer then late spring. The moss rose is a plant that requires very little attention and care and does well in either full sun or partial shade.
Final Words
Every gardener knows that not all plants are created equal. Certain species of plants require a particular temperature and humidity level to thrive, while others may adapt to nearly any setting. It’s crucial to consider how much direct sunlight and heat your garden plants will get while making your selections.
If you live in an area with warm summers, plants that do well when exposed to strong sunlight and high temperatures are an excellent option for your landscaping. Therefore, some of the best flowers or plants for full sun and hot weather are impatiens, peonies, and moss roses.
These plants can be easily maintained while enhancing your garden’s aesthetic appeal. Others include, but are not limited to: day lilies, acanthus, hibiscus, and zinnias. So, if you’re looking for color and beauty in your garden, don’t forget to consider these sun-loving plants.