31 Perennials That Thrive in Full Sun Conditions

If you have a sunny patch in your yard, you may have struggled with finding plants that enjoy a lot of sun. Luckily, there are several beautiful options if you want to design a lovely sunny garden full of perennials. Read on to learn about all of the beautiful sun-loving plants you may want in your garden.

Perennials are an excellent choice for a sunny garden because they are often hardy enough to develop the space year after year. This makes it easy for gardeners that find a plant they love, and expect to see them come back each and every growing season.

Some perennial plants are known for their flowers, while others are known as an herb or a ground cover. Several flowering plants are ideal if you want to cultivate a pollinator-friendly garden. So, are you ready to learn a bit more about which perennials grow extremely well in full sun conditions? Let’s dig a little deeper and look at some of our favorite plants that we’ve hand-picked!

Asiatic Lily

Giant star shaped flowers with six pointed petals and long stamen with brown tops. Each petal is off white with a reddish orange stripe down the middle. — These sun loving beauties can grow up to four feet tall.

Scientific Name: Lilium asiatica

Plant Type: Perennial Flower
Geographic Origin: Asia
Plant Size: 4’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 4 to 9

Asiatic lilies are a beautiful addition to your garden if you need an early-bloomer that thrives in the sun. They bloom around June or July with red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, and white flowers. Some varieties even have multiple colors simultaneously.

Plant the bulbs for these lilies in well-draining, somewhat acidic soil during the autumn. Ensure that you give these flowers plenty of water, especially when there is a drought.

Bee Balm

Bright pink flower with a cluster of long, spikey petals. — The Bee Balm is a favorite to bumble bees and several other pollinators.

Scientific Name: Monarda spp.

Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Geographic Origin: North America
Plant Size: 2’ to 4’
Sun Exposure: Full or Partial Sun
Plant Zone: 4 to 9

There are several species of bee balm in the Mondara genus. Some of these varieties include hybrids of a few species. These plants tend to be red, purple, or pink. Many like this plant for its unique flowers and appeal to pollinators.

It is also an excellent option for those who want a fast-growing and interesting-looking perennial that can spread through the yard quickly. However, if you are worried about excessive spreading, you may want to watch this plant.

Bellflowers

Cluster of small purple flowers on the top of a long, thick, reddish stem. Each flower has five pointed, purple petals with tiny white stamen in the center. — These flowers are very low maintenance and will grow up to five feet tall.

Scientific Name: Campanula spp.

Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Geographic Origin: North America, Europe, Asia
Plant Size: 3” to 5’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun
Plant Zone: 2 to 9

There are several different Bellflower varieties, and they come in several shapes, colors, and sizes. Varieties can be blue, pink, purple, or white. The blooms always consist of five petals shaped like cups, bells, or stars. Bellflowers grow in a range of sizes. So they can make a great groundcover or border plant.

Bellflowers are very low-maintenance. In some cases, these flowers can spread aggressively and may need some maintenance.

Black-Eyed Susan

Bright yellow flowers with layers of long, yellow petals and a large rounded, brown, center. — Black-Eyed Susans are easy to care for and a will attract many different pollinators to your garden.

Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta

Plant Type: Perennial, Biennial
Geographic Origin: North America
Plant Size: 2’ to 3’
Sun Exposure: Full
Plant Zone: 3 to 7

The Black-Eyed Susan is a popular pollinator-friendly flower that does well in the sun. They are known for their cheerful yellow petals and their dark black centers.

These plants are relatively easy to care for and establish in a garden. They self-seed frequently, making them a beautiful addition if you want to fill space in a sunny garden. However, you may have to wait a few years before it reaches full size. Some Black-Eyed Susans are biennial or perennial.

Blanket Flower

Bright red and yellow flower with an overlapping row of long red and yellow petals. The center of the flower has a large spikey brown center. — These flowers are fast growers and have long blooms.

Scientific Name: Gaillardia spp

Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Geographic Origin: North America/ Hybrid
Plant Size: 2’ to 3’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 3 to 10

These striking tiny flowers grow quickly and boldly. You can find varieties of this plant in warm shades of red, orange, and yellow. Many hybrids of this plant are specifically designed to work well in several climates. When selecting a suitable variety, make sure the one you choose will work well in your zone.

A great thing about this plant is it loves poor soil. So, if you are struggling to find a good option for your tired yard, this is a great choice. This plant blooms for a long time throughout the warm months. Keep in mind that this flower is very toxic to humans.

Butterfly Bush

Long green stems with clusters of tiny purple flowers growing up the stem. — The Butterfly Bush has a wonderful fragrance that will attract many types of pollinators.

Scientific Name: Buddleia davidii

Plant Type: Deciduous Perennial Shrub
Geographic Origin: Asia
Plant Size: 3’ to 12’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 5 to 9

These large bushes get their name due to the way that they attract butterflies and other pollinators. Because Butterfly Bush ranges from very small to very tall, you can pick a perfectly sized bush for your garden.

While this bush originally had purple flowers, it now has yellow, blue, pink, and white varieties. Butterfly Bushes grow enthusiastically and can reach their full size within a year.

Canna Lily

Cluster of large light pink, star shaped flowers growing on the top of long green stems. Flowers are surrounded big large pointed, green leaves. — These flowers come in a variety of different colors and are known to attract hummingbirds.

Scientific Name: Canna Spp.

Plant Type: Perennial or Annual in colder areas
Geographic Origin: South America, Central America, North America
Plant Size: 1’ to 8’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 7 to 10

If you are looking for the perfect showstopper for your sunny garden, the canna lily may be just what you want. It comes in several warm colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. Not only are they beautiful garden additions, but they may even attract hummingbirds to your garden.

Because these plants grow from rhizomatic roots, they can spread. You should also divide the roots every few years to prevent crowding.

Catmint

Field of tall stems lined with small clusters of tiny purple flowers, and small textured leaves. — Catmint is a common herb grown in gardens and are known for their several different medicinal uses.

Scientific Name: Nepeta spp.

Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia, Africa
Plant Size: 1’ to 2’
Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
Plant Zone: 4 to 8

This aromatic genus of herbs has delicate gray-green leaves and a fragrant, herbaceous scent. The plant also gets spikes of delicate flowers that can be lavender, white, or pink. Depending on the variety, this plant may be tall or sprawling.

You will not need to attend too closely to your plant. However, if you get a self-seeding variety, you may need to prepare for some spreading. These plants do well with several soil types. Catmint is also the only mint variety that is safe for cats.

Chrysanthemum

Field of large pink flowers with layers and layers of small pointed, pink petals. — These classic perennials come in a variety of different colors that will compliment any garden.

Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum spp.

Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Geographic Origin: Asia, Europe
Plant Size: 4” to 3’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 5 to 9

Chrysanthemums are a classic hallmark of any autumnal garden. They grow fast, and they come in numerous beautiful colors and shapes. You can find varieties of these flowers in red, orange, yellow, green, purple, and white.

These flowers do not require a significant amount of care. However, you should fertilize them regularly to get the most booms. You will also get the best results if you prune down the plants and cover them with mulch after they bloom and before winter appears.

Columbine

Close up of a light purple flower with five rounded petals and five pointed petals behind. In the center there are tall light yellow stamen. — These unique flowers can add a delicate touch to your garden.

Scientific Name: Aquilegia spp.

Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Geographic Origin: North America, Asia, Europe
Plant Size: 1’ to 3’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun
Plant Zone: 3 to 8

Recognize Columbine for its unique flower shape and fun color combinations. They make a beautiful addition to a sunny garden, and hummingbirds agree. The butterfly-like blooms drift delicately above uniquely lobed foliage. Unfortunately, these plants do not bloom for very long, but they reseed if you do not deadhead them.

While these plants like the sun, they may do better with only partial sun in hot climates. However, they do not need much watering, and they are fine with drought.

Coneflower

Two pink flowers with skinny, long, pointed pink petals surrounding a large, brown, rounded, ball like, center with little orange spikes. — Coneflowers are low maintenance and will bring in several types of pollinators to your garden.

Scientific Name: Echinacea spp.

Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Geographic Origin: North America
Plant Size: 2’ to 5’
Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
Plant Zone: 3 to 8

Coneflowers are a popular flower for any pollinator garden. While the flowers of this plant are often lavender, they can also be white, red, pink, yellow, and orange. The overall shape of the bloom is similar to a daisy, but some varieties have different bloom shapes.

Besides being beautiful and great for pollinators, these plants are also easy to care for. They do not need too much water and bloom for a long time.

Coreopsis

Bright yellow flower with long skinny petals with jagged tips. Each petal is yellow and turns to a deep red in the center. — These flowers come in over 80 different varieties.

Scientific Name: Coreopsis spp.

Plant Type: Perennial or Annual
Geographic Origin: North, Central, and South America
Plant Size: 2’ to 4’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 2 to 11

There are more than 80 different varieties of coreopsis. The shape of the foliage and the color of the blooms cover a wide range. The blooms are usually very similar in shape to tiny daisies. All varieties of this plant are appealing to birds and other pollinators. Most varieties are perennials, while others are annuals.

The main priority with coreopsis is making sure it is in well-draining soil. If you want more blooms, keep up with deadheading the flowers.

Dahlia

Large, light pink flowers in a field. Each flower has dense layers of oval shaped petals that are slightly rolled inward. — These classic flowers can grow as perennials or annuals depending on the time of year you plant them.

Scientific Name: Dahlia spp.

Plant Type: Perennial
Geographic Origin: North and Central America
Plant Size: 1’ to 6′
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 8 to 10

Dahlias are another beautiful way to get late-season color. The color can range in many shades, including red, orange, yellow, purple, white, and pink. Thanks to their size range, these plants can make a lovely addition to a border or as a tall component to an autumnal garden.

While these flowers can easily do well in warmer zones, they can often only be grown as annuals in colder areas. You can easily dig up the dahlia tubers every year to protect them from cold before planting them again next year.

Daylily

Two bright orange flowers with long pointed petals that curl away from the center. Each petal is orange that fades into yellow in the center. There are long yellow stamen growing from the center. — These sun loving flowers will grow to be around two feet tall.

Scientific Name: Hemerocallis fulva

Plant Type: Perennial
Geographic Origin: Asia
Plant Size: 2’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 3 to 9

The daylily is a hardy and colorful addition to any garden. Not only are the bold, orange blooms striking, but the long and slender foliage adds a lot of texture and bulk to your yard. This plant gets its name from the way that its blooms only last for a single day.

These plants are very low-maintenance. They will grow in many different soil types but try to plant them in moist, well-draining soil if you can. The only time you should be slightly attentive is when the lily is first getting established.

Delphinium

Field of tall bushy flowers that range from white to purple and dark blue. Each stem has clusters of flowers with soft, paper like petals growing up each stem. — These flowers will grow best in full sun, but in cooler climates.

Scientific Name: Delphinium spp.

Plant Type: Perennial Flower; Some Varieties are Biennials and Annuals
Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia
Plant Size: 3’ to 4’ ft tall
Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
Plant Zone: 3 to 7

Delphiniums come in blue, purple, pink, and white. They also come in several sizes, including dwarf and very tall varieties. The taller varieties will need some staking to keep them from falling over.

As long as you plant these in a good location, they should do well. They enjoy moist yet cool weather and do not do well in hot or dry weather. Delphinium is very poisonous to humans and animals. So, be sure to wear gloves when handling them.

Dianthus

Close up of three bright red flowers. Each flower has five fan shaped petals that have white, jagged edges. The middle of the petal is bright red and center turns to pink. — These flowers are easy to grow but will require well-drained soil in order to thrive.

Scientific Name: Dianthus spp.

Plant Type: Perennial, Biennial, Annual
Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia, Africa
Plant Size: 6” to 3’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 3 to 9

Plants can be perennials within the dianthus genus, but they can also be annuals or biennials. When purchasing, pay special attention to ensure that you get the type you want. In general, these plants have beautiful thin bluish foliage. The blooms are notable due to the unique jagged edge of their petals. They can be pink, red, purple, or white.

Dianthus flowers are pretty easy to grow no matter what environment you grow them in. It is mostly just important that they have well-draining soil. If you want to encourage blooming, you want to give them plenty of sun and deadhead them regularly.

Hardy Geranium

Close up of several purple flowers with five flat rounded petals that have red looking veins on each petal. Each flower has black stamen in the center. — Hardy Geraniums require different, specific needs, depending on the variety you choose.

Scientific Name: Geranium spp.

Plant Type: Perennial Flower
Geographic Origin: North America, Europe
Plant Size: 6” to 2’
Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
Plant Zone: 3 to 9

Hardy Geraniums are another group of flowers that can come in several shapes, sizes, and colors. Often they grow low and spread wide. The flowers grow above the carpet-like foliage of the plant. Those blooms are blue, pink, purple, or white. Depending on the variety, you may see a single bloom, multiple blooms, or consistent blooms.

These plants generally like rich, well-draining soil and a relatively dry environment. However, depending on the variety you get, they may require different needs.

Hollyhock

Field of tall long stems with bright pink flowers growing up each stem. Each flower has large thin, pink, fan shaped petals with yellow center. — Hollyhocks are most recognized by their impressive heights, and stunning blooms.

Scientific Name: Alcea spp.

Plant Type: Perennial, Biennial
Geographic Origin: Asia, Europe
Plant Size: 8’
Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
Plant Zone: 2 to 10

Hollyhocks come in several shapes and sizes. You can recognize these tall plants by their height and their large blooms. As a result of their height, hollyhocks are a lovely plant to place along a fence. These flowers also self-seed. These plants may produce double or single-layered blooms in red, yellow, pink, white, and purple.

The hollyhock is relatively hardy and adaptable. The only factor that needs special attention with the hollyhock is placement. Due to their height, poor placement can make them vulnerable to getting blown over. It is also vital to give the plants plenty of well-draining soil.

Ice Plant

Close up of two bright pinkish purple flowers. Each flower has layers of tiny, thin, long petals surrounding a large yellow center. — The Ice Plant is easy to spot with its thin, hair-like petals.

Scientific Name: Delosperma spp., Lampranthus spp.

Plant Type: Perennial
Geographic Origin: Africa
Plant Size: 3” to 6”
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 6 to 10

A few different plants are referred to as Ice Plants. The name comes from the small hairs on the plant that make the plants look a bit like they are ice. Depending on your zone, you may find this plant to be an evergreen. The tiny blooms can be red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, or two or three colors.

These plants do well with plenty of sun and well-draining soil. Ice plants enjoy being dry, and they do not need many nutrients in their soil.

Iris

Field of tall green stems with purple flowers on top. Each flower has three large floppy, light purple petals curling downward, with three dark purple, small petals in the center growing upward. — These popular flowers have a very unique shape and come in a variety of colors to choose from.

Scientific Name: Iris spp.

Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Geographic Origin: Europe
Plant Size: 1’ to 4’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 3 to 9

Iris plants can cover a wide range of flowers. You can generally recognize this plant by its long, thin foliage and its unique, six-lobed blooms. These plants can be grown from rhizomes or bulbs. The blooms may be bearded, crested, or neither and they come in red, orange, yellow, blue, purple, white, pink, or a mixture of a few colors.

Some irises are easier to grow than others. In general, they like the sun and well-draining soil. Keep the area around them clear to prevent root rot.

Lambs Ear

Field of tall green, fussy looking stems. On the tops of each stem there's a cluster of tiny, light purple flowers budding. Leaves are long, skinny, oval shape with white fuzz. — These soft, fuzzy plants are fast growers and will fill in an empty space in no time.

Scientific Name: Stachys byzantina

Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Geographic Origin: Middle East
Plant Size: 12” to 18”
Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
Plant Zone: 4 to 9

Thanks to its thick and fuzzy silvery green leaves, lambs ear is a beautiful addition to any sunny garden. While these plants produce some small spikes of purple flowers, they are prized for their foliage.

Be aware that lambs’ ears can spread quickly. So, you should plant it somewhere where you do not mind some spread. This plant enjoys a slightly acidic pH, and they do not need much water.

Lavender

Tall skinny green stems with tiny purple flowers clustered at the top. — Most popular for their lovely scent the Lavender flower is also known for its medicinal uses.

Scientific Name: Lavandula spp.

Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Geographic Origin: Europe
Plant Size: 2’ to 3’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 5 to 9

Lavender provides a beautiful visual to a garden, and it also gives your garden a lovely scent. The foliage is a spangly gray-green while the delicate purple flowers speckle along with long spikes.

In general, varieties of lavender are very agreeable to different conditions. If you can, provide these plants with well-draining soil and full sun. If they are going to suffer, it will likely be from excessive moisture.

Oriental Poppy

Field of red flowers. Each flower has soft, thin, rounded, red petals with a black circle in the center of each petal. The center of the flowers has a spikey yellow center. — The Oriental Poppy is native to the Middle East and comes in several different colors.

Scientific Name: Papaver orientale

Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Geographic Origin: Asia
Plant Size: 1’ to 3’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 3 to 9

While other varieties of poppy are annuals, the oriental poppy is a perennial. They are known for their delicate yet striking blooms and their unique foliage. While the red poppy is the most well-known variety, this poppy can also come in orange and shades of pink. Many people also enjoy the aesthetic value offered by dried poppy pods.

While these flowers are striking when they bloom, they do die back in the warmer months of summer. As a result, it’s a good idea to be mindful of planting other flowers in the same area.

Peony

Close up of two large pink flowers. Each flower is packed with dense pink petals in the center that gradually fan out around the edges. — These stunning blooms come in a variety of different colors to choose from.

Scientific Name: Paeonia officinalis

Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials or Woody Shrubs
Geographic Origin: Asia, North America, Europe
Plant Size: 3’ to 4’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 3 to 9

If you want a strong, floral fragrance in your garden, peonies may be the plant you want. That gorgeous scent emanates from the large puffy blooms that spring from the plants. Depending on your variety, these blooms may appear anywhere from late spring to late summer. Those flowers may also be red, coral, pink, purple, and white.

The key to success with peonies is a well-timed planting. It is best to plant bare roots in the fall so that the plants have a bit of time to establish themselves before the winter.

Rose

Close up of red and white flower, with tightly layered petals overlapping one another. Each petal fades from red at the tips to white at the base. — The Rose is a staple in most gardens and some can reach a height of twenty feet.

Scientific Name: Rosa spp.

Plant Type: Deciduous Perennial Shrub
Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia, North America
Plant Size: 6” to 20’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 2 to 11

Roses may be tougher than you think. While avid rose growers will fret over the bushes, this is not strictly necessary, and the plants can thrive with very little attention. Some roses are small shrubs, while others can grow into large, climbing arrangements. The blooms of the rose can be red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, or white. Roses do well with a bit of fertilizing and without too much moisture.

Sage

Close up of long green leaves with a green stem growing up with tiny light purple flowers. — Sage has a sweet scent and can be used for cooking.

Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis

Plant Type: Perennial Herb
Geographic Origin: Mediterranean Region
Plant Size: 2’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 4 to 10

Sage is the perfect plant if you want something to tickle all of your senses. It has a sweet, herbaceous scent and a beautiful appearance. Also used in cooking, it’s a delicious addition to many dishes. Once established, the sage plant is a robust grower.

While this plant prefers full sun, it’s a good idea to give it a bit of shade if you live in a hot area. Sage does best with slightly dryer conditions, and it does not do well when over-watered.

Sedum

Clusters of tiny pink flowers growing together on the tops of long green stems. — These succulents do well in areas that experience drought.

Scientific Name: Sedum spp.

Plant Type: Perennial
Geographic Origin: North America
Plant Size: 6” to 2’
Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
Plant Zone: 3 to 10

This succulent little plant is an excellent complement to any sunny and dry garden. They are hardy and fine with drought. Sedum comes in several colors, and it can be low-growing or upright. The small blooms can be pink, yellow, red, or white. Sedum is a beautiful choice for several areas in the garden, including borders, ground cover, and containers.

Shasta Daisy

Field of white flowers with yellow centers. Each flower has a thin long, green stem with long skinny, oval shaped petals surround a round flat, yellow center. — The Shasta Daisy is a popular pollinator to any garden.

Scientific Name: Leucanthemum x superbum

Plant Type: Perennial
Geographic Origin: North America
Plant Size: 1’ to 3’
Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
Plant Zone: 5 to 9

The Shasta Daisy varieties result from crossing an oxeye daisy with other types of daisies. You can recognize these flowers by their white petals and yellow centers and the foliage by their dark green color. The Shasta Daisy is very popular among pollinators. Thanks to their rhizomatous roots, these flowers can spread quickly.

Verbena

Field of pink flowers. Each flower has a long, spindly stem with a clustered ball of tiny pink flowers growing on the top of each stem. — Verbena can be grown as a perennial or an annual.

Scientific Name: Verbena x hybrida

Plant Type: Perennial, Annual
Geographic Origin: Europe
Plant Size: 1’
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Plant Zone: 9 to 10

There are hundreds of varieties of Verbena, some of which are hybrids. Verbena can be annuals or perennials, depending on the particular variety and the zone in which they are grown. The flowers on Verbena can be red, purple, white, or shades of pink. Verbena grows well as long as it is not too crowded and as long as they have well-draining soil.

Veronica

Close up of small blue flowers with four, flat, rounded petals with white centers. — The Veronica comes in over five hundred species to choose from.

Scientific Name: Veronica spp.

Plant Type: Perennial, Annual
Geographic Origin: Europe, Asia
Plant Size: 6” to 4’
Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
Plant Zone: 3 to 9

There are at least 500 species of Veronica that range in height from groundcover to quite tall. The little flowers on the plant can be blue, purple, pink, and white. These plants are very popular with pollinators. You likely will not need to put too much work into this plant. However, Veronica can be invasive, depending on your location.

Yarrow

Close up of a cluster of tiny, light purple flowers with yellow centers, growing on the top of a long green stem. — The Yarrow is a great choice if you live in an area that may experience drought.

Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium

Plant Type: Flowering Perennial
Geographic Origin: Asia, Europe
Plant Size: 2’ to 3’
Sun Exposure: Full
Plant Zone: 3 to 9

This plant boasts lacy foliage to go with its lacy flowers. The tiny blooms can be red, orange, yellow, white, pink, and purple. Yarrow does well in arid areas, making it a great choice if you live in an area vulnerable to drought.

Besides making sure that your plant has well-draining soil, Yarrow does not need much more attention. Unfortunately, this plant can spread so quickly that it is considered invasive in some areas.

Wrap Up

From beautiful flowers to sun-loving herbs, there are several beautiful ways that you can fill the sunny spots in your yard. Select a few of these plants and combine them in complementary ways. With the right selections, you can attract humans and pollinators alike to your sunny oasis.