Summer is coming and we all know what that means for Texans. Hot, sweltering temperatures and very little rain. Texas gardeners and their plants struggle with this torrid, muggy weather.
The best thing you can do for yourself and your garden is to choose plants and flowers that thrive in sunny, hot conditions. These sun-loving plants will provide you with beautiful flowers and they will also add lots of color to your landscape.
This article will discuss some gorgeous full sun flowers that will keep your garden looking great all summer long. These plants do well in beds or in pots as long as they receive at least six hours of sun a day.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers are a popular, full sun flower grown in North Texas. They do well in hot and humid conditions. These flowers are able to withstand a bit of afternoon shade, but not much.
Water well during the first growing season while the roots establish. Birds, bees, and butterflies love coneflowers. Coneflowers are perennials, so they will grow back each year.
Cuphea
Cupheas are annuals that bloom in full sun, but they can also tolerate some shade. Many people know cuphea flowers as cigar plants or firecrackers.
While cupheas do thrive in full sun, they are similar to coneflowers in the fact that initially they will need to be watered well. Over time, they will build up a resistance to dry conditions.
Pentas
Also called the Egyptian star flower, this annual plant can tolerate heat and is native to Africa and Arabia. Pentas are flowering plants that bloom best in full sun and come in a variety of colors including pink, white, lilac, and crimson.
In an Agrilife Today article published on April 23, 2020 it is stated that, “Pentas past and present are Texas Superstars.” They are successful as border plants and also do well in containers.
Plant in early spring, but after the last frost, so that the roots have time to fully develop before the summer heat hits.
Hibiscus
These perennial flowers will grace you with their presence each spring. Hibiscus is a solid choice for any Texas garden because the gorgeous blooms require very little work.
They love warm, sunny weather and flower well in full sun. They come in a variety of colors such as red, pink, orange, lemon, lilac, white, and even green.
Texas Lantana
Texas lantana has become a staple in gardens all throughout the Lone Star state because it flourishes in the blistering, hot Texas weather. This plant is a full sun, perennial that produces small clusters of red, yellow, and orange flowers.
Once established it needs very little water to survive. The flowers will bloom from May all the way into November. Bees and butterflies enjoy feeding off of the nectar but, the berries are poisonous to livestock and humans. Interestingly, birds are able to safely eat the berries.
Lavender
Lavender is a drought-resistant, full sun herb that belongs to the mint family and is known for its pleasant aroma and vibrant color. As long as adequate drainage is available, lavender will thrive.
Lavender will bloom from early summer-fall. This plant is a perennial and also has many medicinal purposes. This plant is a bush and will need to be trimmed from time to time.
Conclusion
Plants and flowers that thrive in sun are ideal for your garden’s hot, sunny places. Full sun plants are superb choices for front flower beds or containers.
The majority of sun-loving plants are drought-resistant and require relatively little water once their root systems have become well-established. These versatile plants will make your summer garden more beautiful while simultaneously relieving you of hard work.