20 Container-Loving Plants That Thrive In Full Sun
Posted by Jason Wyrwicz on May 27th 2015
When a plant is described as a "full sun" plant, it means that plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to really thrive and stay healthy.
If you're thinking of putting your decorative planter or pot in an area that gets 6 or more hours per day, you'll want to choose "full sun" plants or flowers to make sure your container "garden" looks great and thrives. We've compiled some of our favorite full sun plants to help you get started.
Full Sun Perennials
Perennial plants are plants that live for two or more years. Most small flowering perennials bloom during the spring and summer, die during the winter, and return in the spring, making them easier to care for than annuals which must be re-planted every year. Whether you're looking to plant flowers in containers or in the ground, native flowering perennials are a great option for any yard.
Some of our favorite choices for full sun perennials in containers include:
- Miniature Roses
- Lavender
- Clematis
- Hibiscus
- Dwarf Hydrangea
- Shasta Daisy
Full Sun Plants for Dry Conditions
Drought-tolerant plants are also ideal for full sun locations and climates that typically don't receive a lot of rain. When first planting new plants, incorporating organic material into your soil and watering deeply every few days will help the roots establish themselves better. Once deeply rooted, most drought-resistant plants do not require a lot of maintenance and can fend for themselves. Some of our favorite choices for dry conditions include:
- Iris
- Tulips
- Gazania
- Poppies
- Evening Primrose
Full Sun Fruits, Vegetables & Herbs
Many fruits, vegetables and herbs require full sun conditions, so they are perfect for gardens and patios that receive 6+ hours of sun every day. These plants need regular watering and care, however, so if you're not ready for a full garden, it's best to start by planting just a few plants in planter boxes. Some of our favorite choices for full sun food plants include:
- Figs
- Grapes
- Chives
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Celery
- Garlic
- Tomatoes
Now that you've got some ideas for plants that will thrive in your outdoor space, check out our selection of decorative planters, containers and flower boxes to create a great-looking patio, deck, or porch!