27 Full Sun Perennials For North American Gardens

Before Planting Anything – Check Your Local Invasive Plant List

While many of the full sun perennials featured in this guide are beloved for their beauty and resilience, it’s important to note that some of these plants have the potential to become invasive in certain regions. Invasive plants can outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and pose challenges for conservation efforts.

Gardeners should exercise caution and be mindful of local regulations and recommendations regarding the cultivation of potentially invasive species. Below are some plants mentioned in this guide that may exhibit invasive tendencies in certain regions in North America:

1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): Considered invasive in parts of North America outside its native range, such as the Pacific Northwest and portions of the Eastern United States.
2. Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus): Can be invasive in certain environments, particularly in disturbed habitats, and may spread rapidly via self-seeding and rhizomes. Check before you plant!
3. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): While valued for its aromatic foliage and showy flowers, Russian Sage can exhibit invasive behavior, especially in regions with favorable growing conditions.
4. Lambs Ear (Stachys byzantina): Known for its soft, fuzzy leaves, Lambs Ear can become invasive in areas where growing conditions are favorable and soil disturbance occurs.

It’s important to recognize that just because a plant is classified as invasive, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will behave invasively in every environment. Factors like climate, soil type, and land management practices can all play a role in how a plant grows and spreads. To determine which plants suit a specific region, gardeners are encouraged to research local invasive species lists and consult with gardening experts or extension offices.

27 Sun-Loving Perennials For Your Gardens

Sun plants grow well in a sunny habitat where they receive at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Here is our list of the top 27 perennials to plant in full sun: 

Asters

Asters, true asters (as opposed to the annual china asters), are brightly colored flowers that belong to the daisy family. 

These sun-loving plants produce daisy-like flowers consisting of a row of petal-like ray flowers surrounding a center of yellow disc florets. The foliage has narrow, dark green leaves that grow alternately on the stems.

Asters can grow up to 5 feet tall and may require staking. Plant them in the back of fall garden beds, mixed borders, or container gardens in well-draining soil. 

• Bloom Time: Late August through late Fall
• Sunlight: Asters prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade.
• Hardy to USDA Zone 4

Baby’s Breath 

Baby’s Breath is known for its wispy cloud-like clusters of delicate pink or white flowers that add softness to the garden. Perennial baby’s breath leaves are narrow, up to 3 inches long, with blue-gray-green foliage.

These sun perennials bloom best if planted in light, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. After the first flush of blooms, cut the branches back before the flowers go to seed to create a second flush. 

These flowering perennials do well in rock gardens used for ground covers and as edging plants. In addition, the flower branches make lovely cut flowers for bouquets.

• Bloom Time: 6 weeks between late spring and early summer.
• Sunlight: Baby’s Breath blooms best in full sun.
• Hardy to USDA zone 4

Balloon Flowers

Balloon flowers are lovely early summer bloomers with puffy balloon-like pink, white, or blue buds. When open, the blooms are bell-shaped. Leaves are up to 3 inches long and narrowly oval with toothed edges that are blue-green or gray-green and have a solid leathery texture. 

Balloon flowers make excellent cut flowers with strong stems and long-lasting blooms.

Plant balloon flowers in well-draining soil rich in organic hummus in perennial beds or borders.

• Bloom Time: Late June to August or early Fall
• Sunlight: Plant in full sun for best performance, but balloon flowers will tolerate light shade.
• Hardy to USDA zone 3

Bell Flowers

Bellflowers are grown for their grazing delicate bell-shaped flowers, usually purple, blue, or white, but they also come in pink and violet.

Plant in well-draining soil in full sun for best performance. Use low-growing bellflowers as edging plants; taller species make great additions to perennial garden beds and borders.

• Bloom Time: Late spring to late autumn
• Sunlight: Direct sun
• Hardy to USDA zone 2-9

Black-Eyed Susan

Rudbeckia produces masses of bright yellow daisy-like flowers with dark contrasting centers. Plants are hardy and easy to grow, providing perfect-cut flowers throughout the gardening season. 

Black-eyed Susans are drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making them an excellent addition to any garden space. 

Plant black-eyed Susans in well-draining soil in a sunny locale. 

These full-sun perennials are best for the middle of a perennial border, bed, or in a wildflower garden. 

• Bloom Time: Summer through Fall 
• Sunlight: Plant in brightly lit sunny locations 
• Hardy to USDA zone 4

Learn More: See our complete guide on how to grow Black Eyed Susans from seed to flower.

Blanket Flower

These incredible sun-loving perennials bloom in shades of gold, red, and brown all summer. To keep the flowers blooming profusely, remove faded flowers. Flowers are excellent for cutting. 

Plant gaillardia in a sunny location in well-draining soil. 

Gaillardia is lovely planted in a mixed flower bed and perennial borders and can be used as edging. 

• Bloom Time: Summer to early Fall 
• Sunlight: Full Sunlight 
• Hardy to USDA zone 4

Blazing Star 

This native North American arid plant is known for its feathery blossoms, similar to a bottle brush. Purple or white spiky flowers in the summer attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. 

Plant in sunny spots with well-draining soil. The blazing stars tolerate drought and poor soil, so plant them next to other drought-tolerant plants. 

Blazing star flowers look lovely in rock gardens and beds and work very well for xeriscaping or adding to containers. They also make excellent cut flowers.

• Bloom Time: Summer to fall, depending on the variety
• Sunlight: Plant in areas with bright sunlight 
• Hardy to USDA zone: 3 

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are grown and loved for their brilliant, showy flowers. There are countless varieties for gardeners to choose from, with blossoms that vary significantly in color and size. Garden mums can come in both single and double daisy-like flowers. 

Plant chrysanthemums in bright, sunny locations in slightly acidic soil with good drainage. 

With the different sizes and heights, you can find a Mum suitable for almost any sunny growing location – beds, containers, cut flower gardens, perennial borders, and wildflower gardens will all work wonderfully for chrysanthemums. Smaller types make great edging plants. 

• Bloom Time: Late summer to early Fall 
• Sunlight: Sunny locations are best, although some mums can tolerate light shade. 
• Hardy to USDA zone 3-5, depending on the variety. 

Related: We LOVE growing chrysanthemums in containers; they are one of our favorite pot flowers. Check our guide on some of the best flowers for pots and containers!

Coneflower

This North American prairie native is an essential food source for pollinating insects. Recent genetic advancements have enabled various flower colors and plant sizes beyond the common purple flowers. The blooms now come in shades of pink and white. Coneflowers are also deer and squirrel-resistant and drought-tolerant. 

Plant coneflowers in bright, sunny locations with well-draining soil. 

Coneflowers are perfect for a cut flower or wildflower garden, tea garden, or perennial borders and garden beds.

• Bloom Time: Early Summer until the first frost.
• Sunlight: Bright sunny location for best flowering. 
• Hardy to USDA zone 3

Learn More: Deer can be the bane of any garden. The damage they can do in a single night can wipe out a good-sized perennial bed. if deer are a problem for your garden, check out our post on the best deer-resistant plants.

Daylilies

Daylilies are beautiful, maintence full-sun perennials that bear showy funnel-shaped flowers that only open for a day. Fortunately, daylilies flower in abundance, and healthy, well-established plants are never without open flowers during the blooming season. 

Plant Daylilies in full sun. Daylilies are not particular about the soil they are grown in if it drains well. 

These lovely full-sun perennials grow well in beds or borders and can be planted in masses along roadsides, on garden slopes, and in container gardens. They also make excellent cut flowers. 

• Bloom Time: June is the peak blooming time for Daylilies, but different varieties can be mid-summer bloomers, and a few bloom in early Fall. 
• Sunlight: Full sun 
• Hardy to USDA zone: 2. Evergreen cultivars are hardy to zone 7. 

Delphiniums 

Delphinium’s tall, stately flower spikes add texture and height to garden beds and borders. They are especially prized for their true blue flowers, which are rare with perennials. The plants bloom in bright blue, sky blue, white, pink, and variations of purple. 

Plant delphiniums in full sun in deep, rich, moist soil with lots of organic matter. Planting delphinium in well-draining soil is vital, or it will not grow well. 

These sun-loving perennials look stunning planted in the back of mixed flower beds or borders. They also look right at home in a cottage garden setting. 

• Bloom Time: Early summer and sometimes again in early Fall. 
• Sunlight: Full sun 
• Hardy to USDA zone 3 – Delphiniums do not grow well in regions south of zone 7. 

Flax, Perennial 

The blue and bright yellow varieties of perennial flax produce delicate saucer-shaped flowers on wiry stems. 

Plant in bright sunlight in well-draining fertilized soil. 

Plant flax at the front of a perennial garden or use it in rock gardens. 

• Bloom Time: Early summer
• Sunlight: Full sun 
• Hardy to USDA zone: 4

Hyssop 

Long-lasting tubular flowers of varied shapes and colors attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. This native North American perennial is also highly drought tolerant.

Plant Agastache in well-drained, rich soil in full sun near other drought-tolerant plants. Grow Agastache in a sunny part of the garden. 

The flowers work well in mixed borders, gravel gardens, and container displays.

• Bloom Time: Summer to fall
• Sunlight: Agastache does best in full sun
• Hardy to USDA zone 3

Hollyhock 

Is there a prettier flowering perennial than Hollyhocks? The tall, stately spikes of large single or double flowers are stunning.  They are one of my favorite perennial plants.

 Although hollyhocks are biennales, they self-seed readily enough to be considered perennials, so I added them to this list. Flowers bloom in pink, maroon, red, white, yellow, and purplish red. 

Plant hollyhocks in moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (pH 6-6.5). 

Hollyhocks look marvelous as a stand-alone display planted in mass near fences and at home in the back of perennial borders. 

• Bloom Time: June to late August or Early September
• Sunlight: Does best in sunny locations
• Hardy to USDA zone 3

Lambs Ear

Lambs ear, also called betony, is a full-sun perennial with beautiful foliage. The soft gray wooly leaves are deer-resistant due to their hairy texture. Flowers bloom in shades of pink but tend to be insignificant. 

Plant lambs’ ears in direct sunlight in well-drained soil in garden edging, rock gardens, and as ground cover. 

• Bloom Time: Summer 
• Sunlight: Best in bright sunny locations 
• Hardy to USDA zone 4

Lavender 

Lavender creates a dense cluster of aromatic gray-green foliage with spikes of purple blooms. These drought-tolerant and deer-resistant plants bloom early to mid-summer with gorgeous white or fragrant purple flowers. 

Plant lavender in sunny locations with well-draining soil. 

Plant lavender with other drought-tolerant plants in garden beds and borders. Or use lavender as an edging plant, or place it in a rock garden—plant lavender in masses for a showy display or a hedge. You can even plant lavender in pots and move it around the garden.   Lavender spreads slowly but will spread, so give it the room it will need to grow.

• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer bloomers
• Sunlight: Best in bright sun 
• Hardy to USDA zone 6

Lupine 

Lupins grow wild in my area, filling roadside ditches with dazzling displays of pink/purple blooming flowers in mid-summer. Plants grow 3-4 feet tall with spectacularly large spikes of flowers that bloom in cream, yellow, pink, purple, red, and blue. 

Plant in full sun with good drainage in sunny locations. 

Lupines are best planted in masses at the back of a perennial border but may require support if the location is windy. In addition, these sun-flowing perennials also look lovely when planted in a wildflower garden. 

• Bloom Time: Spring to Early Summer 
• Sunlight: Best in bright sunny locations 
• Hardy to USDA zone 4

Phlox, Perennial 

The perennial phlox species are long-flowering plants that produce clusters of showy trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors. The flowers bloom in white, purple, pink, blue, and lavender. 

Phlox do best when planted in bright, sunny locations but will tolerate a bit of light shade. Grow phlox in well-drained, rich soil high in organic matter. 

With so many types of phlox, you can plant them almost anywhere in the garden. 

• Bloom Time: Mid to late Summer 
• Sunlight: Best in bright sunny locations but will tolerate some shade
• Hardy to USDA zone 4

Pinks 

Dianthus is a gardeners’ favorite, with its sweet clove scent and long-lived blooms that make lovely cut flowers. Flowers come in many shades, from pink, maroon, white, and red, and combinations of those colors.

Plant these perennial plants in full sun for the best blooms. Dianthus likes warm and sunny locations with well-draining soil. The flowers look best planted in bedding, containers, rock gardens, and edging. 

• Bloom Time: Spring to late summer, with some booming until early autumn. 
• Sunlight: Full Sun 
•  USDA zone 2 to 9, depending on the variety. 

Poppies

It’s an old-fashioned garden favorite. Poppies are easy-to-grow plants that provide brilliant blooms in return for very little care and upkeep. These plants put on a yearly display of big, beautiful flowers in late spring. 

Cultivars come in various vivid colors, from white, orange, pink, and red. 

For the best blooms, plant poppies in well-drained soil in a bright, sunny location. Poppies are perfect for perennial borders or garden beds. 

• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer. 
• Sunlight: Best in bright, sunny locations 
• Hardy to USDA zone 3

Learn More: Check out our guide to growing my favorite type of poppy, the Iceland poppy!

Red Hot Poker Plant

 This sun-loving perennial is also known as Torchlily or poker plant. Dramatic flower spikes in red, orange, and yellow hues make bold statements in flower beds and borders. 

These herbaceous perennials from Africa are drought-resistant and popular among hummingbirds and butterflies. 

Plant Red Hot Poker in full direct sunlight in sandy, well-drained soil. 

Kniphofia looks best planted at the back of borders and beds. 

• Bloom Time: Late summer reblooming until the first frost. 
• Sunlight: Plant in full direct sunlight
• Hardy to USDA zone 6 (some varieties are only hardy to USDA zone 9) 

Russian Sage

Russian sage has an upright, bushy look, stunning blue/ purple flowers, and silvery gray fragrant foliage. Also, the flowers bloom so profusely it is hard even to see the silvery foliage. This full-sun perennial plant is drought and deer-resistant. Not to be confused with sage, Russian sage is not a true sage (salvia sp) nor Russian! 

Plant Russian sage in dry conditions with full sun and good soil. Russian sage makes a beautiful addition to craggy, rocky gardens, perennial herb gardens, or added to a perennial border with other drought-tolerant plants. 

• Bloom Time: Late spring until autumn. 
• Sunlight: Direct sun is best if you want lots of blooms. 
• Hardy to USDA zone 5

Learn More: Did you know that Russian Sage can be used to make a beautiful natural blue fabric dye? Check out our list of flowers that can be utilized to make natural dyes!

Sage 

Salvias love the sun a lot; the more daylight, the better for these sun-loving perennials. Sage plants bloom with showy spikes of blue/ purple flowers that create a beautiful display. These herbaceous perennials will grow in almost any well-drained soil. 

Plant sage in direct sunlight in rocky gardens, herb gardens, and a perennial border with other drought-tolerant plants. 

• Bloom Time: Summer to fall
• Sunlight: Direct sunlight 
• Hardy to USDA zone : 3

Learn More: See our guide about the different types of sage, including their taste and usage.

Stonecrop (Sedum)

Stonecrop is one of the only perennial flowers to bloom in spring, providing a vital nectar resource for bees and butterflies when food sources are scarce. 

Plant sedum in well-drained soil in direct sunlight for abundant blooms. Sedum is at home in a perennial border; mixed garden beds are used as edging or planted in containers. 

•  Bloom Time: Spring
• Sunlight: direct sun
• Hardy to USDA zone : 3 

Tickseed (coreopsis spp.) 

Tickseed’s bright yellow single or double daisy-like flowers bloom on compact mounds. The vibrant colored flowers attract butterflies and are also suitable for birds to feed in autumn or winter. 

Plant coreopsis in full sun with well-drained soil in sunny wildflower gardens and meadows. Dwarf cultivars are perfect for rocky gardens and make excellent cut flowers. 

• Bloom Time: Spring to fall (varies by variety) 
• Sunlight: Performs best in full sun. 
• Hardy to USDA zone 3

Yarrow (achillea sp.)

Yarrows are vigorous growers with large, tightly packed, flat-topped flower clusters. Although the flower heads are tiny, they are abundant. Yarrow’s attractive foliage is delicately divided and green or gray-green. 

Plant yarrows in sunny locations with well-draining soil. 

Plant varieties of yarrows bred for spaces like perennial borders and garden beds. Yarrows make fine additions to a wildflower garden. 

But be warned, yarrow self-seed readily and vigorously – to stop their spread be sure to remove spent flowers and seed heads before they scatter. 

• Bloom Time: June to late August or early September 
• Sunlight: Performs best in full sun. 
• Hardy to USDA zone: 2

The Many Gardening Benefits of Perennials

Full sun perennials play a crucial role in garden design and landscaping, offering many benefits that make them indispensable in various gardening contexts. Here are some key reasons why full-sun perennials are important:

1. Year-round Color and Interest: Full sun perennials provide continuous color and visual interest throughout the growing season. Their vibrant blooms and foliage contribute to the beauty and vitality of garden beds, borders, and landscape designs, creating dynamic and inviting outdoor spaces.
2. Versatility: Full sun perennials come in various sizes, shapes, colors, and textures, offering endless possibilities for gardeners to mix and match to suit their preferences and design aesthetics. These versatile plants can be incorporated into various garden styles and themes, whether used as focal points, accents, or ground covers.
3. Low Maintenance: Many full sun perennials are renowned for their resilience and low maintenance requirements. Once established, they are generally drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and relatively easy to care for, making them ideal choices for busy gardeners or those seeking fuss-free landscaping solutions.
4. Attract Pollinators: Full sun perennials are valuable nectar and pollen sources for pollinating insects such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By planting these flowers, gardeners can support local pollinator populations and promote biodiversity in their gardens, contributing to the health and sustainability of the ecosystem.
5. Contribute to Ecosystem Health: Full sun perennials are vital in maintaining healthy soil, improving air quality, and reducing erosion. Their extensive root systems help stabilize soil, while their foliage absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
6. Longevity and Value: Unlike annuals, which need to be replanted yearly, full-sun perennials return year after year, providing long-term value and enjoyment for gardeners.

Expert Tips

1. Consider Sun Exposure: Before planting, assess your garden’s sun exposure to ensure you select perennials that thrive in full sunlight. Monitor the sunlight patterns throughout the day to identify areas with the most direct sunlight.
2. Group Plants Strategically: Arrange full sun perennials in clusters or groupings based on their height, color, and blooming periods. This creates visual interest and cohesion within your garden beds.
3. Create Contrast with Foliage: Incorporate perennials with different foliage textures, colors, and shapes to add depth and contrast to your garden. Pair plants with bold, broad leaves with delicate, fine foliage for a dynamic effect.
4. Plan for Continuous Bloom: Select full-sun perennials with staggered bloom times to ensure continuous color throughout the growing season. Mix early, mid, and late-blooming varieties to maintain interest from spring to fall.
5. Consider Companion Planting: Pair full sun perennials with compatible companion plants to enhance their growth and overall health. Choose companions with similar soil, water, and sunlight requirements to create harmonious planting combinations.
6. Prune and Deadhead Regularly: Deadhead spent flowers and prune leggy or overgrown foliage to encourage new growth and prolong the blooming period of full sun perennials. This helps maintain a tidy appearance and prevents self-seeding in some species.
7. Feed with Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer for flowering plants during the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Follow package instructions for proper application rates and timing.
8. Divide and Propagate: Periodically divide mature clumps of full sun perennials to rejuvenate overcrowded plants and maintain their vigor. Propagate favorite varieties through division, cuttings, or seed collection to expand your garden and share with others.

FAQ

Final Remarks

Full sun perennials offer various benefits for gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance landscapes. From their year-round color and resilience to their role in supporting pollinators and contributing to ecosystem health, these plants are indispensable additions to any sunny garden oasis. Incorporating full sun perennials into your outdoor space allows you to create a thriving, beautiful landscape that brings joy and vitality for years.

Join The Conversation

We’d love to hear about your experiences with full-sun perennials! Whether you have questions, success stories, or favorite varieties to share, your input is valuable to our gardening community. Feel free to leave a comment below, email, or join the conversation on our social media channels. Let’s connect, learn from each other, and grow together as we cultivate vibrant and sustainable gardens.

Related Posts

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 16, 2023. It was updated on March 4, 2024 for formatting and to include expert tips and FAQs.