14 Best Perennials for Full Sun That Bloom All Summer Long

When you’re working with a sunny yard or garden bed, it can feel like a challenge to find plants that won’t wilt or fade under the intense afternoon sun.

But with the right perennials, full sun is an opportunity, not a limitation. These sun-loving plants thrive with six or more hours of direct light each day, and many are drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and pollinator-friendly.

Below are 14 beautiful perennials that do well in full sun, plus tips on how to design your garden with long-lasting color and texture.

What Does “Full Sun” Mean in Gardening?

In gardening terms, “full sun” refers to areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Some plants love morning sun but need afternoon shade. Not these. The perennials in this post are tough enough to thrive under long hours of sunlight and intense heat—perfect for sunny borders, front yards, or even containers in open areas.

Why Choose Full-Sun Perennials?

If you’ve struggled with wilting flowers, constant watering, or bare patches in sunny spots, switching to true full-sun perennials is a game-changer. Here’s why:

They return every year, saving time and money.
They’re hardy and resilient, especially once established.
Many are drought-tolerant, requiring little upkeep.
Pollinators love them—think bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
They bloom across seasons, offering color from spring through fall.

14 Best Perennials for Full Sun

1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Tall black eyed susan plants with green stems and yellow petals with brown centers

With its bright yellow petals and dark centers, this cheerful perennial is a staple in sunny gardens. It blooms from mid-summer to early fall and attracts butterflies.

Blooms: Summer to fall
Care: Easy; deadhead to encourage more flowers
Bonus: Tolerates poor soil and drought

2. Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Coreopsis flower with yellow petals and a yellow center growing on thin green steams

Coreopsis brings long-lasting, daisy-like blooms in sunny yellow, orange, and pink hues. It’s compact, tidy, and great for filling in sunny beds.

Blooms: Early summer to frost
Care: Deadhead for continuous flowering
Bonus: Excellent for borders and containers

3. Lavender

Lavender is one of the most drought-tolerant perennials!

This fragrant favorite does double duty—looking beautiful while also repelling mosquitoes and attracting pollinators. Its silver-green foliage and purple blooms bring elegance and calm.

Blooms: Late spring to summer
Care: Needs well-draining soil; avoid overwatering
Bonus: Use cut flowers for crafts or homemade sachets

4. Salvia

White and purple salvia flower spikes growing on thin green stems

Salvia thrives in heat and blooms repeatedly throughout the growing season. Its upright purple, pink, or red spikes add vertical interest to the garden.

Blooms: Spring to fall with deadheading
Care: Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant
Bonus: Loved by hummingbirds and bees

5. Echinacea (Coneflower)

Echinacea Purple Coneflower Perennial flower growing on green foliage in a garden

A native wildflower turned garden staple, coneflowers are hardy and bold. Their daisy-like petals and cone-shaped centers stand up to heat and drought.

Blooms: Summer to fall
Care: Minimal; leave seed heads for winter interest
Bonus: Can be divided every few years

6. Yarrow

Yarrow plant with clusters of small white flowers in tall green stems

Known for its feathery foliage and flat flower clusters, yarrow comes in whites, yellows, and pinks. It spreads easily and thrives in lean soil.

Blooms: Late spring through summer
Care: Prune after blooming to control spread
Bonus: Attracts beneficial insects

7. Daylilies

Daylily flower with dark magenta flower and a yellow center

These fuss-free flowers come in almost every color and are nearly impossible to kill. While each bloom lasts just one day, the plants rebloom for weeks.

Blooms: Early summer to late summer
Care: Cut back spent stalks for a tidy look
Bonus: Resistant to pests and adaptable to many soils

8. Sedum (Stonecrop)

This succulent perennial is incredibly drought-tolerant and adds interest with its thick leaves and late-season blooms. ‘Autumn Joy’ is a popular variety.

Blooms: Late summer to fall
Care: Needs well-drained soil; minimal watering
Bonus: Adds texture year-round, even in winter

9. Russian Sage

Russian sage is a long-blooming and drought-tolerant perennial

With its silvery stems and lavender-blue blooms, Russian sage is a showstopper in the landscape. It’s especially striking when planted en masse.

Blooms: Midsummer to fall
Care: Cut back in early spring for best growth
Bonus: Drought- and deer-resistant

10. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

This fiery red-and-yellow flower thrives in heat and poor soil. It’s a magnet for butterflies and blooms nonstop through summer.

Blooms: Early summer to frost
Care: Deadhead for more blooms
Bonus: Great for cut flowers and cottage gardens

11. Shasta Daisy

Shasta daisy flowers with white flower petals and yellow center growing on thin green stems

Classic white petals with golden centers make this one of the most recognizable garden flowers. It offers crisp contrast against more colorful companions.

Blooms: Summer
Care: Deadhead to extend bloom season
Bonus: Cut for arrangements or wildflower bouquets

12. Catmint (Nepeta)

Catmint perennial flower, small purple flowers

A cousin to lavender, catmint is more forgiving in humid climates and just as fragrant. It produces billowy mounds of blue-purple blooms that bees adore.

Blooms: Late spring to early fall
Care: Cut back after first bloom to encourage a second round
Bonus: Soft foliage that deters deer and rabbits

13. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm offers vibrant, tubular blooms in red, pink, and purple shades. It spreads easily and creates a wild, meadow-like feel in sunny gardens.

Blooms: Mid to late summer
Care: Prefers well-drained soil; watch for mildew
Bonus: Excellent for pollinator gardens

14. Phlox

Garden phlox on thin green stem and fluffy purple flower clusters

Phlox is a well-loved perennial that comes in both low-growing and tall varieties. Creeping phlox carpets the ground in spring, while garden phlox stands tall with clusters of summer blooms.

Blooms: Spring (creeping) or summer (tall)
Care: Needs good air circulation to avoid mildew
Bonus: Fragrant and excellent for cutting

Tips for Planting in Full Sun

Prep the soil well: Add compost and loosen compacted soil for best root development.
Mulch generously: Helps retain moisture and keep roots cool.
Water deeply, not frequently: Most of these perennials will need regular watering until established. After that, many are drought-tolerant.
Group plants with similar needs: This simplifies care and watering.
Give them space: Air circulation prevents fungal issues, especially in humid climates.

Design Ideas for Sunny Garden Beds

Mix heights: Combine tall bloomers like Russian sage and echinacea with lower plants like catmint and creeping phlox.
Layer colors: Use lavender, yellow, and red tones for a vibrant, sunny palette.
Go for seasonal waves: Plant a mix of early, mid, and late-season bloomers to keep your garden lively for months.
Add texture: Mix in ornamental grasses or silvery foliage like lamb’s ear for contrast.

Sunny gardens don’t have to be high maintenance. By choosing the right perennials, you can create a thriving, beautiful space that rewards you with color year after year. Whether you’re working with a large front yard or a small border strip, these full-sun plants can handle the heat—and look gorgeous doing it.

What are your favorite full-sun perennials? Let me know in the comments, or tag me on Instagram with your garden photos—I’d love to see what you’re growing.

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