Native Asters Flowers

Asters come in a variety of shades and offer delicate, daisy-like blooms. There are many types of asters, from ground cover plants to climbing vines—and all of them are easy to grow and care for, provided they get 6 or more hours of full sun. Asters are drought tolerant when established and are known for their resilience, says Phillips.

Blazing Star Flowers

Dramatic and tall, blazing star (Liatris) has showy flower spikes filled with vibrant purple blooms, says Phillips. They have a pretty lengthy blooming period, from mid-summer to the fall, and are both heat and drought-tolerant. "They're ideal for the back of sunny beds, adding vertical dimension," Phillips says. Blazing star also attracts lots of pollinators, like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, providing a nectar source for them in the summer, while its seedheads provide food for birds in the winter.

Blanket Flowers So Beautiful

Blanket flower (Gaillardia) has dainty, daisy-like blooms that stun in shades of red, yellow, and orange, says Mary Phillips, Head of Native Plant Habitat Strategy/Certifications at the National Wildlife Federation. The blanket flower is a hybrid between two different types of gaillardia flowers (a perennial gaillardia (G. aristata) and an annual gaillardia (G. pulchella)) and has adapted to thrive in hot, dry, full-sun conditions. "It's perfect for sunny borders, butterfly gardens, wildflower meadows, or containers," says Phillips. "It attracts hummingbirds and beneficial insects such as butterflies, bees, native ladybugs, and lacewings."

Penstemon 'Blackbeard' Beardtongue

Light purple blooms and deep purple foliage are the hallmarks of this full-sun perennial flower. "Its rich nectar and pollen content attracts a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, enhancing the garden’s ecological diversity," Funk says. "'Blackbeard' is known for its strong, compact stems and upright climbing habit, making it suitable for container planting and grouping in beds or borders. It thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil." This perennial also has a high tolerance for both heat and humidity, and it's drought resistant to boot, meaning it's an easy care choice for gardeners of any level.

Echinacea "Magnus" Coneflower

Boasting large, bright pink blooms, the echinacea "magnus" coneflower has a long flowering season, stretching from the late spring to the fall, says Funk. The flowers can span from 4 to 6 inches in length and are a haven for birds and butterflies. This perennial is also drought tolerant, giving it the ability to truly thrive in sunny spots of your garden. "The resilience of ‘Magnus’ coneflower in heat and dry conditions and its versatility for garden beds and borders make it a top choice for gardeners looking to enjoy enduring blooms and effortless elegance," Funk says.

Lavandula Phenomenal

Featuring fragrant, pretty purple blooms and silvery foliage, the Lavandula phenomenal is a sun-loving perennial that will add both height and color to your garden. Kelly Funk, president and CEO of Jackson & Perkins, says that Lavandula is highly adaptable to many different conditions and requires very minimal watering once it's well-established. "It is also heat and drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for sunny areas," she says. "Its resilience and easy-care characteristics make it a great addition to borders, hedges, or any landscape needing color and sweet fragrance."

Full Sun Perennials That Come Back Bigger and Better Every Year

Perennial flowers are known for their ability to bloom year after year with beautiful colors and foliage. If your garden spot receives little to no shade, though, don't worry. There are plenty of full-sun perennials that not only thrive in the sun but are heat- and drought-tolerant as well, making them easy to care for. Here, we're sharing expert-approved perennial blooms for your sunny garden.

Supports Cacti and Succulents

Succulents and cacti have a hard-core reputation of loving well-drained and aerated soil, making Epsom salt for succulents the perfect soil amendment. This compound ensures proper porosity and drainage in soil media, giving your succulents better breathing space and aeration for optimal growth. 

We have also been previously overjoyed upon finding out the many Epsom salt for plants benefits. But it is crucial to remember that things are good when used in moderation. Any kind of overuse can and will cause damage. So, what is the correct way around Epsom salt for garden use?

Improves Flowering and Fruit Production

Along with all its other benefits, Epsom salt for plants is a game-changer when it comes to flowering and fruiting plants. The Magnesium Sulfate compound works to promote healthier and more vibrant blooming, and healthier fruiting for a better harvest.

Enhancing Water Retention

One of the most important roles of organic amendments is improving water retention. Materials like organic compost manure and coconut coir help soil hold onto moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering and ensuring plants have access to water during dry periods.