Hot, sunny afternoons can be tough on many plants, but not these vibrant sun-lovers. These flowers and foliage thrive in full sun and heat, bursting with blooms and bold color even when temperatures soar. They’re perfect for bright borders, sunny containers, or heat-prone garden beds. Get your gloves on and start planting these top picks that love the sunshine and shine brightest when others wilt.
1. Vibrant Lantana
Lantana bursts with bright clusters of flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red. It thrives in extreme heat and poor soil, making it a go-to for tough garden spots. Pollinators love its nectar-rich blooms, especially butterflies. This low-maintenance plant blooms nonstop from spring through fall. Its sprawling habit is perfect for containers or sunny groundcover. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
2. Cheerful Zinnias
Zinnias are classic summer flowers that shine in the afternoon heat. Their daisy-like blooms come in almost every color and attract butterflies and bees. They love full sun and bloom continuously until frost. Zinnias can easily grow from seed and thrive in hot, dry conditions. Taller varieties add bold height, while compact ones work well in containers. These bright blooms bring cheer to any sunny spot.
3. Hardy Marigolds
Marigolds are heat-tolerant workhorses with vibrant gold, orange, and red flowers. They repel pests and are often used in companion planting. Marigolds bloom profusely in full sun with minimal care. They thrive in average soil and are drought-tolerant once established. Their bold blooms brighten up borders and containers alike. These hardy annuals are also great for beginners.
4. Resilient Coneflowers
Coneflowers (Echinacea) are native perennials built for sun and heat. Their upright blooms feature bold petals surrounding a spiky central cone. These drought-tolerant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds. They’re long-blooming and look great in naturalistic gardens. Coneflowers thrive in poor soil and tolerate neglect. They return year after year with minimal fuss.
5. Fiery Blanket Flower
Blanket flowers offer fiery red, orange, and yellow blooms that love hot, sunny spots. These daisy-like perennials bloom from early summer to frost. They attract pollinators and are incredibly drought-tolerant. Gaillardia thrives in well-drained soil and requires little watering. Their bright hues liven up borders and containers. Cut back spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
6. Bold Salvia
Salvia stands tall with bold flower spikes in red, purple, or blue. These tough perennials or annuals love full sun and tolerate heat and drought. Their aromatic foliage repels pests while attracting pollinators. Salvias bloom repeatedly when deadheaded. They're perfect for adding vertical interest to garden beds. Many varieties also resist deer and rabbits.
7. Drought-Tolerant Portulaca
Portulaca thrives where other plants struggle, thanks to its love of heat and dry soil. Its succulent leaves store water, helping it survive scorching afternoons. Moss rose blooms in neon shades and opens only in full sun. It’s ideal for hanging baskets, rock gardens, and borders. This plant spreads beautifully and requires almost no care. Portulaca creates a cheerful carpet of color.
8. Showy Petunias
Petunias offer nonstop blooms in vivid colors all summer long. They handle heat surprisingly well, especially newer varieties bred for sun tolerance. These annuals come in trailing, mounding, or upright forms. Petunias thrive in containers, window boxes, and garden beds. Regular deadheading keeps them flowering. Give them rich soil and plenty of sun for the best results.
9. Sunny Black-Eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans are bright, sun-loving perennials with golden petals and dark centers. They bloom from midsummer into fall and handle heat like champs. These cheerful flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds. They’re great for wildflower gardens and sunny borders. Once established, they need little watering. They also reseed easily for future seasons.
10. Spreading Verbena
Verbena is a sun-craving groundcover with clusters of small, bright blooms. It thrives in heat, humidity, and dry spells. Spreading varieties fill containers and beds with cascading color. Verbena blooms from spring to frost with little effort. It attracts pollinators and deters pests. Just give it well-drained soil and full sun.
11. Bright Coreopsis
Coreopsis lights up the garden with sunny yellow or bi-colored blooms. This heat-tolerant perennial thrives in poor soil and full sun. It blooms for weeks, often well into fall. Coreopsis attracts butterflies and resists deer. It's a perfect filler for sunny beds and borders. Deadheading extends the blooming season.
12. Tough Daylilies
Daylilies are tough perennials that thrive in harsh sun and heat. Each flower lasts one day, but multiple blooms keep the show going. They come in nearly every color and size. Daylilies grow well in almost any soil and need little care. Their strappy leaves add texture even when not blooming. They're a staple in low-maintenance sunny gardens.
13. Feathered Yarrow
Yarrow features fern-like leaves and flat-topped yellow, white, or pink blooms. It thrives in dry, sunny areas and poor soil. Yarrow is drought-resistant and attracts pollinators. It’s excellent for cutting and drying, too. Once established, it needs almost no care. It brings soft texture and gentle color to hot spots.
14. Airy Russian Sage
Russian sage has silvery foliage and tall spires of lavender-blue flowers. It easily handles sun and heat and adds a soft haze to borders. This plant thrives in dry, well-drained soil. It blooms from midsummer to fall, attracting bees and butterflies. Russian sage resists deer and drought alike. It’s perfect for a relaxed, cottage-style garden.
15. Towering Sunflowers
Sunflowers are iconic summer plants that crave sun and warmth. Their large, cheerful blooms follow the sun throughout the day. They grow quickly and can reach impressive heights. Sunflowers are loved by birds, bees, and kids alike. They're easy to grow from seed and make great cut flowers. Plant them in rows or mix them into sunny beds.
16. Succulent Sedum
Sedum is a sun-worshipping succulent that stores water in its leaves. It's perfect for hot, dry spots and rock gardens. Low-growing types make excellent groundcovers, while tall varieties add height. Sedum blooms in late summer with starry clusters of flowers. Pollinators love it, and deer usually leave it alone. It’s nearly indestructible once established.
17. Delicate Cosmos
Cosmos produces airy, daisy-like blooms in pink, white, and burgundy. They thrive in heat and poor soil, blooming nonstop until frost. These plants add a breezy, cottage feel to gardens. Cosmos self-seed easily, returning year after year. They attract butterflies and bees with ease. They're ideal for cutting gardens and wildflower beds.
18. Heat-Loving Angelonia
Angelonia, often called summer snapdragon, thrives in full sun and heat. Its upright spikes bloom in purple, pink, or white from summer to fall. This plant is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. It adds vertical color to containers and borders. Angelonia is also deer-resistant and attracts pollinators. It’s a long-lasting performer in hot climates.
19. Silvery Dusty Miller
Dusty Miller offers silvery, velvety leaves that reflect sunlight. It's grown mainly for foliage but pairs well with bright blooms. This heat-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and dry soil. It adds contrast and coolness to hot gardens. Dusty Miller is often used as a border or accent. It stays attractive even during heat waves.
20. Flame-Like Celosia
Celosia stands out with flame-shaped blooms in bold red, orange, and yellow colors. It thrives in hot weather and poor soil. The flowers last a long time and make excellent cut or dried arrangements. Celosia adds texture and drama to sunny containers or beds. It requires little care beyond sun and occasional water. This plant truly sizzles in the heat.
21. Cool Blue Fescue
Blue fescue is a compact ornamental grass with icy blue foliage. It tolerates full sun and dry soil, making it great for hot borders. This clumping grass adds texture and contrast year-round. It’s low-maintenance and deer-resistant. Blue fescue pairs beautifully with colorful flowers. Divide it every few years to keep it fresh.
22. Tropical Canna Lily
Canna lilies flaunt bold leaves and vibrant, tropical flowers. They thrive in heat and love full sun and moist soil. Their lush appearance makes them stand out in containers or garden beds. Canna lilies bloom all summer with eye-catching flair. They add height and exotic charm to landscapes. In cooler zones, lift the rhizomes before frost.
23. Radiant Gazania
Gazanias are ground-hugging bloomers with daisy-like flowers in vivid hues. They close at night and open in full sun, making them true sun lovers. These drought-tolerant plants thrive in poor soil and heat. Gazanias bloom nonstop and need almost no maintenance. They’re perfect for edging sunny walkways or adding color to dry spots. Their cheerful faces shine brightest in the midday sun.
Built for the Sun
These plants don’t just tolerate the midday sun, they flourish in it. Their bold blooms and rugged nature make them ideal for your sunniest spots. These tough beauties deliver color and charm even during the hottest day. They’re easy to care for and built to last through the heat. Choose your favorites, plant them in well-drained soil, and let nature do the rest. Your garden will burst with life, even when the sun is strongest!