If you live in our area, (zone 8b), you're lucky enough to enjoy a warm, sunny climate. But with that comes the challenge of choosing plants that can thrive in full sun. Here are some of the best full sun plants for zone 8b:
Astilbe: This perennial has delicate, feathery flowers that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. Astilbe prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Begonia: Begonias come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some begonias are annuals, while others are perennials. Begonias prefer rich, well-drained soil and bright, indirect sunlight.
Daylily: Daylilies are a popular choice for perennial gardens. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Daylilies prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Gaillardia: Gaillardia is a perennial with daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. Gaillardia prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Lavender: Lavender is a popular choice for herb gardens and cottage gardens. It has fragrant, purple flowers and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Rosemary: Rosemary is another popular choice for herb gardens. It has needle-like leaves and blue flowers. Rosemary prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Salvia: Salvia comes in a variety of colors, including blue, purple, red, and white. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Sunflower: Sunflowers are a popular choice for annual gardens. They come in a variety of sizes and colors. Sunflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
When considering shrubs for a full sun area in zone 8b, these are all excellent choices:
Abelia: Abelia is a deciduous shrub with fragrant, white flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Azalea: Azaleas are a popular choice for flowering shrubs. They come in a wide variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. Azaleas prefer acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Camellia: Camellias are another popular choice for flowering shrubs. They come in a wide variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. Camellias prefer acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade.
Crape Myrtle: Crape myrtles are a popular choice for their colorful flowers. They come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. Crape myrtles prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
Hydrangea: Hydrangeas are a popular choice for flowering shrubs. They come in a wide variety of colors, including white, pink, red, and blue. Hydrangeas prefer well-drained soil and partial shade.
Rose of Sharon: Rose of Sharon is a deciduous shrub with fragrant, white, pink, or purple flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Sunshine Ligustrum: Sunshine Ligustrum is a hardy, evergreen shrub with green foliage that turns bright yellow with sun exposure. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Viburnum: Viburnum is a deciduous shrub with fragrant, white flowers. It comes in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and red. Viburnum prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.
These are just a few of the many full sun plants and shrubs that are suitable for zone 8b. When choosing plants and shrubs for your garden, be sure to consider the amount of sunlight your garden receives and the type of soil you have. With a little planning, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that will thrive in full sun.
Here are some additional tips for choosing and caring for full sun shrubs:
When choosing shrubs, be sure to select ones that are suited to your climate and soil type.
Plant shrubs in the spring or fall, when the weather is cool and moist.
Water shrubs regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
Mulch around shrubs to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize shrubs in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer.
Prune shrubs annually to maintain their shape and size.
If deer are a nuisance in your area, be sure to pick deer resistant plants and shrubs for your garden.