My Top 10 Container Plants for Full Sun and Heat
- River Hawthorne
- Jul 28, 2024
- 12 min read
Updated: Sep 2
Gardening enthusiasts, gather round! We are in the full heat of July sun now, and if you're looking for some stellar container plants that can handle the blazing sun and intense heat, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into my top 10 picks for container plants that thrive in full sun and heat.
1. Lantana
First out the gate are lantanas, lantanas are vibrant, hardy plants known for their resilience and eye-catching clusters of small, brightly colored flowers. Native to tropical regions of the Americas and Africa, these plants are perfect for adding a splash of color to your patio or balcony. The flowers of lantana plants change color as they mature, creating a stunning multi-colored display that can include shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple all on the same plant.
These evergreen perennials thrive in full sun and are highly drought-tolerant once established, making them an excellent choice for hot, dry climates. Lantanas are also known to attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, which adds an extra layer of life and movement to your garden space.
The foliage of lantana plants is equally interesting, with a rough texture and a strong, somewhat spicy scent that can help deter pests. They grow best in well-draining soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions, adding to their versatility and low-maintenance appeal.
Adding lantana to your container garden will not only brighten your space with their vibrant blooms, but will also bring in beneficial pollinators, creating a lively and colorful outdoor environment.
Pros:
Extremely drought-tolerant
Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds
Continuous bloom from spring through fall
Cons:
Can be invasive in some regions
Foliage has an odor that some may find unpleasant
Preferred Container:
Terracotta or ceramic pots that provide good drainage and breathability
USDA Hardiness Zones:
8-11 (Grown as annuals in colder climates)
2. Geraniums (Pelargonium)
Geraniums are a classic choice for container gardening. Beloved for their vibrant colors and robust nature. These versatile plants come in a wide array of hues, including shades of red, pink, white, and purple, making them a delightful addition to any garden space. Known scientifically as Pelargonium, geraniums can be found in various forms, from trailing varieties perfect for hanging baskets to upright types that create striking focal points in pots.
One of the key attractions of geraniums is their relatively low-maintenance nature. They thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making them adaptable to different light conditions. Geraniums prefer well-draining soil and are quite drought-tolerant once established, which means they won't demand constant watering. This makes them ideal for busy gardeners or those new to container gardening.
Geraniums also have the added benefit of being pest-resistant, particularly when it comes to deer and rabbits, which tend to avoid them. Their fragrant leaves can help repel insects, making them a practical choice for outdoor living areas.
In terms of care, regular deadheading of spent flowers will encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Geraniums can be overwintered indoors in colder climates, ensuring that you can enjoy these cheerful plants year after year.
Adding geraniums to your container garden will provide vibrant color and charm with minimal effort. They are perfect for gardeners of all experience levels looking to brighten up their patios, balconies, or window boxes.
Pros:
Wide range of colors
Low maintenance and drought-tolerant
Pest-resistant and insect-repelling properties
Cons:
Can be susceptible to fungal diseases if overwatered
Requires regular deadheading for best performance
Preferred Container:
Plastic or glazed ceramic pots with good drainage to retain some moisture while preventing waterlogging.
USDA Hardiness Zone:
9-12 (Grown as annuals or overwintered indoors in cooler zones)
3. Portulaca (Moss Rose)
Portulaca, commonly known as moss rose, is a vibrant and hardy annual perfect for container gardening. These low-growing plants are known for their bright, cheerful flowers that come in a dazzling array of colors, including shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, and white. The blooms are complemented by succulent, needle-like foliage that adds an interesting texture to your garden.
One of the standout features of portulaca is its ability to thrive in hot, dry conditions. These plants are incredibly drought-tolerant and love basking in full sun, making them ideal for those sunny spots on your patio or balcony where other plants might struggle. Portulacas also have a unique ability to close their flowers at night and during cloudy weather, reopening them when the sun is shining brightly.
Portulaca is very low-maintenance. They require well-draining soil and are best suited for sandy or rocky soil types. Overwatering can be detrimental to these plants, so it's important to let the soil dry out between waterings. Given their resilient nature, portulacas are a great choice for novice gardeners or those looking for a set-it-and-forget-it kind of plant.
In addition to their visual appeal, portulacas are great for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden. Their bright colors and easy care make them a favorite for gardeners who want to add a splash of color with minimal effort.
Adding Portulaca to your container garden will ensure a burst of color and charm with very little effort. These hardy plants are perfect for those sunny spots and will brighten any outdoor space.
Pros:
Extremely drought-tolerant and loves full sun
Bright, cheerful flowers in a variety of colors
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
Cons:
Flowers close at night and during cloudy weather
Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot
Preferred Container:
Shallow, wide containers with excellent drainage, such as terracotta or ceramic pots with drainage holes.
USDA Hardiness Zone
2-11 (Grown as an annual, but can self-seed and return in warmer climates)
4. Lavender (Lavendula)
One of my absolute favorites, Lavender or Lavandula, is a beloved perennial herb known for its fragrant purple flowers and silvery-green foliage. Originating from the Mediterranean region, lavender is cherished not only for its beauty, but also for its versatility in culinary, medicinal, and decorative uses. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for container gardening, especially in small spaces like patios and balconies.
Lavender's ability to withstand heat and drought makes it a low-maintenance addition to any garden. It requires minimal watering once established, which is perfect for busy gardeners. The plant's delightful aroma is not only pleasing to the senses but also acts as a natural pest repellent, keeping mosquitoes and other unwanted insects at bay. Plus lavender is known to attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
In terms of care, lavender prefers slightly alkaline soil and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Lavender can also be brought indoors during the winter months in colder climates, ensuring it continues to thrive year-round.
Adding lavender to your container garden brings a touch of elegance and a lovely fragrance that can transform any space into a relaxing retreat. Whether you use it for its aromatic qualities or simply enjoy its beautiful blooms, lavender is a must-have for any garden enthusiast.
Pros:
Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
Fragrant flowers and foliage
Attracts pollinators and repels pests
Cons:
Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot
Needs full sun for optimal growth
Preferred Container:
Terracotta pots are ideal for lavender as they allow for excellent drainage and aeration, which helps prevent root rot.
USDA Hardiness Zone:
5-9 (can be grown as a perennial in these zones; in colder zones, it can be treated as an annual or brought indoors during winter)
5. Petunias
Petunias are vibrant and versatile annuals that can bring a splash of color to any container garden. Known for their trumpet-shaped flowers and wide range of colors, petunias are a favorite among gardeners for their long blooming season and easy care. Whether you prefer classic white, bold red, or a mix of vibrant shades, petunias can brighten up any patio, balcony, or garden space.
Petunias thrive in full sun and prefer well-draining soil. They are relatively low-maintenance, making them an ideal choice for novice gardeners. Regular watering is essential, but be careful not to overwater, as petunias do not like soggy soil. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage continuous flowering throughout the season, ensuring your garden stays colorful and lively.
One of the great things about petunias is their versatility. They can be grown in hanging baskets, window boxes, and any container, adding vertical interest and a cascade of color to your garden. Petunias are also known to attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies, adding even more life to your garden.
Petunias are an excellent choice for adding color to your container garden. Their cheerful flowers and easy care make them a staple for gardeners looking to create a vibrant, welcoming outdoor space.
Pros:
Wide range of vibrant colors
Long blooming season
Attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies
Cons:
Require regular deadheading to promote continuous blooms
Susceptible to pests like aphids and caterpillars
Preferred Container:
Hanging baskets or wide, shallow containers with good drainage to allow for their sprawling growth habit.
USDA Hardiness Zone:
9-11 (grown as an annual in most regions)
6. Marigolds (Tagetes)
Marigolds are cheerful and hardy annuals that can brighten up any container garden with their vibrant yellow, orange, and red blooms. Known for their easy-growing nature and pest-repellent properties, marigolds are a favorite among gardeners looking to add a pop of color and natural insect control to their outdoor spaces. These versatile plants are perfect for containers, borders, and companion planting with vegetables.
Marigolds thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, making them an excellent choice for container gardening in hot and sunny locations. They are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of soil types, though they prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH. Regular watering is essential, but marigolds are fairly drought-tolerant once established. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage continuous flowering, ensuring your garden stays vibrant all season long.
One of the standout features of marigolds is their ability to repel pests such as aphids, mosquitoes, and nematodes, making them a natural companion for many vegetable plants. This attribute, along with their bright and cheerful flowers, makes marigolds a practical and attractive addition to any garden.
Marigolds are an excellent choice for adding beauty and functionality to your container garden. Their bright flowers and natural pest-repellent properties make them a must-have for gardeners looking to create a colorful and healthy outdoor space.
Pros:
Vibrant and long-lasting blooms
Natural pest-repellent properties
Easy to grow and maintain
Cons:
Requires regular deadheading to promote continuous blooms
Can be susceptible to fungal diseases in overly humid conditions
Preferred Container:
Wide, shallow containers with good drainage to allow for their bushy growth habit.
USDA Hardiness Zone:
2-11 (grown as an annual in all zones)
7. Zinnias
Zinnias are vibrant and versatile annuals known for their bold, daisy-like blooms in an array of colors, from bright reds and oranges to soft pinks and whites. These flowers are a fantastic choice for adding color to any container garden. Zinnias are not only visually striking but also remarkably easy to grow, making them perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.
Zinnias thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, which makes them ideal for container gardening in hot and sunny locations. They are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a variety of soil types, though they prefer soil that's rich in organic matter. Regular watering is important, but zinnias are quite drought-tolerant once established. To keep the blooms coming all season long, deadhead the spent flowers regularly.
One of the standout features of zinnias is their ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, adding even more life to your garden. Zinnias come in various sizes, from dwarf varieties perfect for small containers to tall varieties that make a statement in larger pots or mixed containers.
Zinnias are a delightful addition to any container garden, offering a splash of color and attracting beneficial pollinators. Their easy care and vibrant blooms make them a favorite for gardeners looking to create a lively and colorful outdoor space.
Pros:
Long blooming season
Vibrant and diverse color range
Attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees
Cons:
Can be susceptible to powdery mildew in overly humid conditions
Requires regular deadheading to promote continuous blooms
Preferred Container:
Medium to large containers with good drainage to accommodate their growth habit
USDA Hardiness Zone:
2-11 (grown as an annual in all zones)
8. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a stunning, tropical vine known for its vibrant, paper-like bracts that come in a variety of colors, including magenta, purple, red, orange, and white. These bracts surround the small, white, true flowers of the plant, creating a spectacular display of color. Bougainvillea is a perfect choice for adding a dramatic splash of color to your container garden, patio, or balcony.
Bougainvillea thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it an ideal candidate for container gardening in hot, sunny locations. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH soil and requires regular watering during its growing season, although it is quite drought-tolerant once established. Bougainvillea can be trained to grow as a bush, tree, or even a trailing vine, offering versatility in how you choose to display it.
One of the standout features of Bougainvillea is its ability to flower profusely, especially when slightly stressed by less frequent watering. However, be careful not to let it dry out completely. Pruning and pinching back new growth can encourage a fuller, bushier plant, leading to even more blooms.
Bougainvillea is a showstopper in any container garden, providing an explosion of color and versatility. Whether cascading from a hanging basket, climbing a trellis, or filling a large pot, Bougainvillea will make a statement and add a tropical touch to your outdoor space.
Pros:
Vibrant and long-lasting bracts
Drought-tolerant once established
Versatile growth habits (can be trained as a bush, tree, or vine)
Cons:
Requires regular pruning and training
Can be thorny, so handle it with care
Needs regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer
Preferred Container:
Large, sturdy containers with excellent drainage to accommodate their vigorous growth and root system
USDA Hardiness Zone:
9-11 (can be grown as an annual or brought indoors in colder zones)
9. Verbena
Verbena is a fantastic choice for container gardening, known for its prolific blooms and ability to thrive in hot, sunny conditions. This resilient plant produces clusters of small, vividly colored flowers that attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. Verbena comes in various colors, including purple, pink, red, and white, making it a versatile addition to any container garden.
Verbena prefers full sun and well-draining soil, which makes it ideal for containers in sunny spots. It is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate periods of drought, although regular watering will promote the best blooms. Verbena's spreading habit makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, window boxes, or as a trailing plant in mixed containers.
One of the standout features of Verbena is its extended blooming season, which can last from late spring through to the first frost. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continuous blooming. Verbena is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a reliable and hardy choice for gardeners of all levels.
Verbena adds color and charm to any container garden, with its vibrant flowers and hardy nature. Its ability to thrive in full sun and tolerate drought makes it a perfect choice for gardeners looking to add some low-maintenance beauty to their outdoor spaces.
Pros:
Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
Attracts Pollinators
Long blooming season
Cons:
Can be susceptible to powdery mildew in overly humid conditions
Requires regular deadheading to maintain blooms
Preferred Container:
Medium to large containers with good drainage to accommodate their spreading habit. Also fantastic in hanging baskets.
USDA Hardiness Zone:
7-11 (grown as an annual in cooler zones)
10. Salvia
Salvia, also known as sage, is a versatile and hardy plant that brings vibrant spikes of color to any container garden. Known for its tall, upright flower stalks and aromatic leaves, Salvia blooms in shades of blue, purple, red, and white. This plant is a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a fantastic addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
Salvia thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it ideal for hot, sunny locations. It's drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal maintenance and watering. Salvia's vertical growth habit makes it a great choice for adding height and structure to container arrangements.
One of Salvia's standout features is its long blooming period, which can last from late spring through to fall. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage more flowering. Salvia is also resistant to many common pests and diseases, making it a reliable and easy-to-grow option for gardeners of all experience levels.
Salvia is a standout choice for container gardening, offering stunning spikes of color and a resilient nature. Its ability to thrive in full sun and attract pollinators makes it a valuable addition to any garden, providing beauty and ecological benefits.
Pros:
Attracts hummingbirds and bees
Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
Long blooming period
Cons:
Requires regular deadheading for continuous blooms
Can be susceptible to root rot in poorly draining soil
Preferred Container:
Medium to large containers with good drainage to support its deep root system
USDA Hardiness Zone:
5-10 (varies by species)
There you have it, folks - my top 10 container plants for full sun and heat. These flowers are sure to bring color, beauty, and a bit of whimsy to your outdoor space. Remember, gardening is all about experimenting and having fun. So, get out there, pick your favorites, and let your garden shine!
For more tips on container gardening, check out my other blog posts on Flower Gardening in Containers and Choosing the Best Soil for Container Gardening. If you're looking for the perfect containers, Amazon has a great selection to get you started and I have linked to some of my favorites below!
Happy Gardening!
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