10 easy-to-grow, full-sun perennials to grow in your garden

As summer approaches, we are all looking for an idea to brighten up the decor of our balcony, terrace, or garden. And what could be better than a few greens that don’t mind scorching temperatures? Pretty and very easy to grow, full sun perennials are a great idea to consider this year. In a planter or a bed, they give off a pleasant scent and bring the outdoor space to life. But then, which perennial species to choose for resistant and colorful planters? 10 ideas to grow in the ground, in containers, or pots! Acanthus, Achillea, Gaillardium, Poppies, Campanula… pretty and easy to grow. They almost completely disappear in winter and bloom again each spring.

Perennials for full sun – 10 must-haves for outdoor spaces

Not everyone is fortunate enough to benefit from a nice outdoor space. However, those who have a balcony, a terrace, or a garden facing south, know that this can sometimes become a real headache. A sun that beats there all day may damage both your outdoor furniture and your greenery, especially if they are not resistant to scorching temperatures. Perennial plants for full sun, maintenance, landscaping, and tips … the pros at Deavita.fr give you all on the subject!

Basic rules for taking better care of your plants in full sun

Although these are full sun plants that don’t mind the heat, you should not take their care lightly. So, before revealing our list of perennials, here is some information to consider to flower a south-facing outdoor space successfully. First, it is important to plant them when the risk of frost is low (April, May). Then, offer them brand new potting soil and containers with drainage holes. To improve the latter, consider putting a layer of clay bile. If you want to plant several perennials in the same planter, they must have the same needs (exposure, watering, fertilizer).

In any case, they produce more effect when grown in groups. To make a tiered garden, combine several staggered flowering perennials. The right order? Place the spring species in the background, the summer ones in the middle, and the autumn ones in the foreground. That way, spring plants will be at their full size in May, while fall plants may only be a few inches tall.

Use geranium potting soil and consider fertilizing from June to August. Using the extended-release fertilizer cones throughout the season is very suitable, as frequent watering in the full sun tends to leave the soil without its valuable minerals. Hoeing and installing an automatic watering system is also a good idea to consider when taking better care of your perennials. Once planted, they will lose their leaves in autumn and regrow in spring, thanks to their strong and robust roots. So, no need to buy it for 4-5 years. Grown in the ground, they limit the proliferation of weeds. The division is necessary, however, when the stumps become too large.

Which full-sun perennials are right for you? Make your choice based on the exhibit and location. Some species are easier to grow than others. Here are 10 to consider for your garden or terrace!

The Acanthus

Acanthus is a perennial plant of the Acanthaceae family that grows in dry and rocky places. It has about thirty species of varying heights, six of which are widespread in Europe. Acanthus is a giant, durable and vigorous plant, easy to grow in any rich, deep, and well-drained soil in clumps, borders, or isolated. Moreover, it makes pretty dry or fresh bouquets. Thanks to its pretty imposing foliage and its erect flower spikes, it brings a very graphic and contemporary touch to the garden. Watering side, water copiously until resumption, then water moderately. The soil should stay cool in summer but never waterlogged. At the end of the season, the plant goes dormant, and its leaves turn yellow. It is therefore useless to overwater it.

The Alyssum

Another long-flowering, full-sun plant, but this time perennial, is alyssum, which blooms in yellow, white, pink, or purple. To be planted directly in the garden or grown in a pot on the sunny balcony or patio, this tender flowering sub-shrub which rarely grows more than 10cm in height, is super aesthetic and quite rustic.

The delicate Campanula

Another idea to add to the full sun planter this spring-summer is the bellflower. Bellflowers are among the romantic and delicate flowering perennials that we have the great pleasure to present to you. Easy to maintain, the flowers of the bellflower adorn borders and flower pots from May until September. Ideal for chic country-style gardens, the perennial climbing plant with lavender-blue, white, or red flowers is well suited for growing in pots, rockeries, borders, and ground cover.

La Gaillarde

Gaillardia is the perfect perennial (or annual) plant to bring color and warmth to your rocky, sunny flower beds or balcony from June to October. Long and durable flowering, bright colors, and easy maintenance, the favorite perennial of our grandmothers have more than one asset. Of South African origin, the gaillarde (or gazania) seduces with its magnificent colorful flowers, similar to that of daisies, and with petals organized around a pretty yellow peduncle. To take advantage of its magnificent flowering throughout the summer, it is best to plant it in light, poor, well-drained, and sandy soil. An additional asset, she loves scorching temperatures but also tolerates the cold very well (down to -20 ° C).

La Molène

Also called Verbascum or bouillon-blanc, mullein is a biennial or perennial plant that offers a rich and luminous bloom, composed of yellow, white, pink, purple, or orange flowers. It is also appreciated for its large silver leaves. It brings a lot of structure and verticality to the beds. Mullein is undemanding and easy to grow. It is perfectly adapted to dry and poor soils and thrives in full sun. You can therefore integrate it into a Mediterranean-style garden, a rock garden, or a massif!

Dwarf Carnations

Still called “flower of God”, carnations are perennials particularly appreciated for their colorful, abundant, and long-lasting flowering. They like a hot, dry climate. They are planted in the spring, but you can also plant them in late summer. They require a sunny and clear location. These plants appreciate rich, well-drained soil. They can adapt to limestone and drought. Even though dwarf carnations do not require much special maintenance, regular watering is essential right after planting to promote rooting. Ditto for periods of great heat. As for faded flowers, remove them regularly. Cleaning of the tufts during the winter is essential.