10 Full Sun Plants For Your Backyard

Our Ten Favourite Full Sun Plants

With another scorching Australian summer just around the corner, now’s the time to start thinking about adding some sun loving plants to your backyard. As it can be difficult to find plants that will survive under the uncompromising glare of the afternoon sun, heat tolerant plants are highly sought after in many gardens. To help you choose, we have compiled a list of full sun plants that will not only survive but thrive as the days grow longer.

Of course, you will need to consider where your local area fits among Australia’s range of hot climates – some plants that like full sun and heat will flourish in wetter, tropical conditions, while others will prefer scorched, desert climates. If you need some help determining exactly which sun loving plants will be best for where you live, make sure to get some professional advice! Also, be sure to always check that anything you plant in your garden isn’t poisonous to your pets.

Aloe Vera

If you’re after a plant that is best left to its own devices out in the sun, aloe plants are a great place to start. Aloes are some of the best low maintenance full sun plants available, making it a perfect choice for any backyard this summer. It needs a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily, and is hardy enough to survive just about any conditions thrown at it. Just make sure not to overwater it!

Tropical Milkweed

These gorgeous full sun flowers will add a dash of colour to your garden without the hassle of looking after fragile blooms. The deep reds and oranges of the tropical milkweed also attract monarch butterflies, meaning that very soon your garden will be painted in a warm summer palette.

Agave

For a trendy option, go for a succulent such as agave. There’ is good reason for the popularity of this sun loving plant – not only does it add a striking aesthetic to your garden, but it’ is almost impossible to kill. If you’re wondering what plants can survive in extreme heat, this one’s for you. Even casual gardeners in the most arid regions will have no trouble growing agave.

Bergenia

When grown in full sun, Bergenia species will bloom in an explosion of pretty pink flowers. These are ideal plants for the afternoon sun in Australia, as they flourish in the shade just as well as they do under direct light. This is a great low maintenance addition to your garden this summer.

Bougainvillea

If it’s sheer brightness you’re looking for, you can’t go past the bougainvillea. Available in a broad range of colours, including red, yellow, magenta, and white, this sun loving plant will add an unmissable blast of colour to your home. The viney nature of the bougainvillea allows it to be grown over walls or from hanging containers – the choice is yours!

Bamboo

Notorious as a nightmarishly fast grower, bamboo nevertheless has many enticing features for homeowners and gardeners. As a natural backyard privacy screen, this full sun and heat tolerant plant is a favourite choice of many. As the management of bamboo in your garden can quickly become a problem, however, we recommend either constraining it to a large pot or else seeking professional advice.

Birds of Paradise

Iconic for its bright, distinctly shaped flowers, this full sun plant is aptly named. Not only does it resemble the head of a tropical bird, but the plant itself enjoys warm temperatures and sitting in the sun. Sounds like paradise to us! This sun plant requires a little more attention than some others on our list, but the results are well worth the effort.

Cordyline

Cordyline provides a great option for sun loving foliage if you’re seeking a tropical flair. Available in a range of shades from lush green to exotic burgundy, this plant likes full sun and heat and will thrive in your garden year round. Use well draining soil, and you’ll have no problem growing healthy cordyline.

Salvia

In places where extreme heat and drought is common, salvia should be a go-to choice for the garden. These full sun flowers of rich purple add elegance and beauty to your backyard, and ask for very little effort on your part. When you grow salvia, expect frequent visits from birds and butterflies, who love the flowers too!

Calibrachoa (Million Bells)

To instantly bring a warm, summery feeling to your outside area, opt for million bells. The vibrant, full sun plant has countless little flowers in all colours that will immediately brighten your space. Best of all, it is very easy to care for, doing best in moist but well-draining soil. Whether you decide to grow them in hanging containers or in a small flower patch, these full sun flowers won’t leave you disappointed.

If you have any questions about which full sun plants are right for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch!