Full Sun Plants for Your Backyard

Our Favourite Plants for Sunny Gardens

With another scorching Australian summer just around the corner, now’s the time to start thinking about adding some sun-loving summer plants to your backyard!

While full sun can make your garden radiant and vibrant, not all plants can handle the intensity of direct sunlight. That’s where sun-loving plants come in! These hardy, beautiful, and easy-to-care-for varieties thrive in bright conditions, bringing colour, texture, and life to your outdoor spaces. To help you choose what plants to add to your garden, we’ve compiled a list of full sun plants to bring your garden to life this summer. Each of these plants is a perfect match for those sun-drenched corners of your yard. Whether you’re looking for bold foliage, colourful flowers, or something tough enough to thrive with minimal care, there’s something here for everyone.

1. 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. These are some of the best low-maintenance plants available, making it a perfect choice for any backyard bathed in light. Aloe needs a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily, and is hardy enough to survive just about any conditions thrown at it. As long as you don’t overwater it, you’re all set with this easy-to-please plant!

2. Tropical Milkweed (asclepias curassavica)

These gorgeous full sun flowers will add a dash of colour to your garden without the hassle that comes with looking after fragile blooms. Not only that, but these might even attract some fluttery friends to your yard. The deep reds and oranges of the tropical milkweed are loved by monarch butterflies, so very soon after planting, your garden might be painted in a warm summer palette.

3. Agave

For a trendy option, opt for a succulent such as agave. There’s a 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. Perfect for gardeners who don’t quite have that green thumb! Agave also grows without issue in extreme heat, so even casual gardeners in the most arid regions will have no trouble growing this one.

4. Paper Flower (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 yard. The viney nature of the bougainvillea also allows it to be grown over walls or from hanging containers– the choice is yours!

5. Birds of Paradise / Crane Flower (strelitzia reginae)

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.

6. Cordyline

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

7. Salvia

In places where extreme heat and drought is common, salvia should be a no-brainer for the garden. These full-sun flowers of rich purple add elegance and beauty to your backyard, and require very little effort on your part. When you grow salvia, expect frequent visits from birds and butterflies, who love the flowers too!

8. Million Bells (calibrachoa)

To instantly bring a warm, summery feeling to your outside area, plant million bells. The vibrant, full-sun plant has an array of little flowers in all colours to immediately brighten your space. Best of all, it’s very easy to care for, thriving 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.

9. Kangaroo Paw (anigozanthos)

With velvety flowers that look like little kangaroo paws, this Australian native is a must-have for sunny gardens. Kangaroo Paw comes in a stunning range of colours, from vibrant reds to joyous yellows, this plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a drought-tolerant standout. It’s also a magnet for birds and pollinators, which will draw even more life to your yard.

10. Lavender (lavandula)

This timeless favourite thrives in full sun, and is one of Australia’s most loved fragrant plants. Lavender breathes its calming fragrance into the air, while also adding a touch of elegance with its silvery foliage and soft purple blooms. Lavender is as low-maintenance as it is beautiful – just plant it in well-draining soil and let the sun do the rest. Perfect for garden beds, borders, or pots, this versatile plant will have your outdoor space looking (and smelling) its best.

Climate Considerations

Australia’s diverse climates – from tropical rainforests to arid deserts and everything in between – mean that not all plants will thrive everywhere. While the plants we’ve highlighted are sun-lovers, their performance can vary depending where exactly you live. To give your garden the best chance to thrive, be sure to check the specific needs of each plant and consider your local conditions!

Jim’s Mowing specialists around the country know a thing or two about growing happy, healthy plants. Backed by decades of experience in the field (or yard), our team can lend a hand with whatever you and your garden need this summer, from potting plants to keeping your lawn healthy in the heat. For expert gardening services, landscaping or any other help with your outdoor space, get in touch with us today.