If your garden basks in sunshine all day, you’re in luck—there’s a whole world of vibrant perennials that love the heat and light just as much as you do.
Whether you’re planting a new border, refreshing a tired flowerbed, or designing a low-maintenance landscape, full sun perennials bring lasting color, pollinator power, and seasonal joy year after year.
In this post, you’ll discover 23 sun-loving beauties that bloom boldly, stand up to summer heat, and return each season with minimal fuss.
1) Lavender
Lavender is a sun-loving perennial known for its soothing scent and beautiful purple flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a great choice for dry, hot spots in the garden. The gray-green foliage adds a lovely contrast to surrounding greenery, and the blooms attract bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
Lavender blooms in summer and can be used fresh or dried for crafts, sachets, and cooking. The scent is calming and long-lasting, often used in aromatherapy. Once established, lavender is drought-tolerant and low maintenance, making it perfect for busy gardeners or low-water landscapes.
To care for lavender, plant it in soil that drains well and avoid overwatering. It prefers poor soil over rich, moist conditions. Trim back the stems after flowering to encourage a neat shape and more blooms next season.
Lavender looks beautiful in borders, herb gardens, rock gardens, or as a fragrant path edging. It pairs well with other sun-loving perennials like yarrow and salvia.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| English Lavender | 5-9 | June to July |
| French Lavender | 7-10 | May to August |
| Spanish Lavender | 6-9 | Late Spring to Fall |
| Lavandin ‘Grosso’ | 5-9 | Mid to Late Summer |
2) Coreopsis
Coreopsis, often called tickseed, is a cheerful perennial known for its bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, red, or pink. These sun-loving plants bloom for a long stretch—from early summer well into fall—bringing steady color to your garden beds or borders.
They’re drought-tolerant, easy to grow, and thrive in poor to average soil, making them perfect for low-maintenance landscapes. Coreopsis attracts butterflies and is deer-resistant, making it a solid pick for pollinator gardens or wildlife-friendly spaces.
Once established, it needs very little care. Just give it full sun and good drainage, and it will reward you with months of blooms. Deadheading spent flowers helps encourage even more blossoms throughout the season.
Plant Coreopsis in masses for a wildflower-meadow look or dot it along walkways and sunny borders for a splash of color.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ | 4-9 | June to September |
| Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’ | 4-9 | June to August |
| Coreopsis ‘Early Sunrise’ | 4-9 | June to October |
| Coreopsis ‘Red Satin’ | 4-9 | Summer to Early Fall |
3) Salvia
Salvia is a showy perennial with tall, spiky blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and red. These striking flowers are loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them a fantastic addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.
This hardy plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, salvia is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. It pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, lavender, and coneflowers in mixed borders or cottage-style gardens.
Salvia blooms from late spring through summer, and a light trim after the first bloom often encourages a second flush of flowers. The foliage is often aromatic, adding another layer of interest to your garden.
It’s also deer-resistant, making it a reliable performer in both rural and suburban settings.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Salvia ‘May Night’ | 4-9 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Salvia ‘Caradonna’ | 4-9 | May to July |
| Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ | 7-10 | Summer to Fall |
| Salvia ‘Amistad’ | 7-10 | Spring to Frost |
4) Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Black-eyed Susans are a staple in sunny gardens thanks to their golden-yellow petals and dark brown centers. These perennials bloom from mid-summer to early fall and provide a warm, late-season glow when many other flowers are fading.
They’re tough, adaptable, and easy to grow—thriving in full sun and average soil. Black-eyed Susans attract butterflies and birds and are tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soil conditions.
Minimal maintenance is needed. Deadhead to prolong blooming or leave the seed heads in place for winter interest and food for birds. These plants are great for naturalized areas, borders, or prairie-style plantings.
Their bright, daisy-like flowers also make excellent cut blooms for late summer bouquets.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ | 3-9 | July to September |
| Rudbeckia fulgida | 3-9 | Mid to Late Summer |
| Rudbeckia hirta | 3-9 | June to October |
| Rudbeckia ‘Little Goldstar’ | 4-9 | July to September |
5) Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are hardy perennials known for their bold, daisy-like blooms and domed centers. These sun-loving flowers come in shades of purple, pink, white, orange, and even green—making them a vibrant addition to any garden.
Echinacea is both beautiful and beneficial. It’s a magnet for pollinators and provides food for birds if you leave the seed heads through fall and winter. These plants are drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and thrive in poor soil, making them ideal for tough garden spots.
They bloom from midsummer into fall and look stunning in mass plantings, wildflower gardens, or mixed borders. Coneflowers also make long-lasting cut flowers.
To care for coneflowers, plant them in full sun with well-drained soil. Deadhead to promote more blooms, or let the flowers go to seed for wildlife.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Echinacea purpurea | 3-9 | June to August |
| Echinacea ‘Magnus’ | 3-9 | Summer to Early Fall |
| Echinacea ‘PowWow Wild Berry’ | 3-8 | Summer to Frost |
| Echinacea ‘Green Jewel’ | 4-9 | July to September |
6) Shasta Daisy
Shasta daisies are classic and cheerful with their crisp white petals and bright yellow centers. They bloom in early to mid-summer and are known for their neat, upright habit that looks great in borders, beds, or containers.
These hardy perennials love full sun and well-drained soil. They’re long-blooming and make excellent cut flowers, brightening up bouquets with their sunny look. Once established, they’re drought-tolerant and fairly low-maintenance.
Deadheading encourages more blooms, and a light trim after flowering can keep the plant tidy. Divide every few years to maintain vigor.
Shasta daisies blend beautifully with coneflowers, salvia, and black-eyed Susans in cottage gardens or sunny borders.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Leucanthemum ‘Becky’ | 5-9 | June to August |
| Leucanthemum ‘Snowcap’ | 5-9 | Early Summer |
| Leucanthemum ‘Alaska’ | 4-9 | Summer to Fall |
| Leucanthemum ‘Crazy Daisy’ | 5-9 | July to September |
7) Yarrow
Yarrow is a tough, sun-loving perennial with flat-topped clusters of flowers in yellow, white, pink, or red. Its fern-like foliage adds texture, and its blooms attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
Yarrow thrives in poor, well-drained soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established. It spreads easily, making it great for naturalized areas or cottage gardens. It’s also deer-resistant and great for cutting or drying.
Trim back spent blooms to encourage more flowers, and divide clumps every few years to keep the plant healthy and contained.
Plant yarrow with ornamental grasses or lavender for a low-water, high-impact display.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Achillea ‘Moonshine’ | 3-9 | June to September |
| Achillea millefolium | 3-9 | Summer to Fall |
| Achillea ‘Paprika’ | 3-9 | Early Summer |
| Achillea ‘Coronation Gold’ | 3-8 | June to August |
8) Russian Sage
Russian sage brings a soft, airy texture to sunny gardens with its silvery-gray foliage and long sprays of lavender-blue flowers. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and is an ideal choice for low-maintenance or drought-tolerant landscapes.
This perennial blooms from mid-summer into fall and grows into a bushy, upright shape that looks great as a backdrop or border plant. It’s also deer-resistant and a magnet for bees and butterflies.
Russian sage prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Once planted, it needs little attention other than a yearly trim in early spring to keep its shape.
Pair it with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, or ornamental grasses for a striking contrast in texture and color.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Perovskia atriplicifolia | 5-9 | July to October |
| ‘Little Spire’ | 5-9 | Summer to Fall |
| ‘Denim ‘n Lace’ | 4-9 | Midsummer to Fall |
| ‘Blue Jean Baby’ | 4-9 | Summer to Autumn |
9) Daylily
Daylilies are one of the easiest and most rewarding perennials for sunny spots. Each flower lasts only a day, but plants bloom for weeks, often producing hundreds of blooms per season. They come in nearly every color except blue and offer a range of sizes and shapes.
These tough plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate partial shade and various soil conditions. Once established, they’re drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and resistant to most pests and diseases.
Divide daylilies every few years to rejuvenate and spread them around your garden. They’re ideal for borders, slopes, or mass plantings.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Hemerocallis ‘Stella de Oro’ | 3-10 | Early Summer to Fall |
| Hemerocallis ‘Happy Returns’ | 3-9 | Summer |
| Hemerocallis ‘Ruby Spider’ | 3-9 | Mid to Late Summer |
| Hemerocallis ‘Catherine Woodbury’ | 3-9 | Summer |
10) Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Blanket flowers are bright, bold, and easygoing perennials with daisy-like blooms in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. They love full sun and heat, making them perfect for hot, dry gardens.
Gaillardia blooms continuously from early summer into fall, adding non-stop color to borders, containers, or wildflower gardens. The flowers also attract butterflies and are great for cutting.
Blanket flowers prefer well-drained soil and need very little water once established. Deadheading can prolong blooming, but the plant is generally low-fuss and tolerant of poor soil.
They look best in mass plantings and mix beautifully with grasses and other drought-tolerant perennials.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Gaillardia ‘Arizona Sun’ | 3-10 | June to September |
| Gaillardia ‘Goblin’ | 3-9 | Early Summer to Fall |
| Gaillardia ‘Mesa Yellow’ | 5-9 | Summer |
| Gaillardia ‘Fanfare Blaze’ | 5-9 | Midsummer to Frost |
11) Sedum (Stonecrop)
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, is a sun-loving perennial with succulent leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers. It thrives in dry, sunny spots and adds both structure and texture to the garden. Sedum is perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers.
This plant is extremely drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Its fleshy leaves retain water, making it ideal for hot, dry conditions. Sedum blooms in late summer to fall, and its flowers attract bees and butterflies.
There are low-growing ground cover types and upright varieties that form tall flower heads. After blooming, the seed heads add winter interest if left standing.
Sedum pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, coneflowers, and Russian sage in sunny borders.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ | 3-9 | August to October |
| Sedum ‘Matrona’ | 3-9 | Late Summer to Fall |
| Sedum ‘Dragon’s Blood’ | 3-9 | Summer |
| Sedum ‘Thundercloud’ | 4-9 | Late Summer to Fall |
12) Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm is a vibrant and fragrant perennial with bold, tubular flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its blooms come in red, pink, purple, and white, adding a splash of color to summer gardens.
This sun-loving plant thrives in rich, well-drained soil and does well in both garden beds and wildflower meadows. It has aromatic foliage that releases a minty scent when touched and is also deer-resistant.
Bee balm prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage a second round of flowering.
It’s perfect for pollinator gardens and naturalistic plantings.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Monarda ‘Jacob Cline’ | 4-9 | July to August |
| Monarda ‘Raspberry Wine’ | 4-9 | Mid to Late Summer |
| Monarda ‘Petite Delight’ | 3-9 | Summer |
| Monarda ‘Balmy Purple’ | 4-9 | Late Spring to Summer |
13) Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint is a hardy perennial with soft, gray-green foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bloom for weeks. It thrives in full sun and dry conditions, making it perfect for borders, cottage gardens, or low-maintenance landscapes.
Nepeta is beloved by pollinators and resistant to deer and rabbits. It blooms from late spring through summer and often reblooms if trimmed back after the first flush. The foliage is fragrant and adds a soft, flowing texture.
It’s excellent for edging paths or planting in mass to create a haze of color and movement. Catmint also makes a beautiful companion for roses, yarrow, and salvia.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ | 3-9 | May to September |
| Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ | 3-8 | Late Spring to Fall |
| Nepeta ‘Junior Walker’ | 5-9 | Summer |
| Nepeta ‘Blue Wonder’ | 4-9 | Summer |
14) Penstemon
Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, features tubular flowers in a range of colors including red, pink, purple, and white. These upright perennials love full sun and are a favorite among hummingbirds and butterflies.
They bloom in late spring to summer and prefer well-drained soil. Penstemon is drought-tolerant once established and thrives in sunny borders, rock gardens, or native-style plantings.
To keep plants tidy and blooming, remove faded flowers. Some varieties are short-lived but self-seed, while others return year after year with strong performance.
Penstemon adds height and drama to sunny spaces with minimal effort.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Penstemon ‘Husker Red’ | 3-8 | June to July |
| Penstemon ‘Red Rocks’ | 4-9 | Summer |
| Penstemon digitalis | 3-8 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Penstemon ‘Electric Blue’ | 4-9 | Early to Mid Summer |
15) Veronica (Speedwell)
Veronica, or speedwell, is a dependable perennial that produces vertical spikes of vibrant flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. Its compact form makes it perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator beds.
It blooms from late spring to early summer and sometimes reblooms if deadheaded. Veronica prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is generally low-maintenance and deer-resistant.
This plant adds vertical interest and contrast to mounded or sprawling perennials. It works well as a border edge or grouped in larger drifts.
Veronica attracts bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any sunny wildlife-friendly garden.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Veronica ‘Royal Candles’ | 4-8 | June to August |
| Veronica spicata ‘Glory’ | 4-9 | Summer |
| Veronica ‘Purpleicious’ | 4-8 | Summer |
| Veronica ‘Sunny Border Blue’ | 3-8 | June to September |
16) Tickseed
Tickseed is a fine-textured, long-blooming perennial with bright yellow or bi-colored flowers that seem to glow in the summer sun. It thrives in full sun and tolerates heat, drought, and poor soil, making it an excellent choice for easy-care gardens.
Its delicate, airy foliage gives it a soft, feathery look, and it works well in borders, pollinator gardens, and wildflower meadows. The blooms attract bees and butterflies all season long.
Deadheading encourages more blooms, though some varieties are self-cleaning. It’s deer-resistant and looks great in mass plantings or with other prairie-style plants.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Coreopsis verticillata ‘Zagreb’ | 4-9 | June to August |
| Coreopsis ‘Golden Showers’ | 4-9 | Summer to Fall |
| Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ | 4-9 | June to September |
| Coreopsis ‘Creme Brulee’ | 5-9 | Summer to Early Fall |
17) Globe Thistle (Echinops)
Globe thistle is a bold, architectural perennial with spherical, spiky blue or purple flowers that bloom atop sturdy, silvery stems. It brings strong contrast and texture to sunny borders or xeriscape gardens.
This tough plant is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and highly attractive to bees and butterflies. It thrives in dry, well-drained soil and full sun, blooming from midsummer into fall.
The blooms also make excellent cut or dried flowers. Once established, globe thistle requires very little maintenance and adds drama to garden designs.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Echinops ritro | 3-8 | July to September |
| Echinops bannaticus ‘Blue Glow’ | 3-8 | Summer to Fall |
| Echinops ‘Veitch’s Blue’ | 4-8 | Mid to Late Summer |
| Echinops exaltatus | 4-8 | Summer |
18) Phlox
Tall garden phlox is a cottage garden favorite, known for its fragrant, showy flower clusters that bloom in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. It adds height and vibrant color to mid-to-late summer borders.
Phlox prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. It’s loved by butterflies and hummingbirds, and its sweet scent makes it a garden standout. Newer mildew-resistant varieties make it easier to maintain.
Deadhead for extended blooming and divide clumps every few years to keep plants healthy and vigorous.
Phlox pairs beautifully with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and ornamental grasses.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Phlox paniculata ‘David’ | 4-8 | July to September |
| Phlox ‘Bright Eyes’ | 4-8 | Summer to Early Fall |
| Phlox ‘Jeana’ | 4-8 | Midsummer to Fall |
| Phlox ‘Laura’ | 4-8 | July to August |
19) Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed is a vibrant, orange-flowered perennial that’s a must-have for any pollinator or wildlife-friendly garden. It’s a host plant for monarch butterflies and thrives in full sun and dry, sandy soils.
This native wildflower is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and blooms from early to late summer. Its upright habit and bright flowers add bold color to naturalistic and prairie plantings.
Butterfly weed prefers not to be moved once established, and it may take a season or two to reach its full potential—but it’s well worth the wait.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Asclepias tuberosa | 3-9 | June to August |
| Asclepias ‘Hello Yellow’ | 4-9 | Summer |
| Asclepias tuberosa var. interior | 4-8 | Early to Mid Summer |
| Asclepias tuberosa ‘Gay Butterflies’ | 3-9 | Summer |
20) Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s ear is loved for its soft, silvery foliage that looks like felt and adds contrast to garden borders. While it does bloom with small purple flowers on tall spikes, it’s most often grown for its texture and ground-covering leaves.
This drought-tolerant perennial prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is an excellent choice for rock gardens, edging, or low-maintenance areas.
Lamb’s ear spreads quickly and suppresses weeds. To keep it looking neat, remove spent flowers and damaged leaves, especially in humid conditions.
It pairs beautifully with lavender, yarrow, and ornamental grasses.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Stachys byzantina | 4-9 | Late Spring to Summer |
| Stachys ‘Big Ears’ | 4-9 | Late Spring |
| Stachys ‘Silver Carpet’ | 4-9 | Rarely flowers |
| Stachys ‘Helene von Stein’ | 4-9 | Summer |
21) Sea Holly (Eryngium)
Sea holly is a striking perennial with spiky, metallic blue flowers and silvery stems. It adds a unique texture and bold structure to sunny borders or drought-tolerant gardens.
It thrives in poor, sandy, or rocky soil and needs full sun to develop its best color. Sea holly is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and a magnet for pollinators.
The flowers are excellent for cutting or drying and last a long time in floral arrangements. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for modern, Mediterranean, or coastal-style gardens.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Eryngium planum ‘Blue Hobbit’ | 4-9 | Summer to Fall |
| Eryngium giganteum ‘Miss Willmott’s Ghost’ | 4-9 | Summer |
| Eryngium alpinum | 5-8 | Summer |
| Eryngium ‘Sapphire Blue’ | 4-9 | Mid to Late Summer |
22) Achillea Millefolium
This refined variety of yarrow features feathery, fern-like foliage and soft pastel flower clusters that bloom for weeks. It’s ideal for sunny borders, pollinator gardens, and naturalized plantings.
Achillea millefolium is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant. It thrives in poor soil and full sun and attracts bees and butterflies with its long-lasting blooms.
Deadheading extends the flowering season, and dividing the plant every few years helps keep it from spreading too aggressively.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Achillea millefolium ‘Pastel Mix’ | 3-9 | June to August |
| Achillea millefolium ‘Cerise Queen’ | 3-9 | Summer to Fall |
| Achillea millefolium ‘Summer Berries’ | 3-9 | Summer |
| Achillea millefolium ‘New Vintage Rose’ | 4-9 | June to September |
23) Helenium (Sneezeweed)
Helenium, also called sneezeweed, bursts into color in late summer with daisy-like flowers in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow. It adds rich color and upright form when other perennials begin to fade.
Despite its name, Helenium doesn’t cause allergies—it was historically used in snuff! It thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, and it’s a favorite for late-season pollinators.
Deadhead to extend blooming, and cut back in early summer to encourage bushier growth. Helenium is ideal for borders, prairie plantings, and late-summer bouquets.
| Plant Varieties | Growing Zone | Blooming Period |
|---|---|---|
| Helenium ‘Mardi Gras’ | 3-9 | August to October |
| Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ | 4-8 | Late Summer to Fall |
| Helenium ‘Ruby Tuesday’ | 3-9 | Mid to Late Summer |
| Helenium ‘Sahin’s Early Flowerer’ | 3-9 | July to September |