Gardening in full sun and intense heat can feel like a battle—especially when your plants wilt by noon and crisp by sunset. But not every plant shrinks away from the sun. Some species love the heat, soak up the rays, and even perform better the hotter it gets. Whether you’re dealing with dry summers, sun-baked patios, or a garden that just doesn’t get any shade, you can still grow something lush and beautiful.
This list features 23 heat-loving plants that won’t just survive—they’ll thrive in scorching conditions. From drought-tolerant blooms to sun-soaking foliage, these resilient choices will keep your garden vibrant through the hottest months. So if you’ve been struggling with sunburned leaves and midday meltdowns, it might be time to swap in some sun-hardy stars.
Lavender
Lavender is more than just a pretty face; it’s a sun-worshiper that flourishes in full sunlight. Its silvery leaves and fragrant purple blooms are a delight for the senses, offering a calming presence in any garden. Lavender is also a favorite among pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies. Plant it along pathways or garden borders to enjoy its aromatic scent as you walk by. Water sparingly, as it prefers dry, well-drained soil. It’s a low-maintenance plant, providing beauty and fragrance with minimal care.
Rosemary
This Mediterranean herb loves the sun and thrives in hot climates, making it perfect for sun-drenched spaces. Rosemary’s aromatic, needle-like leaves add a savory touch to dishes, while its hardy nature makes it a gardener’s favorite. It requires well-drained soil and minimal watering, thriving in even the toughest conditions. The plant’s blue flowers add a splash of color, attracting pollinators. Whether in a pot or as a garden border, rosemary adds both flavor and visual interest to outdoor spaces.
Sunflower
Few plants embody the joy of summer quite like the sunflower. Its towering stalks and large, cheerful blooms turn to follow the sun, creating a stunning visual display. Sunflowers are not only beautiful but also incredibly robust, thriving even in poor soil. They need full sunlight to reach their full height and potential. Plant them in rows or as a backdrop for shorter plants, and enjoy the added benefit of their seeds, which are a nutritious snack for both humans and birds.
Cactus
Cacti are the ultimate survivors when it comes to heat and sun exposure. Native to arid regions, they store water in their thick, fleshy stems, allowing them to thrive in full sun. With a myriad of shapes and sizes, cacti add a unique architectural element to gardens. They’re perfect for rock gardens or as container plants on sunny patios. Minimal watering and well-drained soil are essential for their survival. Enjoy their occasional flowers, which are as stunning as they are unexpected.
Oleander
Oleander is a sun-loving shrub that stands up to the heat with grace. It’s known for its vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the summer. This resilient plant thrives in poor, well-drained soil and requires little water once established. Often used as a decorative hedge or privacy screen, oleander provides a lush, floral display in sun-drenched gardens. Handle with care, though, as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Lantana
Lantana’s vibrant clusters of flowers bring a pop of color to gardens, thriving in hot, sunny locations. This hardy plant is drought-tolerant and blooms continuously from spring to fall. Lantana’s flowers attract butterflies, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Its sprawling nature makes it ideal for ground cover or hanging baskets. Be mindful, as it can become invasive in some regions, so it’s best to control its spread.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a vibrant climber that thrives in sun-drenched locations, offering a cascade of color with its bright bracts. This tropical plant loves heat and requires minimal watering once established. Perfect for arbors or trellises, bougainvillea adds a striking vertical element to gardens. Prune regularly to maintain its shape and encourage growth. While it’s a sight to behold, be cautious of its thorns which can be quite sharp.
Zinnia
Zinnias are the epitome of cheerful garden companions, thriving in bright, sunny spots. These annual flowers come in a rainbow of colors, adding a lively touch to any garden. Zinnias are not only beautiful but also easy to grow, withstanding drought once established. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting a healthy garden ecosystem. Plant them in groups for a vibrant display, or mix with other sun-loving flowers for a diverse garden scene.
Agave
Agave plants are a bold choice for sunny gardens, known for their dramatic, spiky leaves and architectural form. These succulents thrive in hot, arid conditions, requiring full sun and minimal water. Their unique appearance makes them a focal point in xeriscaping designs or rock gardens. While they grow slowly, agaves are low-maintenance once established. Some species produce tall flower spikes, adding even more interest to their striking silhouette in the landscape.
Gazania
Gazanias, also known as treasure flowers, dazzle with their bold hues and sun-loving nature. These low-growing perennials thrive in poor soil and are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for sunny borders or rock gardens. Their daisy-like flowers open with the sun, showcasing vivid colors that attract pollinators. Plant gazanias in well-drained soil and enjoy their beauty with minimal care. They’re perfect for adding a splash of color to areas where other plants may struggle.
Yucca
Yucca plants are tough as nails, thriving in full sun with little water. Their sharp, sword-like leaves and tall flower spikes create a striking silhouette in the garden. Yuccas are perfect for xeriscaping, rock gardens, or as a dramatic focal point. They require well-drained soil and minimal care once established. While their appearance may be rugged, yuccas surprise with clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom in summer, adding elegance to their robust form.
Portulaca
Portulaca, also known as moss rose, is a sun-loving annual that excels in hot, dry conditions. Its succulent leaves and vibrant flowers create a colorful ground cover that thrives in full sun. Portulaca blooms in a variety of colors, attracting pollinators to the garden. It’s an excellent choice for filling gaps in rock gardens or hanging baskets. Enjoy its beauty with minimal watering and care, as it’s drought-resistant and perfect for areas with intense sunlight.
Euphorbia
Euphorbias are a diverse group of plants that thrive in sunny, arid conditions. Known for their unique, architectural forms and drought resistance, they add interest to gardens with their varying shapes and textures. Euphorbias often have small, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by colorful bracts. They’re low-maintenance, requiring well-drained soil and minimal watering. Use them as striking accents in rock gardens or mixed borders where their forms can shine.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis, often called tickseed, brightens gardens with its sunny yellow blooms. These perennials thrive in full sun and are drought-tolerant once established. Coreopsis flowers are daisy-like, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. They’re perfect for borders, wildflower gardens, or as cut flowers. Plant in well-drained soil and enjoy their cheerful presence with minimal care. Their long blooming season ensures a vibrant display throughout the summer months.
Sedum
Sedums, or stonecrops, are succulent perennials that love the sun and withstand drought conditions. Their fleshy leaves retain moisture, making them perfect for low-maintenance gardens. Sedums come in many varieties, offering a range of shapes, sizes, and colors. They’re ideal for rock gardens, container planting, or as ground cover. The star-shaped flowers add a charming touch, attracting pollinators. Enjoy their resilience and beauty with minimal care, as they’re well-suited to sunny spots.
Russian Sage
Russian sage is known for its airy, lavender-blue flower spikes and silvery foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in full sun, providing a striking backdrop in borders or mass plantings. Its aromatic leaves deter pests, while its flowers attract pollinators. Russian sage is hardy and requires minimal care once established. Its wispy appearance adds movement and texture to gardens. Plant in well-drained soil and enjoy a garden filled with color and fragrance.
Blanket Flower
The blanket flower, or Gaillardia, is a sun-loving perennial that brings a splash of fiery color to gardens. Its daisy-like blooms in red, orange, and yellow thrive in full sun and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Blanket flowers are drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making them perfect for borders or wildflower gardens. Plant in well-drained soil and enjoy their long blooming season with minimal care. Their vibrant hues create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb that thrives in sunny, dry conditions. Its small, aromatic leaves add flavor to dishes and fragrance to gardens. Thyme is a low-growing perennial that works well as ground cover or in rock gardens. It requires well-drained soil and minimal watering, making it perfect for hot, sunny locations. Plant near walkways or patios to enjoy its scent as you pass by. Thyme’s tiny flowers attract pollinators, adding life to your garden with little effort.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a hardy perennial known for its feathery foliage and clusters of small, flat-topped flowers. Thriving in full sun, it requires well-drained soil and little water. Yarrow’s vibrant blooms attract pollinators and make lovely cut flowers. It’s a versatile plant for borders, meadows, or wildflower gardens. Once established, yarrow is resilient and low-maintenance, adding texture and color to sunny spaces. Its long-lasting flowers provide a cheerful presence throughout the growing season.
Verbena
Verbena is a sun-loving perennial that delights with its clusters of vibrant flowers. Thriving in full sun, it’s perfect for borders, containers, or hanging baskets. Verbena’s blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding movement to gardens. It’s drought-tolerant once established, requiring well-drained soil and minimal care. Plant verbena for a continuous display of color from spring to fall, enhancing any garden space with its cheerful, cascading flowers.
Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny, also known as Lysimachia, is a resilient ground cover that thrives in sunny areas. Its bright green, trailing foliage adds texture and color to gardens, cascading beautifully over rocks or borders. Though it prefers moist soil, it can adapt to dry conditions once established. Creeping Jenny is low-maintenance and spreads rapidly, making it excellent for filling gaps. Its cheerful presence brightens gardens, offering a lush carpet of greenery that withstands the sun’s intensity.
Stonecrop
Stonecrop, a type of sedum, is a sun-loving succulent known for its fleshy leaves and starry flowers. These hardy perennials thrive in full sun and are drought-tolerant, making them ideal for rock gardens or dry landscapes. Stonecrop comes in various forms, from ground covers to upright specimens, adding diversity to gardens. Their resilience and unique textures make them a favorite among gardeners seeking low-maintenance options. Enjoy their beauty with minimal care, as they adorn spaces with effortless charm.
Beardtongue
Beardtongue, or Penstemon, is a sun-loving perennial that thrives in hot, dry conditions. Its tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white attract hummingbirds and bees. Beardtongue is perfect for borders, wildflower gardens, or rock gardens, adding height and color. It requires well-drained soil and minimal watering, making it a low-maintenance choice for sunny spots. Enjoy the lively presence it brings to gardens, where its blooms dance in the sunlight.