22 Shrubs That Can Handle the Heat of Full Sun

We may realize revenue from the products available on this varlet and participate in affiliate program . pick up More ›

Because plant life derive their energy from sunlight , most flowering shrub like draw of it . Of naturally , the level to which industrial plant flourish in the sunshine often depend on how intense the sunlight is in your area — the nearer you are to the equator , the more acute it is . bush that gayly enjoy in full sun in northerly zone might haplessly broil in southerly unity .

Ahead , we ’ve collect some arresting shrubs that can withstand estrus and full sun , as long as they do n’t dry out . Diane Blazek , executive director at theNational Garden Bureau , offers her expert advice about what sun - bonk shrubs can do for your landscape , and which ones work well in your hardiness zone . With her help , you ’ll pick up a mountain chain of full - sun shrubs that will wave in your railway yard ’s sunniest spots .

Various flowering shrubs in well maintained landscape.

Photo: iStock

What are full-sun shrubs?

Shrubs are works that have multiple woody stems and come in various shapes and sizes , from dwarf size under 2 feet marvellous to some that reach gamey than 20 feet . shrub are look at perennials ; some offer greenery class - round , while others spill leaves when the frigid weather arrives . In plus to their fleeceable leafage , there are flowering bush for full Lord’s Day that flower in various hues , bear fruits , or boast compelling bark texture .

As for works light requirements , full - sun shrubs should receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct summertime sun each day . country of your yard that are n’t hidden in darkness from Tree or structure may gain aesthetically from full - Sunday shrub .

Blazek ’s advice about incorporating a Sunday - loving shrub into your landscape is to lean into variety . “ guess in term of layering and conflate shapes and textures , ” she aver . “ Mix in mounded shrub with those that are columniform or weeping / cascade . Mix sinister green leaf with yellowish green foliage . Plant tall shrubs or Tree in back , then layer mid - height shrubs with smaller shrubs and perennial then add ground - squeeze industrial plant in the front of the border . ”

A large green shrub in the shape of an acorn.

Photo: iStock

Blazek recommends fall out the guidance on the plant ’s recording label ( or those provided by the retail merchant ) when planting bush . Always look at the full sizing of the shrub before you put it in the priming ; you require to give it enough room to shine in its natural state and shape . Finally , commend that shrub typically take a year in the ground and and some TLC ( like extra watering ) to get established , but after that breaker point they should call for piffling upkeep .

Benefits of Full-Sun Shrubs

Full - Lord’s Day shrubs come with the significant benefit of thriving in positioning in your outdoor blank that could allow for other plant a act crispy . agree to Blazek , a few additional advantages of Dominicus - loving shrubs let in :

1.Butterfly Bush (Buddlejaspp.)

Named for their ability to pull in butterfly stroke with their ambrosia , these President Bush grow from 5 to 15 groundwork high-pitched and feature cluster of tiny blooms in a broad salmagundi of gloss . The toughestB. davidiispecies are hardy to USDA Zone 5.Butterfly bushesremain controversial because they can push out butterfly larvae ’s aboriginal host plants in some growing regions . For that reason , gardeners in modest clime where buddlejas are potential to become belligerent should choose uninspired cultivars that ca n’t reproduce .

2.California Lilac (Ceanothusspp.)

If your cheery site scorches dry during the summer , you ’ll appreciate California lilac . As with the more rough-cut lilac , they commonly bring out their sweet - scented clusters of blue or white flower in spring . But shrub of this exclusively different genus are often evergreen , vary in stature from 1 to 30 feet , and tolerate waterless summertime conditions . Mostlilac varietiesare perennial only in USDA Zone 7 or higher , butNew Jersey tea ( Ceanothus americanus)is the exception ; it is hardy to Zone 3 .

3.Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

Though thisvitexcan be shaped into a tree that grow up to 25 feet high in the more southern zones of its range , it generally remains shrubby in northerly areas , where it dies back to the ground every winter and does n’t exceed 3 to 5 feet during the originate season . It makes fragrant spikes of virtuously muted but classy white , pinkish , or — more typically — pale violet blooms framed by silver foliage for most of the summer and fall in USDA Zones 7 through 11 .

4.Shrubby Cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa)

With 1½- to 2 - inch blooms resemble oversize strawberry bloom in white , pinkish , sensationalistic , and orange shades , shrubby cinquefoilcultivars swan from 2 feet to more than 4 foot high . Hardiness vary according to cultivar , but the shrub generally does well in USDA zones 2 through 9 . Although the plants favour full sun in northern zone , too much Sunday can pass off the color of their blooms in the South . Gardeners there might want to choose for morning sun and afternoon spectre when planting their cinquefoil .

5.Flowering Quince (Chaenomelesspp.)

Among the first bushes to blaze into efflorescence in spring , Lord’s Day - lovingflowering quincesare often called fire bushes for their most common single orange or red 1½- to 2½ -inch flowers and ruddy - tinged new foliage . These bloom , however , also come in blanched , pink , or threefold versions in USDA zones 5 through 10 . Growing 3 to 10 foot tall , flower quinces sometimes produce belittled fruits , but they are not the same genus as the quince bush fruit tree diagram .

6.Lantana (Lantanaspp.)

bush that gardeners either love or love to hate , lantana have a fruity but somewhat peculiar odour that purportedly contains notes of gasoline and tom . However , that odor becomes obvious only when the plant is contuse or broken . vary in height from 2 to 6 feet , the small shrubs for full sun produce their often multicolored clusters of small flowers for much of the year in USDA zone 8 through 11 . In cooler zona , gardeners typically growlantanasas annuals or container plants .

7.Oleander (Neriumspp.)

“ Killer ” shrub that can bloom from late spring to fall in USDA Zones 8 through 11,oleandersgrow from 3 to 20 human foot high-pitched with 2- to 3 - in funnel - mold prime in white , yellow , pinkish , or red . It ’s deserving noting that prudent gardener should take that “ killer ” soubriquet literally , since the glossy leaves of these full - sun evergreen shrubs are highly toxic . They ’re also prostrate to an insect - spread singe disease triggered by bacteria rather than the sun . As a solvent , gardeners should be cautious about oleanders ’ placement and maintenance .

8.Rockrose (Cistusspp.)

get from 2 to 6 feet tall with spectacular , 1½- to 4 - in flowers that somewhat resemble single rose , rockrosesgenerally bloom most heavily in tardy spring and into former summertime in USDA zones 7 or higher . They might flower sporadically thereafter when well-chosen . Also valued for their resiny , wooly , or silverish foliation , they can sway a rock ‘n’ roll garden even when not in bloom .

Tried-and-True Advice

“ After years of produce in dry , gamy - ALT region of New Mexico , I ’ve learned that any works recently transplanted needs extra care for the first week or two . In addition to requiring more water than the label suggests the first year , full - Lord’s Day shrubs might need a fiddling shade right after planting . transplant a shrub from its glasshouse container to the ground get off the plant into brief jolt as it adapts to its newfangled location . That ’s especially true if you plant a little of late in the time of year or happen to institute right before remarkably high temperature outdoors .

So , give your fresh sun - loving bush a lilliputian shade on red-hot good afternoon until it get going to settle and perk up up , gradually introducing more sun if you’re able to . slither container - grown plants into a spot that shades them during peak good afternoon heat energy or rig some temporary shade for in - primer coat plants . I ’ve used fold webstrap lawn chairs turned upside down and shade cloth nip to a fencing ortomato cage . Whatever you choose , keep it from fret against the plant or blocking airflow and place it so shade ten-strike most of the shrub during the hot hour of the day . ”

9.Rose (Rosaspp.)

It is executable to growrosesin almost every USDA zona , with the potential exception of chilly Zone 1.Types of rosesvary in size from diminutive miniatures to rambler that can mount 50 feet . Although a few might bloom in partial ghost , shaded bushes are more prostrate to lankiness and fungal disease . These beloved shrubs normally need full sun in the North to “ come up roses . ” In the Southwest , however , where the sunshine can be peculiarly vivid , a little afternoon shade might prove beneficial .

10.Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

With showy bloom 4 to 8 inches across in a wide form of colors and in single , semi - double , and twofold forms , tropical hibiscusshrubs really polish in the sun . They can reach virtually 15 feet high in totally frost - free USDA zones , such as 10 through 12 . But they can also persist , if protect , in zones 8 and 9 . Elsewhere , hibiscus growsas annuals or houseplants . Keep in idea that the private efflorescence last only 1 day — and traditionally were used to gleam shoes !

11.Weigela (Weigelaspp.)

Weigelas wag slew of funnel shape - shaped pinkish or red blooms in spring but can look a bit plain thereafter . Savvy gardeners will prefer for variegate or majestic - leave cultivars , which will go forward to contribute color to the back of the mete in summertime . Varying from 3 to 10 metrical unit eminent , these shrubs are deciduous and will shed their foliation — colorful or not — in autumn;weigelastypically rise in USDA zone 4 through 8 .

12.Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

cultivate worldwide , crape myrtleis a down in the mouth - maintenance , sun - loving bush often retrieve in tropical and subtropical climates . Known for its reasonably dense , morose green leaf and showy pink flowers , crape Vinca minor makes for a beautiful hedge or privateness screen .

The roughly 50 character of crape myrtle cultivar in the genus quickly grow into small- to medium - size of it bush or Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Suited for hardiness zones 6 to 9 , crape myrtles thrive in neutral or slenderly acidulous , well - draining soil . cut them sparingly in winter or former spring to incite even more unfolding .

13.Spirea (Spiraeaspp.)

Spirea is a repose - back , full - sun inflorescence shrub that ’s one of the easiest to grow in nearly any garden . It needs well - draining dirt , but is n’t particular about stain type or pH. Ranging from 1½ to 8 foot tall , spireaisn’t considered a large plant , but it grows quick . Some types flower in spring , while others show off their peak in summertime .

Depending on the metal money , spirea shrubs fare well in USDA zones 3 through 8 . Their flowers may be ruby-red , pinkish , white , or purpleness , with chartreuse , green , gold , or green - blue leaf .

14.Fairy Magnolia (Magnoliahybrid)

The whimsey offairy magnoliascomes from specialised reproduction that yields a comparatively raw class of magnolia , digest a more finespun esthetic than southerly magnolia . These shrubs pack a pot of knockout into a unmarried evergreen plant , as their ornate pink , fragrant heyday form all along the arm , and not just at the ends . Dense and shaggy-coated , fairy magnolias farm 8 to 12 foot tall and are best suited to zones 7 to 11 .

Though remarkable in appearance , these shrubs are crushed maintenance for well-heeled gardening . They ’re happy in most kinds of ground — as long as it ’s well drain — and are n’t susceptible to any significant pestilence or diseases .

15.Glossy Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora‘Kaleidoscope’)

A deciduous bush know for its color,‘Kaleidoscope ’ sheeny abeliaoffers vibrant foliation that ’s only raise by full sun exposure . Part of the coast banksia kin , the glossy abelia has a rounded , distribute shape and produces white / pinkish bell - shaped flower that bloom from May to September , bring even more color to the shrub . call back doubly before cut it into a more integrated shape , as these bush incline to count more attractive when they search a little wild and disheveled .

Give the glossy abelia moist , organically rich and well - drained soil to help it expand — it will do well in zones 5 to 9 . Expect these thick , midget shrubs for full Dominicus to grow 2 to 4 feet tall unless you ’re in the South , where the glossy abelia stays fairly evergreen and reaches heights of up to 6 foot .

16.Oakleaf Hydrangea (H. quercifolia)

The leaves on an oakleaf hydrangea are like to the leave-taking of an oak tree tree , a resemblance that likely inspired this shrub ’s name . bet on the species , the parting are 4 to 12 in long and all-embracing , with a vulgar grain . The blossom of this deciduous bush come along in long , cone - shaped clusters , normally with unmarried creamy white or gentle pinkish blossoms .

Unlike mosthydrangea species , which are Asian in stemma , oakleaf hydrangeais indigen to the southeast quarter-circle of the United States and hardy in geographical zone 5 through 9 . Also unusual in equivalence with other deciduous shrubs , the oakleaf hydrangea has leaves that turn a cryptic Marxist and do n’t slough off until well into the winter season .

17.Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra)

Elephant bush is a perennial succulent shrub that hail from the rocky outcrops and slopes of South Africa and now resides in succulent gardens around the cosmos . Different from other shrub on this list , the elephant shrub prospers in full sun alfresco but is a low - upkeep houseplant too . Elephant busheshave fleshy , fat leaves , much like adulteress plants , and the foliage is edible , commonly added to soups and salads in southern Africa to give them a sour savour .

Do n’t permit the idea of an elephant pubic hair being a succulent fool you . These easygoing - wooded , semi - evergreen , multi - stemmed shrubs can grow 8 to 15 foot tall in mild climates and do their best in zones 9 to 11 .

18.Flamingo Dappled Willow (Salix integra‘Flamingo’)

The “ flamingo ” epithet suits these multi - stemmed ornamental shrubs that have a dense , vertical shape and green foliage with touch of ointment - white and pink . A spinal fusion of two other willow tree cultivar , flamingo willowsare often used as hedges , border , or speech pattern feature that add a trace of elegance to the garden . They generally produce 5 feet high and spread just as broad in geographical zone 5 to 9 . With moderate watering requirement and no particular grime character or pH needed , flamingo willows can dwell 40 years or more with proper charge .

19. Viburnum (Viburnumspp.)

Viburnums bloom with fragrant white or pink flowers in spring , follow by scarlet - hued leafage and berry do fall . These flowering shrubs eff rich and slenderly acidic land , and they can be hardy in USDA zona 2 to 8 . Viburnum shrubs motley from 2 to 30 substructure in height , and if you wish smaller options , Blazek recommends theCompact European Cranberrybush .

Depending on the mixture , foliage texture range from glossy to velvety , and some of these shrubs can tolerate light specter — though they ’ll have the most salad days in full sunshine . butterfly stroke flock to their prime , while birds and other wildlife delight their colourful fruit . insubordinate to cervid , viburnums add charm and seasonal allurement to any garden .

20. Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Dogwoods are an incredible flowering shrub that set out to blossom in early bound in semblance of white , pink , yellow , or fleeceable — provide value to native bees . These flora have lowly water needs and fly high in acidic ground .

When it come up to the perception of dogwoods , Blazek points out , “ They may be recall of as growing fine in the shade , but they do need sun to blossom . For heavy blooms , industrial plant in full sun . Because there are so many differenttypes and sizes of dogwood , it is recommend that you find one suit for your climate . ” There d branchlet dogwoodis a stunningwinter shrubwith its spare scarlet arm . It grows in USDA Zones 2 through 8 .

21. Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)

Forsythia are tight - growingflowering shrubsnamed after a Scotch botanist . They bear brightly yellow , bell - work blooms . Some forsythia can survive in zone 3 , but hardiness varies by species , with most sitting in zones 5 to 8 .

Forsythia bush can grow up to 10 pes magniloquent and 12 feet across , depending on the variety . If you make out the look of their draping limb but have a small space to work with , newfangled compendious variety likeShow Off Starletare less than 3 feet tall . These sun - loving shrubs require regular pruning , so size of it is a consideration .

22. Mock Orange (Philadelphus pubescens)

Mock oranges are quondam - fashioned favorites known for their beautiful efflorescence and soft , pleasing scent . These anthesis shrubs tend to bloom in tardy spring to early summertime , covering themselves with witching , 4 - petaled white flowers resemble orange heyday ( hence the common name ) . The scientific name , however , descend from a Greek watchword that close to translate to “ brotherly love . ”

Native to the Southeastern United States , mock oranges are happiest in geographical zone 6 to 9 . Depending on the variety , they can grow up to 10 feet high-pitched , and just as astray — however , space - saving varieties , like theIlluminati Arch , can produce to just 4 feet tall . Mock oranges grow easily in well - drain stain with medium wet in full sun , creating a beautiful shrub margin or hedge .

Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners

A view of a round green shrub with flowering pink shrubs in the background.

Photo: iStock

We ’ll help you determine up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a raised bed , or an in - ground patch out back — and choose the good plants for your filth and realm .

A large Butterfly Bush shrub with pink flowers.