Sun Loving Perennials

Sun loving perennials thrive in bright, open locations, bringing months of color, texture, and seasonal interest to the garden. Many produce abundant blooms during the warmest months of the year, while others contribute attractive foliage and distinctive forms that add depth to borders and mixed plantings.

Gaillardia aristata SpinTop 'Copper Sun'

Deciduous perennial with copper orange blooms and golden yellow edges. Grows 10 to 14 inches tall. Ideal for containers, rock gardens, xeric plantings, and sunny borders. Zones: 3 to 9.

What to Look For

Light and air: Full sun and good air circulation give the strongest stems and heaviest bloom, and reduce mildew in crowded beds.

Bloom succession: Pairing early, mid, and late bloomers keeps a sunny border in color from spring into fall.

Water: Sunny beds dry quickly; group plants with similar water needs so nothing is over- or under-watered.

Height and layering: Setting taller perennials behind shorter ones keeps everything visible as the bed fills in.

Our Picks

Their diversity makes it possible to create combinations that flower from spring through fall. Well suited to beds, borders, and pollinator gardens, these plants often perform best with ample sunlight and good air circulation. By choosing varieties adapted to sunny conditions, gardeners can create colorful, long-lasting displays that hold up well through the heat of summer and throughout the growing season.