Sun-Soaked Gardeners' Delight: Potted Plants That Thrive In Full Sun

There are many potted plants that can withstand hot sun, from annuals and perennials to shrubs, herbs and tropical plants. Some can even survive in partial shade.

Annuals that thrive in full sun include calibrachoa (million bells), geraniums, zinnias, marigolds, sunpatiens, petunias, and mandevilla vines.

Perennials that do well in full sun include coneflowers, salvias, and stonecrop.

Shrubs that enjoy full sun include small hydrangeas, blue potato bush, and hibiscus.

Herbs that can withstand hot sun include rosemary, thyme, and lavender.

Finally, tropical plants that can take the heat include cannas, cordylines, and hibiscus.

Succulents like echeveria and hens and chicks

Echeveria and hens and chicks are both rosette-forming succulents, with fleshy, pointed leaves arranged in concentric circles. The main difference is that echeveria has spoon-like leaves, while hens and chicks have narrow, pointy leaves. Both plants produce offsets, or "chicks", from the mother plant, or "hen", which can be used for propagation.

To grow echeveria and hens and chicks in full sun, it is important to plant them in well-draining soil. They prefer sandy or gritty soil and can even grow in poor, dry soil. These succulents are drought-tolerant, so they do not require frequent watering. In fact, they are susceptible to rot if they are overwatered, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

In addition to thriving in full sun, echeveria and hens and chicks can also tolerate some shade, especially in very hot and dry climates. They can be grown in containers or directly in the ground and are well-suited for rock gardens, wall crevices, and other areas where other plants may struggle.

Overall, succulents like echeveria and hens and chicks are excellent choices for gardens or containers in full sun due to their drought tolerance and adaptability to sunny, hot conditions.

Marigolds

When it comes to potting, any type of marigold can be grown in containers, but some varieties can reach heights of up to 3 feet (1 metre) and may be too large for standard containers. Most gardeners prefer smaller varieties such as French marigolds, which are bushy plants that typically grow to a height of 6 to 18 inches (15 to 20 cm). Signet marigolds are another good choice for potted plants, with their attractive, lacy foliage and orange, yellow or rusty red blooms.

When planting marigolds in containers, use a good-quality, lightweight potting mix with added sand, perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage. Place the pot where the marigold will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. Water the plant when the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of soil is dry, and be sure to let the soil dry out before watering again. Avoid letting the soil become soggy, as this can lead to root rot and other moisture-related diseases.

To encourage bushy growth and an abundance of flowers, pinch the tips of newly planted marigolds once or twice, and regularly deadhead the plants. Apply a water-soluble fertiliser monthly, but be careful not to over-fertilise, as this can result in weak plants with few blooms.

With their sunny disposition and easy-going nature, marigolds are a delightful choice for potted plants that thrive in full sun and hot conditions.

Mandevilla vines

• Mandevilla vines thrive in warm, humid weather and bloom continuously from late spring until frost. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates where some afternoon shade is beneficial.
• Find a spot for your Mandevilla vine that receives at least six hours of sun each day. Keep the plant well-watered and fertilize once in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
• Mandevilla vines are well-behaved twining vines, which means they won't outgrow their space and strangle nearby plants. However, they will need some support, such as obelisks or trellises, to grow neatly.
• Mandevilla vines are great for adding colour to entries, hanging baskets, and containers. They can also be used to cover walls or create privacy panels.
• To overwinter a Mandevilla vine, feed it a high-phosphorus liquid fertilizer about three weeks before nighttime temperatures drop to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the vine back to about 12 inches above the soil line and wash the foliage with mild dish soap and water to remove any insects. Move the plant to a cool, dry place where the temperature stays above freezing.
• Mandevilla vines have no major pest problems but can attract mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. The plant is usually ignored by deer and rabbits.
• When potting a Mandevilla vine, use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix. Trim any dead or damaged roots and position the plant at the same depth as it was previously. Repot every year or two in a pot one size larger.

Angelonia (summer snapdragon)

Angelonia, or summer snapdragon, is a great choice for a potted plant that thrives in full sun. It is a member of the Plantaginaceae family, which includes plantain, penstemon, and foxglove. Native to Central and South America and the West Indies, angelonia thrives in heat and humidity.

Angelonia has an upright, bushy growth habit with dark green, glossy foliage that emits a pleasant fragrance resembling apples or grapes. The stems are green and bear spikes of showy blooms that are somewhat smaller than those of the common garden snapdragon. Flowers can be bicolor, blue, pink, purple, or white, and measure up to one inch across.

When grown in containers, angelonia can reach a height of 12 to 18 inches, with a width of nine to 12 inches. It prefers moist, fertile soils with good drainage and full sun. While it has some drought tolerance, it is important to water established plants when the soil has dried out. Angelonia is also susceptible to aphids and powdery mildew, so it is important to take preventative measures to avoid these issues.

To grow angelonia from seeds, start them indoors about eight weeks before the last average frost date of spring. Use biodegradable seed starter cells and sow several seeds per cell at a depth of 1/8 inch, covering them lightly with potting soil. Maintain even moisture during germination, but be careful not to oversaturate. Once the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them to one per cell and fertilize with half-strength liquid fertilizer. After the danger of frost has passed, acclimate the seedlings to the outdoors gradually before transplanting them to their permanent location.

For those cultivating angelonia as an annual, it is important to pull the stems up by the roots and dispose of them at the end of the season to prevent the wintering over of pests and diseases. However, healthy foliage can be added to the compost heap. Perennial gardeners can divide large clumps in early spring to thin them out and transplant them to new locations.

With its continuous blooming and showy stems, angelonia makes a great addition to garden beds, borders, containers, cottage gardens, and cutting gardens. It is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that is sure to add beauty and colour to any outdoor space.

Sunflowers

When planting sunflowers in containers, choose a pot that is large enough for the variety you are growing. Ensure the container has good drainage, as sunflowers do not like soggy soil. A well-drained potting mix or gritty soil is ideal.

With their cheerful and vibrant blooms, sunflowers are a great way to add colour and life to your outdoor space. They are easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for those looking for low-maintenance yet striking potted plants that thrive in full sun.

Frequently asked questions