Whilst the weather here in the UK can be a bit temperamental, as in summer, it feels like it's a 2-week affair, then over, you would be surprised just how favourable our weather is for growing awesome plants. If your garden is lucky enough to be in full sun, then this list of full sun herbaceous perennials will bring a blast of the sun all summer long, no matter whether it is drizzling at the same time!
These hardy, long-lived beauties not only add bursts of colour and texture but also withstand the mercurial UK weather. In this guide, we'll walk you through the top 20 perennial plants for full sun in the UK, helping you create a garden that's as vibrant as it is enduring. So reach for the sunglasses as I show you 20 easy to look after hot colour plants for those south-facing gardens.
Lavender, with its fragrant, slender spikes of purple, blue, or pink flowers, is a classic choice for full sun gardens. These aromatic perennials not only add charm but also attract pollinators. Varieties like English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) are well-suited to the UK's climate. Plant them in well-drained soil for optimal results. The drier, the better in most cases.
Also, prune your lavender at the end of each summer to ensure fresh blooms next year and to prevent it from becoming woody. Watch my guide below for a simple technique that will have your lavender looking its best for years to come, not to mention giving you free cuttings to propagate more lavender or use as dried flowers in the home!
Geranium 'Rozanne' is a prolific bloomer, producing vivid violet-blue flowers from late spring to autumn. These hardy geraniums are slug-proof, dog-proof, child-proof, and bomb-proof—they will withstand nuclear fallout! These full sun herbaceous perennials are prized for their low maintenance and disease resistance. Hardy Geraniums are suitable for various garden styles, from cottage gardens to modern landscapes, making them a versatile addition to your sunny garden.
Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a North American native who has found a welcoming home in British gardens. With its daisy-like, pinkish-purple blooms and dark central cones, it adds a delightful touch to sunny borders. These perennials are drought-tolerant and beloved by butterflies, creating a captivating summer display. Opt for 'White Swan; to brighten your borders.
If you seek sunshine in flower form, Rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' is an excellent choice. One of my all time favourite hot border sunny flowers!
These cheerful black-eyed Susans boast golden-yellow petals with contrasting dark centres. They bloom from mid-summer to early autumn, creating a burst of colour when other plants may start to fade. Their tolerance to drought and poor soil conditions makes them reliable performers in full-sun gardens.
Delphiniums are a symbol of British summer gardens. Their tall spikes adorned with exquisite, often blue, pink, or white flowers, add a touch of drama to borders and cottage gardens. While they require some care to prevent flopping by using canes to stake them, the beauty they bring to your sunny landscape is well worth the effort.
Ensure you have your slug traps or torches ready when they start to grow. Go out at night and remove any slugs or snails from demolishing the newly emerging foliage.
Achillea is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial, ideal for full sun locations. Its flat clusters of bright yellow flowers create a stunning display from early summer through to late summer. This yarrow variety is also deer-resistant, and its feathery foliage adds a textural element to your garden design.
Sedum 'Autumn Joy' is a tough succulent perennial that thrives in full sun. It's renowned for its fleshy, grey-green leaves and large, broccoli-like flower heads that transition from pink to a rusty red in late summer and fall. This plant is also a magnet for pollinators, making it an ecologically valuable choice for your garden. Pretty much indestructable too and if the frosts damage it, just cut it back to fresh growth andit will rejuvinate. Easy peasy!
Crocosmia, often referred to as montbretia, is known for its striking sword-shaped leaves and vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers that range in colour from fiery reds to sunny yellows. Grown from corms a modfield type of bulb these perennials create a bold statement in full-sun gardens and often bloom from mid-summer to early autumn. The strappy foliage is slug proof and beautiful as a texture layer in any garden design.
Verbena bonariensis is an elegant perennial known for its slender, tall stems and clusters of small, lilac-purple flowers. Its airy, almost ethereal appearance adds grace to garden borders. This plant is adored by butterflies and can create a delightful spectacle of fluttering visitors in the summer sun.
It self seeds everywhere so is a great plant to easily propagate. Once the flower head have dried cut them off and shake them for the seeds to redisperse over your garden and flower beds for next years flowers!
Commonly known as lady's mantle, Alchemilla mollis features scalloped, pleated leaves that catch and hold dewdrops, creating a beautiful effect in the morning sun. This perennial produces delicate, chartreuse-yellow flowers that complement its foliage. It's a versatile addition to sunny borders and a perfect companion for other perennials.
Impossible to kill and will self seed everywhere like Verbena. Top tip: once the flowers go over cut them back hard to stop them self seeding and to allow air and light to get to nearby plants.
Penstemon, often called "beardtongue," showcases tubular, nectar-rich flowers in shades of pink, red, or purple. These vibrant perennials are a magnet for hummingbirds and pollinators and can bring a burst of colour to your full-sun garden. They are semi evergreen so leave them through he winter and only cut back the frost damaged parts.
Helenium 'Moerheim Beauty' features striking, daisy-like flowers in warm, autumnal shades of orange and red. These flowers are for hot border lovers who want to add zing and zest to their garden design planting plans. These perennials are perfect for extending the colour and charm of your garden into the fall, adding a burst of late-season interest.
Anthemis tinctoria, also known as golden marguerite, boasts daisy-like, bright yellow blooms that resemble cheerful sunflowers. These perennials provide a sunny, carefree look to your garden and are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. Great for the front of a border to watch the wildlife buzz about in your garden.
Catmint, such as Nepeta 'Walker's Low,' is a superb choice for full sun gardens. It asks for nothing and doesn't need feeding or baby sitting. This gorgeous herbaceous perennial almost has a shrub like form to it creating mounds of near endless lilac purple flowers.Its aromatic gray-green foliage complements its lavender-blue flower spikes. This perennial is not only low-maintenance but also catnip for bees and butterflies.
Eryngium, commonly called sea holly, is a unique and visually captivating perennial. Its spiky, silvery-blue bracts encircle small, cone-like flowers. Eryngiums are drought-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for full sun, well-drained locations. They also make excellent cut flowers and will dry easily for flower arranging.
Coreopsis, often referred to as "tickseed," is prized for its bright and sunny, daisy-like flowers. These perennials come in a variety of colours, from vibrant yellow to soft pink and red. They are resilient and low-maintenance, making them an ideal choice for sunny borders. Great for container gardening and rental properties where you need high impact in a small space.
Agastache, also known as hyssop, features spikes of aromatic, tubular flowers in shades of deep purple or blue. The smell is like a citrus liquorice when rubbed. They do require a heavy mulch before harsh winters to survive. These perennials are not only beautiful but also excellent for attracting pollinators and beneficial insects to your garden.
Calamagrostis is one of the best behaved ornamental grasses. Towering at up to 1.5 meters in height it adds a delicacy to borders and movement. It doesn't easily self seed or take over, so it works brilliantly with all the other plants in this list. Give it full sun and it won't fail to amaze.
Gaillardia 'Arizona Sun' is a dazzling blanket flower with fiery, red-orange petals tipped in yellow other wise known as Blanketflower. These hardy, low-maintenance plants are drought-tolerant, making them perfect for gardeners of all levels especially beginners. These perennials are a burst of sunshine and are excellent for attracting pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
I've saved the best most bullet proof easy peasy plant until last, Phlomis. Phlomis, also known as Jerusalem Sage, is an excellent choice for gardens with full sun and poor soil conditions. This hardy perennial thrives in tough environments where other plants may struggle. Its attractive, woolly foliage and vibrant yellow or purple flowers add beauty and interest to your garden, while its drought tolerance and low maintenance requirements make it a practical and reliable option for any gardener. Plus, Phlomis is highly resistant to pests and diseases, ensuring a healthy, long-lasting display.
It will even overwinter in warmer gardens if protected and doesn't need cutting back or pruning in winter like other herbaceous perennials.
If you really want to amp up your gardening skills and make your garden beautiful why not take one of my online garden design courses. Whether you want to take a crash course in a weekend or spend more time becoming a fully fledged garden designer I have courses for all abilities. That way you can put all of your knowledge of full sun herbaceous perennials into practice in your own gardens.
The best thing is they are affordable and you don't need to go back to university. Study at your own time and refer back to the course materials at any time for as long as you want. So what's stopping you from creating the garden of your dreams?
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Alright, garden ninjas, you've made it to the end of our epic journey through the sun-drenched world of herbaceous perennials! From the dazzling blooms of Gaillardia to the tough-as-nails Phlomis, you're now armed with the knowledge to create a garden that's not just surviving, but thriving in full sun.
Remember, the secret to a stunning garden is picking the right plants for the right spots. So, roll up those sleeves, get your hands dirty, and let your garden shine like the superstar it is!
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