What Are the Best Flowers to Plant in the Sun?

Many flowers must have shade or the flowers will wither, while others grow perfectly in the sun. If your flowerbed is not in a shady spot, you must plant varieties that can withstand direct sunlight. Before planting your flower garden, you should learn about the best flowers to plant in the sun, so that your flowers will survive the hot summer months.

Cockscomb

These sun-loving flowers can reach heights of 12 to 36 inches and there are varieties available with crested heads or plume type heads. Colors of cockscombs include shades of cream, yellow, gold, pink and red.

Marigold

Marigolds are strongly scented with single or double rounded flower heads in colors of yellow, gold, orange and mahogany. These grow well in the sun, but the soil needs to be moist.

Cosmos

These flowers are easy to grow in the sun and do not require much water. Cosmos are similar in shape to daisies and grow in hues of lavender, pink, red and white.

Periwinkle

Periwinkles are excellent bedding plants and bloom in colors of pink, purple and white. These flowers can withstand direct sun and should not be over watered.

Gallardia

These hardy flowers are from the sunflower family and thrive in the sun in dry conditions. Gallardia blooms are single colored or two colored in shades of yellow to red.

Zinnia

The large blooms of zinnias can be white, yellow, orange, red, purple or pink. They grow well in hot areas, but need abundant moisture.

Petunia

These flowers can easily endure the heat, but must have sufficient moisture. Petunias grow to a height of 8 to 15 inches in many colors, with the most common being yellow, white, pink, purple and red.

Portulaca

The red, orange, salmon, yellow or white blooms of portulaca open during the day when it is hot. These flowers can tolerate heat and do not require much water.