Transforming your garden into a vibrant paradise is easier than you think with the right selection of full-sun annuals. These plants not only thrive in the summer heat but also provide continuous blooms, adding a splash of color to your outdoor space. Here are eight stunning full-sun annuals that will brighten your garden all summer long.
Trailing Petunia
Trailing petunia is a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a cascade of color to their outdoor spaces. Known for its trailing habit and continuous flowering from spring through frost, this annual is perfect for containers, hanging baskets, and borders. Its vibrant blooms come in a variety of colors, ensuring there’s a trailing petunia to match any garden palette.
Brazilian Dwarf Morning Glory
Featuring brilliant blue flowers and fuzzy silver-green foliage, the Brazilian dwarf morning glory is an easy-to-grow annual that serves as a stunning groundcover or container plant. Its low-growing habit and vibrant flowers make it a versatile addition to any garden, providing a burst of color and texture.
Blanket Flower
The blanket flower, with its vibrant red blooms fringed in yellow, is a favorite among butterflies and songbirds. This native wildflower is heat, drought, and salt tolerant, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in challenging climates. Its cheerful, daisy-like flowers bloom all summer long, adding a warm, welcoming touch to your garden.
Globe Amaranth
Standing out with its tall flower stalks adorned with magenta pink blooms tipped with golden flowers, globe amaranth adds a unique touch to gardens. This hardy annual is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it perfect for busy gardeners who still want a burst of vibrant color.
South African Foxglove
Despite its name, this snapdragon family member produces lavender flowers resembling those of a foxglove. The South African foxglove is loved by hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a fantastic choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Its spikes of tubular flowers bloom all summer, adding vertical interest and delicate beauty to your garden.
Angelonia
With upright spires of violet, mauve, pink, or white blooms, angelonia blooms all summer without the need for deadheading. This tender perennial, often grown as an annual, is tolerant of high heat and makes a striking addition to garden beds and containers. Its resilient nature and continuous blooms make it a garden favorite.
Egyptian Star Flower
Known for its dense clusters of star-shaped flowers in vibrant colors, the Egyptian star flower attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. With good drought tolerance and heat resistance, this annual is ideal for hot, sunny spots in your garden. Its long-lasting blooms provide a steady source of color from spring through fall.
Mexican Zinnia
Mexican zinnia offers cheery blooms in shades of orange, yellow, red, and burgundy, brightening any landscape. This annual is tolerant of heat and drought, making it a favorite among bees and butterflies. Its easy-growing nature and vibrant colors make it a must-have for summer gardens.
