20 Full-Sun Perennials That Bloom All Summer

Summer is the perfect time to fill your garden with an explosion of colors and blooms. Whether you have a full-sun garden or just a partial-sun spot, there are plenty of perennial flowers that will keep your garden coming back to life all season long. From bright red echinacea to bold gold coreopsis, these 20 full-sun perennials are sure to bring beauty to your outdoor space.

One popular full-sun perennial is the silver mound astilbe (Astilbe x arendsii ‘Erika’). This plant likes well-drained soils and will bloom with fluffy pink flowers throughout the summer. Another favorite is the red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria), which produces tall spikes of orange and red flowers. It is a hardy plant that can survive harsh winters and is a favorite among songbirds and cats.

If you’re looking for a variety of colors, there are many different types of dayliy (Hemerocallis) that can be grown in full sun. From the classic yellow Stella de Oro to the lavender-blue ‘Martha Stewart’, daylilies offer a range of hues and a long blooming season. They also have a variety of sizes, with some reaching up to 6 inches in height.

The threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata) is another full-sun perennial that will add a splash of gold to your garden. This plant has delicate, fine foliage and produces masses of bright yellow flowers. It is easy to care for and requires little pruning. Another low-maintenance plant is the lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina). Its soft, fuzzy leaves are a silver-gray color and make a great addition to a border or rock garden. This perennial also attracts bees and butterflies.

If you’re looking for a full-sun perennial that will attract pollinators, consider planting the purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). It is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and produces striking purple-pink flowers with a cone-shaped center. The plants form large clumps and can grow up to 3 feet in height. Another pollinator-friendly option is the Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum). With its large white flowers and yellow centers, this perennial is a standout in any garden.

14 Perennial Plants With Long-Lasting Flowers

If you’re looking to add some color and beauty to your garden, consider planting these 14 perennial plants that feature long-lasting flowers:

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Astilbe: This plant produces clusters of flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and lavender, adding a splash of color to any garden.
Sedum: Known for its succulent foliage, Sedum comes in various colors, like green, gold, and purple. It creates a lovely contrast in any garden.
Drumstick Allium: This plant features round, lavender-colored flower heads that resemble drumsticks. They are a favorite of butterflies and bees.
Stonecrop: Stonecrop is a hardy plant that produces clusters of star-shaped flowers, ranging in color from white to pink to yellow.
Black-eyed Susan: This species of coneflower produces yellow or orange petals with a dark center, attracting pollinators to your garden.
Campanula: Also known as bellflower, Campanula comes in various forms and colors, including blue, pink, and white.
Stachys: Stachys, or lamb’s ear, is a perennial with soft, fuzzy leaves that are great for adding texture to your garden.
Perovskia: This plant, commonly known as Russian sage, has tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall.
Aster: Asters come in a wide range of colors, and their daisy-like flowers can brighten up any garden late into the season.
Monarda: Also known as bee balm, Monarda produces vibrant flowers in shades of red, pink, and purple. It’s a winner in attracting pollinators.
Kniphofia: Commonly known as red hot poker or torch lily, Kniphofia produces tall spikes of flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Lady’s Mantle: This perennial plant features clusters of tiny yellow-green flowers that create a soft, delicate flush in any garden.
Coreopsis: Also known as tickseed, Coreopsis produces bright yellow flowers that can tolerate heat and drought.
Helenium: Helenium, or sneezeweed, produces vibrant flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red, adding a pop of color to your garden.

These perennials will keep on flowering throughout the summer and even into the fall, providing you with long-lasting beauty in your garden. Whether you prefer vibrant colors or more subtle shades, there is a perennial plant that will suit your taste and thrive in your climate zone. Plant them in a sunny area, keep them well-watered, pinch back any dead flowers, and enjoy their long-lasting blooms!

Allium “Drumstick”

Allium “Drumstick” is a beautiful perennial flower that will add a touch of fun and whimsy to your garden. Known for their unique shape and stunning purple color, the drumstick alliums are a favorite among gardeners. These flowers bloom in late spring and early summer, attracting butterflies and songbirds to your garden with their nectar-rich blossoms.

One of the great things about allium “Drumstick” is that it is a full-sun perennial, meaning it thrives in locations with direct sunlight for most of the day. This makes it a perfect choice for gardens that receive plenty of sunshine, making your garden a colorful and vibrant place to be throughout the blooming period.

Allium “Drumstick” is also a low-maintenance perennial. Once planted, it requires minimal care and can tolerate different soil types. It is also deer and rabbit resistant, making it a great choice for gardens located in areas with wildlife. The foliage of this perennial is also evergreen, adding a touch of green to your garden year-round.

If you’re looking for companion plants to pair with allium “Drumstick,” some popular choices include bellflower, coreopsis, salvia, hemerocallis, and campanula. These plants will complement the purple blooms of the allium and create a stunning visual display in your garden. They also provide additional blooms throughout the seasons, ensuring that your garden always has something in bloom.

When it comes to pruning allium “Drumstick,” it’s recommended to deadhead the flowers once they have finished blooming. This will encourage new growth and a second flush of blooms later in the season. You can also leave the seedheads intact, as they add visual interest to your garden and can attract birds, especially finches, who enjoy the seeds.

Overall, allium “Drumstick” is a standout perennial that will bring color and excitement to your garden. Whether grown in a flower bed, a container, or as part of a butterfly or pollinator garden, this allium is sure to be a winner in your garden.

Aster

Asters are bellflower-like lavender-blue flowers that bloom from late summer through fall. They are a popular choice for full-sun gardens due to their long blooming period and ability to thrive in full sun.

Asters are perennials, meaning they come back year after year, making them a reliable addition to any garden. They are easy to grow and care for, making them a favorite among both experienced and novice gardeners.

Types: There are many varieties of asters, including the New England aster (Aster novae-angliae), the Michaelmas daisy (Aster novi-belgii), and the wood aster (Aster divaricatus).
Growing Conditions: Asters prefer full-sun locations but can tolerate some shade. They also thrive in well-draining soil and are drought-tolerant once established.
Blooming: Asters produce clusters of daisy-like flowers in various shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. The blossoms attract bees and butterflies to the garden, adding beauty and life to your landscape.
Caring: Asters should be divided every three to four years to maintain their health and promote continued blooming. In early spring, cut back dead foliage to make way for new growth. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, will help keep asters healthy.
Interesting Fact: Some types of asters, such as the New England aster (Aster novae-angliae), are also known by other common names, such as “Michaelmas daisy” or “John’s-wort”.
Hardiness Zone: Asters are hardy in zones 3-8, but specific varieties may have different hardiness requirements. Check the tag or consult a local gardening expert for the best advice.

In summary, asters are beautiful, full-sun perennials that bloom all summer long. They provide a burst of color to the garden and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. With their easy-care nature and wide range of varieties, asters are a sure bet for a blooming garden.

Astilbe

The Astilbe plant is a popular perennial that blooms all summer long and is a great addition to any garden. This plant thrives in full-sun conditions and is known for its beautiful flowers that come in a variety of shades.

Astilbe is a hardy plant that can withstand harsh winters, making it a great choice for gardeners in many different regions. This plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and forms clusters of small flowers at the top of its stems. The flowers come in shades of pink, red, white, and purple, and attract butterflies and other pollinators.

One popular variety of Astilbe is ‘Perennial Winners’, which has bright red flower heads. Another variety, ‘Agastache’, is known for its tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers. ‘Dayliy Stachys’ is a unique Astilbe variety that has striking red flowers.

To grow Astilbe, plant it in well-drained soil and provide it with direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. Make sure to water the plant regularly, as it does not do well in dry conditions. Astilbe is a perennial plant, which means it will come back year after year.

When planting Astilbe, it is important to prune back the dead stems in the winter to promote new growth in the spring. This plant does not require much maintenance and is relatively easy to care for.

In summary, Astilbe is a beautiful full-sun perennial that blooms all summer long. Its vibrant flowers and hardiness make it a favorite among gardeners. Whether you choose ‘Perennial Winners’, ‘Agastache’, or another variety, Astilbe is sure to add a splash of color to your garden.

(Source: Online Garden Guide)