Best Flowering Shrubs For Full Sun (2024 Updated)

When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

If you're looking to add some color and texture to your garden, flowering shrubs are a great option. However, not all shrubs are created equal, and some may not thrive in full sun. When searching for the best flowering shrubs for full sun, there are a few key points to keep in mind.

First, consider the climate in your area. Some shrubs may not do well in hot, dry conditions, while others may struggle in cold climates. Make sure to choose shrubs that are well-suited to your specific climate.

Next, think about the size and shape of the shrub. Some shrubs can grow quite large, while others are more compact. Consider the space you have available and choose shrubs that will fit well in your garden.

Another important factor to consider is the bloom time. Some shrubs bloom in the spring, while others put on their show in the summer or fall. Choose shrubs that will bloom at different times throughout the season to keep your garden looking colorful and vibrant.

You should also consider the soil type and pH in your garden. Some shrubs prefer acidic soil, while others do best in alkaline soil. Make sure to choose shrubs that will thrive in the soil conditions in your garden.

Finally, think about the maintenance requirements of the shrubs you're considering. Some shrubs require regular pruning and upkeep, while others are more low-maintenance. Choose shrubs that fit your gardening style and the amount of time you have to devote to maintenance.

By keeping these key points in mind, you'll be able to choose the best flowering shrubs for full sun that will thrive in your garden and provide beautiful blooms all season long.

10 Best Flowering Shrubs For Full Sun

1. Encore Azalea Autumn Twist (2 Gallon) Purple And Pink Flowering Shrub – Full Sun Live Outdoor Plant

The Encore Azalea Autumn Twist is a beautiful and vibrant flowering shrub that is sure to add a pop of color to any outdoor space. This plant comes in a 2-gallon pot with soil, making it easy to transplant and care for. However, it is important to note that this particular item is unavailable for shipment to Hawaii and Alaska.

The Encore Azalea Autumn Twist is a hardy plant that can thrive in USDA zones 6A-10B. At maturity, it can reach a height of 4.5 feet and a width of 4 feet, making it a great choice for hedges, borders, or as a standalone accent plant. The plant is also known by its scientific name, Rhododendron ‘Conlep’ PP12133.

One of the most striking features of the Encore Azalea Autumn Twist is its beautiful purple and pink flowers, which bloom in the fall and continue to flower intermittently throughout the year. This makes it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a long-lasting burst of color in their garden or yard.

Another advantage of this plant is that it can thrive in full sun, making it a versatile choice for a variety of outdoor spaces. However, it is important to ensure that the plant is well-watered and has adequate drainage to prevent root rot.

Overall, the Encore Azalea Autumn Twist is a beautiful and hardy plant that is sure to add a touch of elegance and color to any outdoor space. With its easy-to-care-for nature and long-lasting blooms, it is a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

2. Encore Azalea Autumn Embers (2 Gallon) Red – Orange Flowering Shrub – Full Sun Live Outdoor Plant

The Encore Azalea Autumn Embers is a stunning, red-orange flowering shrub that will add a pop of color to any outdoor landscape. This live outdoor plant is shipped in a pot with soil and is not available for purchase in Hawaii and Alaska.

With its USDA zone rating of 6B-10B, the Encore Azalea Autumn Embers is a hardy shrub that can thrive in a variety of climates. At maturity, this azalea can reach a height of 3 feet and a width of 3.5 feet, making it a perfect addition to gardens, borders, or as a foundation planting.

The Encore Azalea Autumn Embers is a member of the Rhododendron ‘Conleb’ PP10581 cultivar and is part of the Encore Azalea family. These azaleas are known for their ability to bloom multiple times throughout the year, providing an extended period of beauty and color.

To ensure the Encore Azalea Autumn Embers thrives in your outdoor space, it is best to plant it in a location that receives full sun. It is important to ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

In addition to its stunning color and ability to bloom multiple times throughout the year, the Encore Azalea Autumn Embers is also known for its low maintenance requirements. It is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it perfect for novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Overall, the Encore Azalea Autumn Embers is a beautiful and hardy shrub that will add both color and texture to any outdoor landscape. Whether used as a focal point or as part of a larger planting scheme, this azalea is sure to impress.

3. Autumn Royalty Encore Azalea – 3 Gallon – Purple Flowering Shrub – Full Sun – Live Outdoor Rhododendron Plant (Aoy)

Encore Azalea Autumn Royalty is a stunning evergreen shrub that offers reblooming purple flowers for months on end. This fast-growing plant makes an excellent foundation growth plant and can reach sizes of 4.5' W x 4' H. Its dense growth habit makes it an ideal focal point for your yard and garden.

In the spring, summer, and fall, the deep pink flowers of the Autumn Royalty will attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, adding to the beauty of your outdoor space. This plant is hardy in zones 6-10 and can thrive in full sun, but it prefers partial shade for optimal blooms.

The Encore Azalea Autumn Royalty is a low-maintenance plant that requires little pruning to retain its form. It does not need to be deadheaded, and if you decide to prune it, it's best to do so immediately after the spring flowering. Light pruning may facilitate growth and flowering in future seasons. However, avoid pruning in the fall as it may remove buds that have begun setting for the next blooming season.

This plant prefers acidic soil with a maximum pH of 6.5, but it prefers lower, around 5.5. It's essential to water this plant regularly, especially during dry periods, in its early years. Once established, it can tolerate some drought conditions.

The Autumn Royalty is shipped as a 3-gallon potted plant with soil from the Alabama Gulf Coast. Please note that it's not guaranteed to be in bloom on arrival. Unfortunately, this plant is unavailable to ship to Hawaii and Alaska.

In summary, the Encore Azalea Autumn Royalty is a reblooming evergreen shrub that offers stunning deep pink flowers for months on end. It's easy to care for, requires little pruning, and can attract a variety of pollinators to your outdoor space. With its dense growth habit, it's an ideal foundation plant that can thrive in full sun or partial shade. If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant that offers months of beauty, the Autumn Royalty is an excellent choice.

4. Encore Azalea Autumn Carnation (1 Gallon) Pink Flowering Shrub – Full Sun Live Outdoor Plant

The Encore Azalea Autumn Carnation is a stunning pink flowering shrub that is perfect for adding color and vibrancy to any outdoor space. This plant is shipped in a pot with soil, making it easy to plant and care for right away. However, it is important to note that this item is unavailable in Hawaii and Alaska due to agricultural restrictions.

The Encore Azalea Autumn Carnation is a hardy plant that can thrive in a range of USDA zones, from 6A to 10B. It is also a relatively large plant, with a mature size of 4.5 feet in height and 4 feet in width. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to add some height and dimension to their garden or landscaping.

This particular variety of the Encore Azalea is known as Rhododendron ‘Roblec’ PP15339. It is a member of the Encore Azalea family, which are known for their ability to bloom multiple times throughout the year. The Autumn Carnation, in particular, is named for its beautiful pink flowers, which bloom in the fall.

To care for the Encore Azalea Autumn Carnation, it is recommended to plant it in an area with full sun exposure. This will help ensure that the plant receives the necessary amount of light to grow and bloom properly. It is also important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and to fertilize the plant regularly.

Overall, the Encore Azalea Autumn Carnation is a beautiful and hardy plant that can add a pop of color to any outdoor space. With its easy-to-care-for nature and ability to bloom multiple times per year, it is a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

5. Pink Variegated Oleander (2 Gal) Evergreen Shrub With Full Sun Exposure And Southern Living Plants' Pink Blooms.

The Twist of Pink Variegated Oleander (2 Gallon) is a beautiful flowering evergreen shrub that is perfect for adding a touch of color to your outdoor space. This live plant is a Southern Living Plant Collection member and can be grown in USDA zones 8-10. It typically reaches a mature size of 6-8' H x 6-8' W.

Please note that this live oleander plant cannot be shipped to Hawaii or Alaska. It is shipped in a pot with soil and may not be in bloom upon arrival. However, with proper care and maintenance, this plant will produce beautiful pink blooms that will add a pop of color to your garden.

The Twist of Pink Variegated Oleander is a popular choice for those looking for a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant plant. It is an evergreen shrub that can tolerate full sun exposure and can grow in a variety of soil types. This makes it a great choice for gardens, borders, and even as a hedge.

When it comes to caring for this plant, it is important to keep in mind that it is toxic if ingested. So if you have pets or small children, it is best to keep them away from the plant. In terms of watering, the Twist of Pink Variegated Oleander prefers to be kept slightly dry. So be sure not to overwater it as this can cause root rot.

Overall, the Twist of Pink Variegated Oleander is a beautiful and hardy flowering shrub that is perfect for adding color and texture to your outdoor space. With proper care and maintenance, it will continue to produce stunning pink blooms year after year. So why not add this plant to your garden today?

6. Encore Azalea Autumn Bravo (3 Gal) Red Perennial Shrub For Full Sun. Live Evergreen Outdoor Plant.

The Encore Azalea Autumn Bravo is a stunning red flowering shrub that is perfect for gardeners who love low maintenance plants that can thrive in full sun. This plant is known for its ability to tolerate full sun better than traditional azaleas, making it a great addition to any garden.

The colorful, single scarlet blooms of the Autumn Bravo appear in the summer and sit atop dark green foliage that slowly transcends into orange-bronze during the winter months, providing visual interest throughout the year. This plant can be used along mixed borders, as a foundation plant, or even in a container in warmer climates. Butterflies love to descend upon these flowering plants once spring arrives, making them a great choice for gardeners who want to attract pollinators.

One of the best things about the Encore Azalea Autumn Bravo is that it is low maintenance. These dwarf azaleas do not require any pruning, but if you would like, you can trim them after the spring blooming has concluded. Since this is an evergreen azalea rhododendron, its beautiful foliage will continue to be a centerpiece in your garden during the winter months.

The Encore Azalea Autumn Bravo is hardy in USDA Zones 6a-10b. It should be planted in full sun to partial shade as it requires 4-6 hours of sunlight to provide optimum growth and flowering. Watering should be done thoroughly twice per week until established, then water once per week. It is important not to allow water to pool around the plant. These outdoor plants thrive in acidic soil with a pH of 5 to 6.5.

This plant ships as a 3-gallon potted plant with soil from the Alabama Gulf Coast. It is important to note that it is not guaranteed to be in bloom on arrival. Additionally, this plant is unavailable to ship to Hawaii and Alaska.

In summary, the Encore Azalea Autumn Bravo is a beautiful and low maintenance plant that can thrive in full sun. Its stunning red blooms and evergreen foliage make it a great addition to any garden, and its ability to attract pollinators is an added bonus. Gardeners in USDA Zones 6a-10b should consider adding this plant to their collection.

7. Snow White Indian Hawthorn (2.5 Gallon) White Blooming Evergreen Shrub – Full Sun Live Outdoor Plant

The Snow White Indian Hawthorn is a stunning evergreen shrub that boasts beautiful white blooms and lush foliage. It is a popular choice for outdoor landscaping due to its hardiness and low maintenance needs. This plant is specifically adapted to thrive in full sun, making it an ideal choice for gardens, patios, and other outdoor living spaces.

This particular variety of Indian Hawthorn, Raphiolepis indica Snow White, grows to a mature height and width of 4 feet. It is best suited to USDA Zones 7-10 and is shipped in a pot with soil. Please note that this product is currently unavailable for shipping to Hawaii and Alaska.

The Snow White Indian Hawthorn is a versatile plant that can be used for a variety of purposes in outdoor landscaping. It is commonly used as a border plant, foundation planting, or as an accent in mixed beds. Its lush foliage and delicate white blooms make it a popular addition to any garden.

One of the biggest advantages of the Snow White Indian Hawthorn is its low maintenance needs. It requires minimal pruning and watering, making it a great choice for busy homeowners who want to enjoy a beautiful garden without spending hours tending to it.

Overall, the Snow White Indian Hawthorn is a stunning and low maintenance evergreen shrub that is perfect for outdoor landscaping. Its delicate white blooms and lush foliage make it a popular choice for gardens, patios, and other outdoor living spaces. If you are looking for a low maintenance plant that will add beauty and elegance to your outdoor living space, the Snow White Indian Hawthorn is an excellent choice.

8. 2.5 Qt. Camellia 'mine No Yuki' – Evergreen Shrub With White Flowers For Full Sun – Live Outdoor Plant

The Mine No Yuki Camellia is an evergreen shrub that produces beautiful white blooms, making it a popular choice among gardeners. This particular variety of Camellia sasanqua is available in a 2.5 quart size and is suitable for full sun outdoor planting.

Please note that this item is not available for shipping to Hawaii and Alaska. The plant will be shipped in a pot with soil, ready for immediate planting upon arrival.

The Mine No Yuki Camellia is known for its stunning white blooms that appear in the fall and winter months. These flowers are a popular choice for use in floral arrangements due to their delicate beauty and sweet fragrance.

This shrub is hardy in USDA zones 7-9 and can grow up to 6-8 feet in height and width when mature. The Mine No Yuki Camellia is an evergreen, meaning it retains its leaves year-round, providing a beautiful backdrop for your garden even in the winter months.

Plants by Mail is a trusted source for high-quality plants and gardening supplies. Our team carefully selects each plant we offer to ensure that it meets our rigorous standards for quality and health. We take great care in packaging and shipping our plants to ensure that they arrive at your door in excellent condition.

If you're looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for addition to your garden, the Mine No Yuki Camellia is an excellent choice. With its stunning white blooms and evergreen foliage, this shrub is sure to add beauty and interest to any outdoor space.

9. Encore Azalea Autumn Sundance (1 Gallon) Pink Flowering Shrub – Full Sun Live Outdoor Plant

The Encore Azalea Autumn Sundance is a stunning pink flowering shrub that thrives in full sun and is perfect for outdoor gardens. This fast-growing dwarf plant features beautiful fuchsia pink single blooms that retain their color longer than any other azaleas. Its bright green foliage remains vibrant year-round, making it a great addition to any garden.

This plant demands visual attention and can be used in large quantities as a low-growing hedge or as a single plant accent. It also works well in containers, bordering patios and walkways, and as foundation plantings. Its broadleaf evergreen nature provides four seasons of color, making it a superior choice for creating hedges.

The Encore Azalea Autumn Sundance is a low-maintenance plant that still demands a statement wherever it is planted. It requires minimal pruning, making it an ideal choice for those who want a low-maintenance plant that still provides a visual impact. Its compact size also means less pruning is necessary.

This plant is hardy in USDA Zones 6a-10b and requires 4-6 hours of sunlight to provide optimum growth and flowering. It thrives in acidic soil with a pH of 5-6.5 and should be watered thoroughly twice per week until established, then once per week thereafter.

The Encore Azalea Autumn Sundance ships as a 1-gallon potted plant with soil from the Alabama Gulf Coast. While it is not guaranteed to be in bloom upon arrival, it is sure to bloom beautifully once established. Please note that this plant is unavailable for shipment to Hawaii and Alaska.

Overall, the Encore Azalea Autumn Sundance is an excellent choice for those looking to add a stunning pink flowering shrub to their outdoor garden. Its fast growth, low-maintenance nature, and vibrant color make it a standout addition to any landscape.

10. 2.5 Gal Ruby Loropetalum: Pink Blooming Evergreen Shrub W/ Purple Foliage – Full Sun Live Outdoor Plant.

The Ruby Loropetalum, also known as the Chinese Fringe Flower, is a stunning evergreen shrub that can add beauty and color to any outdoor space. This plant is known for its vibrant pink blooms and deep purple foliage, making it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers alike.

The Ruby Loropetalum is a hardy shrub that can withstand full sun exposure, making it an ideal choice for gardens, borders, and hedges. It is also a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care, making it an excellent option for those who want to add some color to their outdoor space without having to put in a lot of effort.

The plant comes in a 2.5-gallon pot with soil, and it is not available in Hawaii and Alaska. The Ruby Loropetalum is best suited for USDA zones 7-10, and it can grow up to 4-5 feet in both height and width when mature.

One of the standout features of the Ruby Loropetalum is its stunning pink blooms. The flowers appear in early spring and continue to bloom throughout the summer, adding a pop of color to any outdoor space. The deep purple foliage of the plant also adds to its visual appeal, providing a striking contrast to the bright pink blooms.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Ruby Loropetalum is also a hardy and durable plant. It is resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. It is also a drought-tolerant plant, which means it can survive in areas with minimal rainfall.

If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that can add color and beauty to your outdoor space, the Ruby Loropetalum is an excellent choice. With its stunning pink blooms and deep purple foliage, this evergreen shrub is sure to make a statement in any garden or landscape. So, if you want to add some beauty to your garden, get the Ruby Loropetalum from Plants by Mail.

Best Flowering Shrubs For Full Sun FAQs

Are there any native flowering shrubs for full sun that are drought-tolerant and easy to grow?

Yes, there are several native flowering shrubs that are suitable for full sun, drought-tolerant, and easy to grow. Some examples include:

1. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) – This shrub produces beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, lavender, or white, and is highly drought-tolerant. It can grow up to 30 feet tall but can be pruned to maintain a smaller size.

2. Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) – This evergreen shrub produces small, delicate purple or pink flowers and can grow up to 8 feet tall. It is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance.

3. Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa) – This shrub produces pink or white flowers in the spring and has attractive foliage throughout the year. It is highly drought-tolerant and can grow up to 20 feet tall.

All of these native shrubs are well-suited to hot, sunny conditions and require minimal water and maintenance once established.

Can you recommend some low-maintenance flowering shrubs for a hot and sunny location?

For a hot and sunny location, there are several low-maintenance flowering shrubs that can thrive. One option is the butterfly bush, a drought-tolerant shrub that produces fragrant and colorful blooms. Another option is the crape myrtle, which can withstand extreme heat and produces long-lasting flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. The dwarf pomegranate is also a great option for a low-maintenance shrub with beautiful orange-red flowers and edible fruit. Other options include the dwarf oleander, lantana, and the Texas sage, which all require minimal care and produce vibrant blooms throughout the summer. It's important to note that while these shrubs are low-maintenance, they still require proper watering and occasional pruning to ensure healthy growth and blooming.

How do I choose the right flowering shrubs for full sun based on their size, color, and growth habits?

To choose the right flowering shrubs for full sun based on their size, color, and growth habits, consider the following factors:

1) Size: Determine the available space for planting and choose shrubs that will fit the area without overcrowding or overpowering other plants. Consider the mature size of the shrub and its potential growth rate.

2) Color: Decide on the color scheme you want for your garden and choose shrubs with flowers that complement or contrast with other plants in the area. Consider the bloom time and duration of the shrub's flowers.

3) Growth habits: Choose shrubs with growth habits that fit your landscape design. Some shrubs grow tall and narrow, while others are low and spreading. Some shrubs require regular pruning, while others are low maintenance.

Overall, it's important to select shrubs that will thrive in your specific soil and climate conditions. Consider consulting with a local nursery or horticulturist for advice on the best shrubs for your area.

What are some of the best flowering shrubs for full sun that attract pollinators?

There are several great flowering shrubs that thrive in full sun and attract pollinators. Some of the best options include:

1. Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) – This shrub produces fragrant, cone-shaped flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

2. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) – This shrub has tall, spiky flowers that bloom in shades of purple and blue, attracting bees and butterflies.

3. Spirea (Spiraea species) – These shrubs produce clusters of pink, white, or red flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – This shrub produces fragrant purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

5. Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) – This shrub produces showy clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

Overall, these flowering shrubs not only add beauty to your garden but also provide a valuable food source for pollinators.

What are the best flowering shrubs for full sun that bloom all season long?

There are several options for flowering shrubs that thrive in full sun and bloom throughout the season. One popular choice is the hydrangea, which comes in a variety of colors and can bloom from early summer to fall. Another option is the butterfly bush, which attracts pollinators and blooms from mid-summer to fall. The rose of Sharon is also a good choice, with large, showy flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The potentilla shrub is another option, with bright yellow, pink, or white blooms that last from late spring to early fall. Finally, the hibiscus shrub is a great choice for hot, sunny areas, with large, colorful blooms that can last from mid-summer to fall. When selecting flowering shrubs, consider factors such as soil type, watering needs, and pruning requirements to ensure a successful and long-lasting display of blooms.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Comment