10 Full-Sun Perennials That Are Colorful and Easy to Grow

Coneflower

Coneflowers are colorful, daisy-shaped flowers with spiny centers and petals in hues of purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. They’re native to North America and adapt to many climates.

“Coneflowers thrive in full sun and are drought-tolerant once established,” says Michael Clarke, landscape architect, horticulturalist, and founder at Yardwork. “They do best with regular watering during dry spells and prefer well-draining, slightly sandy soil.”

They should be deadheaded to encourage continuous blooms through the summer.

• Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil: Well-draining

Black-Eyed Susans

Black-eyed Susans bring cheer to any garden, with bright, yellow, or gold petals surrounding dark, cone-shaped central disks.

“Black-eyed Susans love full sun and well-drained soil,” Clarke explains. “They can tolerate dry conditions once established but will bloom best with moderate watering.”

Remove spent flowers to promote more blooms and maintain a neat appearance.

• Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining acidic or neutral

Tickseed

Tickseed is a native North American flowering perennial with stunning, daisy-like flowers in hues of red, yellow, pink, white, or orange. This hardy perennial is low-maintenance and thrives in full sun with well-draining soil.

“Known for its early bloom time and mildew resistance, it is virtually carefree!” says Laura Janney, CEO of The Inspired Garden Masterclass. “No deadheading is required to encourage new blooms, but feel free to clean up her spent blooms by cutting down to the next lateral leaf.”

Janney adds that it needs to be divided every three to five years (so you have more flowers to share!).

• Hardiness Zones: 2 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Sandy, well-drained 

Shasta Daisies

Shasta daisies bring elegant beauty to outdoor landscapes, with classic white daisy petals and sunny yellow central discs. These pretty perennials require at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive.

“Shasta daisies require well-draining, slightly acidic soil and need regular watering, especially during dry periods,” Clarke says. “Deadheading spent flowers will encourage a longer blooming period.” 

• Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
• Light: Full or partial sun
• Soil: Loamy, well-draining

Russian Sage

Russian sage has distinct, long lavender blooms, grey-green leaves, and silvery stems. This low-maintenance, long-blooming perennial grows quickly and easily.

“Russian sage is highly drought-tolerant once established and grows well in dry, well-drained soil,” explains Clarke. “It prefers full sun and does not need frequent watering.”

It’s best to trim it back in early spring to promote fresh growth and prevent legginess.

• Hardiness Zones: 3a to 9b 
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining, sandy

Yarrow

Yarrow is a hardy perennial with fern-like leaves and clusters of small, bright flowers in shades of white, pink, or yellow.

“I think yarrow is one of the best full-sun perennials,” says Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love. “It prefers full sun and is drought-tolerant, so it’s super easy to care for.”

He adds that it attracts good insects but repels harmful animals like deer, so it’s a great addition to virtually any garden. Yarrow prefers sandy or loamy, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Sandy, loamy, clay, well-drained soil

Avens

Avens, also called geum, have striking, small flowers in brilliant colors ranging from orange to yellow and red. These fast-growing perennials are drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and thrive in full sun. They bloom earlier than most perennials, in May, Janney explains.

Avens need well-drained soil that is moist but not overwatered, according to Janney. They grow quickly, and you can divide them into more plants. 

• Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant perennial with signature purple flowers that are popular for their soothing scents. Lavender flourishes with plenty of sun and dry soil.

“Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained slightly alkaline soil,” Clarke says. “Water it sparingly since lavender does not like to be too moist. Prune regularly to encourage new growth and to keep its shape.”

• Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining, dry

Salvia

Salvia is a popular perennial plant in the sage family with blooms in a wide range of colors, including pink, blue, purple, red, white, and yellow.

“Salvia is a great plant for full sun,” Clarke says. “Once established, it is fairly drought-tolerant and does best when cut back after blooming to encourage a second flush of flowers and to maintain its shape.”

• Hardiness Zones: 4 to 10
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Loamy, well-draining, sandy

Butterfly Weed

Butterfly weed is a sun-loving perennial with bright orange blooms that grow in clusters. This low-maintenance plant prefers dry conditions.

“Butterfly weed is another great one,” Corcoran says. “It grows vibrant orange flowers, deters deer, and helps monarch butterflies.”

It prefers full sun and once established, grows back denser with each passing year. This plant prefers well-draining soil that is either sandy or loamy, though it can tolerate clay in some cases.

• Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Dry, well-drained