8 Low-Maintenance Annuals That Thrive in Full Sun

Zinnia

Zinnias are stunning annuals with rounded, daisy-like blooms in many shades, including pink, yellow, purple, orange, red, white, and green. These prized plants thrive in sunny locations.

“Zinnias have some drought tolerance, which makes them perfect for hot sunny spots,” explains Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus Luxury Estate Landscaping Company. “They can attract butterflies and beneficial predators, which makes them a good choice for planting near vegetable gardens.”

• Hardiness Zone: 2 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining

Ageratum

Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), also called floss flower, is a unique, warm-season annual with fuzzy flowers in blue, pink, purple, or white.

“Ageratum has cute little fuzzy blooms that add a nice sparkle to your garden,” says Laura Janney, CEO of The Inspired Garden Masterclass. “I love the soft texture against the more defined blooms—it comes in various sizes, so shorter plants go well in the border and taller ones can go in the mid-back layer.”

Janney recommends deadheading blooms to encourage more flowers.

• Hardiness Zone: 2 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-draining

Marigold

Marigolds are popular annuals with pom-pom-like, full flowers that usually come in shades of red, gold, orange, or yellow. These cheerful, low-maintenance flowers thrive in full sunshine with well-draining soil.

“Marigolds need to be deadheaded regularly so their blooms can emerge healthily,” advises Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery. “They’re subject to pests like aphids, so you should keep an eye on them for that.”

• Hardiness Zone: 2 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained

Dahlias

Dahlias have show-stopping, ruffled petals that come in almost every color, including purple, pink, red, white, burgundy, and blue. “There are very few plants as uniquely beautiful as dahlias,” Dilmore explains. “There are endless beautiful varieties available to choose from, and they also make excellent cut flowers.”

Dahlias thrive with at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Although they can be perennials in warm climates, they are usually grown as annuals. 

• Hardiness Zone: 8 to 10
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy

Geraniums

Geraniums are sun-loving plants that come in many varieties, all with colorful flowers arranged in single or double petals. “They are prolific bloomers and are available in red, white, pink, and salmon colors,” Dilmore says. “Geraniums love the hot summer sun and will thrive the hotter it gets.”

He adds that while they are very low-maintenance, they appreciate regular watering in the summer for continuous full blooms.

• Hardiness Zone: 10 and 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Loamy, well-drained

Angelonia

Angelonia  (Angelonia angustifolia), also called summer snapdragon, is a hardy annual with tall, striking blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. “Keep cutting them back and deadheading and you will have blooms going all summer long,” Janney advises.

This deer-resistant plant thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and can tolerate heat, humidity, and drought. It is grown as an annual in most regions but can be a perennial in warmer climates. 

• Hardiness Zone: 9 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining, moist 

Sunflowers

Sunflowers, a symbol of sunshine, true to their name, flourish in full sun conditions. These bright yellow annuals have large blooms that last from summer to early fall. Their sturdy, hairy stems can reach up to 15 feet tall.

Plant sunflowers in a sunny location with well-draining soil and keep them clear of weeds. 

• Hardiness Zone: 2 to 11
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-draining

Vinca

Vinca (Catharanthus roseus), also called Madagascar periwinkle, is a low-maintenance tropical perennial that is usually grown as an annual. Vinca flourishes in full sunshine and has brilliant, five-petal blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, or white.

“It’s vibrant and a great filler for containers and borders of gardens,” Janney says. “Vinca comes in a variety of colors and is extremely heat-tolerant and deer-resistant.” Continuously deadhead vinca to encourage more blooms, Janney advises.

• Hardiness Zone: 9 to 11
• Light: Full or partial sun
• Soil: Loamy, sandy