19 Perennial that Bloom all Summer in Full Sun

You can decorate your backyard with vibrant, coloured, blooming perennials that produce flowers in summer.

These tough plants keep showing up every year, thriving in the blazing sun and bursting with blooms all season long.

If you’re after a garden that’s easy to manage but still wows, full-sun perennials are where it’s at.

They need a solid six hours of direct sunlight each day and reward you with stunning flowers that draw in bees, butterflies, and the whole pollinator gang.

In this write-up, I’ll share full-sun perennials that rock summer and how to grow them so your space can thrive without much hassle.

19 Full Sun Perennials that Bloom in Summer

1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Black-Eyed Susans are iconic summer bloomers known for their cheerful golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark brown or black center. Native to North America, these daisy-like flowers are a favourite among gardeners for their resilience and ability to brighten any space from mid-summer to early fall.

Growing Conditions: Black-Eyed Susans thrive in USDA zones 3-9 and prefer well-drained soil with moderate fertility. They tolerate drought once established and can handle a range of soil types, including clay. Plant them in full sun for the best blooms and water regularly during their first growing season to establish strong roots.

2. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Coneflowers are beloved for their bold, purple-pink petals and prominent spiky centers. These sturdy perennials not only add visual appeal but also attract pollinators and have medicinal properties, often used in herbal teas.

Growing Conditions: Hardy in zones 3-9, coneflowers need full sun and well-drained soil. They’re drought-tolerant and can grow in poor soil, though they prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH. Space plants 1-3 feet apart to allow air circulation and prevent mildew.

3. Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)

Daylilies are versatile perennials with trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a rainbow of colours—yellow, orange, red, and pink. Each bloom lasts only a day, but the plant produces numerous flowers over weeks, ensuring a long-lasting display.

Growing Conditions: Daylilies flourish in zones 3-9 in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They adapt to various soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as it’s well-drained. Water consistently during dry spells and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour.

4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is a fragrant perennial with spikes of purple flowers that bloom in summer, filling the air with a soothing scent. It’s a staple in herb gardens and borders, prized for both its beauty and utility in crafts and aromatherapy.

Growing Conditions: Best suited for zones 5-9, lavender demands full sun and well-drained slightly alkaline soil. It’s drought-tolerant and dislikes wet feet, so avoid overwatering. Prune after flowering to encourage bushy growth.

5. Shasta Daisy

Shasta Daisies are classic perennials with large, white petals and sunny yellow centers. They bloom prolifically in summer, offering a clean, timeless look to gardens and cut flower arrangements.

Growing Conditions: Hardy in zones 5-9, Shasta Daisies need full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. They prefer consistent moisture but can tolerate short dry periods. Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering.

6. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a tough perennial with flat clusters of tiny flowers in shades of yellow, pink, red, or white. Its feathery foliage adds texture, and it’s a magnet for beneficial insects.

Growing Conditions: Thriving in zones 3-9, yarrow loves full sun and tolerates poor, dry soil. It’s highly drought-resistant and requires little maintenance. Cut back after blooming to promote a second flush.

7. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)

Salvia, or perennial sage, boasts tall spikes of vibrant purple, blue, or pink flowers. Its aromatic leaves and long bloom time make it a standout in summer gardens.

Growing Conditions: Hardy in zones 4-9, salvia needs full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established and benefits from occasional deadheading to prolong flowering.

8. Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora)

Coreopsis, often called tickseed, produces masses of bright yellow or pink flowers. Its airy foliage and continuous summer blooms make it a cheerful addition to any sunny spot.

Growing Conditions: Suited for zones 4-9, coreopsis thrives in full sun and tolerates poor, sandy soil. It’s drought-resistant and low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering.

9. Russian Sage

Russian Sage is a woody perennial with silvery foliage and airy spikes of lavender-blue flowers. Its ethereal look and drought tolerance make it a summer favourite.

Growing Conditions: Hardy in zones 5-9 demands full sun and well-drained soil. It dislikes wet conditions and thrives in hot, dry climates. Prune in spring to maintain shape.

10. Blanket Flower

Blanket Flowers are bold perennials with red, yellow, and orange daisy-like blooms. They’re named for their resemblance to Native American woven blankets and bloom all summer.

Growing Conditions: Growing in zones 3-10, blanket flowers need full sun and well-drained soil. They’re drought-tolerant and thrive in poor conditions, requiring minimal care.

11. Phlox

Garden Phlox offers clusters of fragrant flowers in pink, purple, white, or red. It’s a cottage garden classic that blooms from mid to late summer.

Growing Conditions: Hardy in zones 4-8, phlox loves full sun and rich, moist soil. Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew and water during dry spells.

12. Bee Balm

Bee Balm, with its spiky, vibrant blooms in red, pink, or purple, is a pollinator magnet. Its aromatic leaves are also used in teas.

Growing Conditions: Thriving in zones 4-9, bee balm prefers full sun but tolerates light shade. It needs moist, well-drained soil and benefits from division every few years.

13. Helenium

Helenium, or sneezeweed, features daisy-like flowers in warm shades of yellow, orange, and red. It blooms from late summer into fall, adding late-season colour.

Growing Conditions: Hardy in zones 3-8, helenium requires full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates wet conditions better than drought.

14. Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)

Catmint is a low-growing perennial with soft grey-green leaves and spikes of lavender-blue flowers. It’s a long-blooming, easy-care plant.

Growing Conditions: Suited for zones 3-8, catmint loves full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant and benefits from shearing after the first bloom.

15. Liatris (Liatris spicata)

Liatris, or blazing star, produces tall, feathery spikes of purple or white flowers that bloom from the top down. It’s a striking addition to sunny borders.

Growing Conditions: Hardy in zones 3-9, liatris needs full sun and well-drained soil. It tolerates drought and poor soil but prefers consistent moisture.

16. Veronica (Veronica spicata)

Veronica, or speedwell, offers slender spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers. Its compact size makes it ideal for edging or rock gardens.

Growing Conditions: Growing in zones 3-8, Veronica thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It prefers moderate moisture and benefits from deadheading.

17. Sedum (Sedum spectabile)

Sedum, or stonecrop, is a succulent perennial with fleshy leaves and star-shaped pink or yellow flowers. It blooms in late summer, attracting butterflies.

Growing Conditions: Hardy in zones 3-9, sedum loves full sun and well-drained soil. It’s extremely drought-tolerant and requires little care.

18. Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

Hollyhocks are tall, stately perennials with large, cup-shaped flowers in various colours. They bloom along sturdy stalks in mid-summer.

Growing Conditions: Suited for zones 3-8, hollyhocks need full sun and well-drained soil. They prefer rich soil and may require staking in windy areas.

19. Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)

Asters bring star-shaped flowers in purple, blue, or pink to late summer gardens. They’re a perfect transition into fall blooms.

Growing Conditions: Hardy in zones 3-8, asters thrive in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. They tolerate some drought but perform best with regular watering.

Conclusion

Wrapping it up, these full-sun perennials that bloom all summer long are a total game-changer for any garden.

They bring non-stop colour, tough-it-out vibes, and a whole lot of charm without asking for much in return. Whether you’re vibing with the bold vibes of Black-Eyed Susans or the chill elegance of Lavender, there’s something here for every sunny spot.

With just a bit of know-how about their growing needs—like good drainage or a splash of water here and there—you can sit back and watch your yard turn into a buzzing, blooming paradise.

Perfect for newbies or seasoned plant lovers, these perennials keep the summer party going strong year after year.