Best Full Sun Shrubs Categorized for Zone 7, 8 and 9

Selecting shrubs that thrive in full sun and are suited to specific climate zones is an important step for a flourishing garden.

This article will explore the 3 best full-sun shrubs for each of these zones, with a focus on their adaptability, beauty, and how they enhance outdoor spaces, while we saw and inspected them.

In This Article

1. Crape Myrtle

2. Oleander

3. Forsythia

2. Knock Out Roses

3. Indian Hawthorn

1. Bottlebrush

Best Shrubs for Zone 7:

Best Shrubs for Zone 8:

Best Shrubs for Zone 9:

3. Star Jasmine

2. Lantana

1. Hibiscus

Zone 7: Transitioning Climates

Zone 7 plants experience a mix of moderate winters and warm summers. In general, for best growth in this zone, the plants you choose need to be resilient to occasional cold snaps while thriving in extended periods of warmth and sunlight. Here are three examples:

Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtle, reaching 1.5-8 m (5-25 ft) depending on the variety, is a staple in Zone 7 landscapes. It thrives in full sun, offering a spectacular display of colorful flowers in summer. We found it in shades of pink, red, purple, and white, the flowering bush is perfect for adding long-lasting color and nice texture to gardens making it one of the best shrubs for full sun.

Knock Out Roses

Knock Out Roses can extend about 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) in height and are a popular choice for Zone 7 but these perennials can also grow in zone 6, or 8 gardens due to their exceptional disease resistance and continuous blooming from spring to frost. They thrive in full sun and adapt well to various soil types. They work well as Zone 5 or 6 plants and also offer dwarf varieties for full sun.

Forsythia

Forsythia, reaching up to 2-3 m (6-10 ft), is a great spring plant for this hardiness zone with its bright yellow blooms. It thrives in full sun and adapts well to various soil types similar to Knock out Roses. The yellow flowering plant is perfect for creating a vibrant display in early spring and can be used for hedges or as a standalone ornamental shrub.

Zone 8: Mild Winters and Long Summers

Zone 8 plants need to handle mild winters and long, hot summers. We found that the full-sun shrubs in this zone are chosen for their ability to thrive in extended heat and sunlight (just a little hotter than Zone 7), here are three shrubs that thrive well in this zone:

Bottlebrush

Bottlebrush, growing to about 1-4 m (3-13 ft), is ideal for warm climate like the Mediteranean climate. It flourishes in full sun, producing striking red, brush-like flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This evergreen shrub is drought-tolerant once established, making it a great choice for low-maintenance, water-wise gardens.

Oleander

It prefers full sun and well-drained soil with its great flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow. Oleander is perfect for creating a lush, Mediterranean feel in landscapes similar to the red Bottlebrush, but it's important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Oleander, reaching up to 2-6 m (6-20 ft), thrives in the warm conditions of Zone 8.

Indian Hawthorn

Indian Hawthorn, growing to about 1-2 m (3-6 ft), is a hardy shrub for Zone 8. It enjoys full sun and produces clusters of pink or white flowers in spring. This low-maintenance shrub is ideal for foundation plantings, hedges, or as an ornamental feature, offering evergreen foliage and a compact growth habit.

Zone 9: Warm and Temperate

Zone 9 is characterized by warm temperatures all year, it is hotter than zones 7 and 8 so you need to choose plants that are suited for more warmth than cold so that your garden can flourish. Shrubs in this zone must be able to withstand prolonged heat and sun exposure. Here are the top full sun shrubs for this Zone:

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is growing to about 1.5-3 m (5-10 ft) and is ideal as a Zone 9 or Zone 10 plant. It flourishes in full sun, producing large, showy flowers in a variety of colors. This exotic plant is perfect for adding a bold splash of color to gardens, and its flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies similar to Lantana. Hibiscus is edible in some cases and brings a tropical vibe to any garden setting.

Lantana

It produces vibrant, multicolored flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Lantana is excellent for adding color to borders, beds, or as a ground cover, with its ability to thrive in hot, sunny conditions. Lantana, reaching about 60-150 cm (2-5 ft), is a sun-loving, drought-tolerant plant perfect for Zone 9.

Star Jasmine

Star Jasmine, reaching about 1-3 m (3-10 ft) in height, is a versatile plant for Zone 9. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, producing fragrant, star-shaped white flowers. This evergreen vine can be trained as a shrub and is perfect for adding a fragrant, lush element to gardens, walls, or trellises.

Sources

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1. USDA hardiness zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map | USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

2. Zone 7 plants: 15 USDA Zone 7 Plant Ideas For The Mid-South (southernliving.com)

3. Zone 8 information and plants: Zone 8 Plants: Best Plants to Grow in Hardiness Zone 8 - 2024 - MasterClass

4. Zone 9 plants: Hardiness Zone 9 - The Best Plants to Grow in Your Garden (gardenia.net)

5. Oleander: Oleander - How to Care for This Beautiful But Toxic Plant | Garden Design

6. Oleander Poisoning Information: Oleander - How to Care for This Beautiful But Toxic Plant | Garden Design

7. Crape Myrtle: How to Plant and Grow Crape Myrtle (bhg.com)

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Calin Oancea

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Calin is in the garden industry for 5 years now and knows a lot about gardening and plants. He owns this website and responsible for most of the content.