The Overall Best Full Sun Bushes to Plant in 2024

By Calin Oancea and Florin Gabriel

4/5/20246 min read

These plants are not just about adding a splash of color; they also need to withstand the full strength of the sun throughout the day. From vibrant flowering varieties to lush greenery, the following article we will go trough a selection of 10 full sun bushes that you can plant in your garden.

dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
a bush with bright pink flowers in full sun
a bush with bright pink flowers in full sun
dark green design
dark green design
a leafy Rose bush with one red Rose in full sun
a leafy Rose bush with one red Rose in full sun

Roses

Roses can vary significantly in size, with many varieties ideally suited for full sun, reaching heights of 0.5-2 m (1.5-6 ft). There are also dwarf shrub varieties for full sun of Roses but overall they are perfect for borders, hedges, or as standalone features because they can be pruned well. They require well-drained soil and regular care, including pruning and feeding, for optimal blooming.

dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
beautiful red-white Dahlia blooms on a bush
beautiful red-white Dahlia blooms on a bush

Dahlia

Dahlia bushes prefer full sun and well-drained soil, they have colorful summer blooms which we found in a wide range of forms. The flowers are perfect for borders, cutting gardens, or nice features in outdoor planting areas. You need to consider that Dahlia varieties range from 30 cm to over 1 m (1-4 ft) but overall they are very nice plants which we and many others love to grow.

dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
two large Hibiscus flowers on plant stems
two large Hibiscus flowers on plant stems

Hibiscus Bush

Hibiscus can grow to about 2-3 m (6-10 ft) and is cultivated for its large, colorful summer blooms that are edible in some cases. It flourishes in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. After testing we found that regular pruning encourages more flowers. Various varieties are sometimes grown as annuals for sun but mostly as full-sun perennials.

green design
green design
green design
green design
green design
green design
a Crape Myrtle bush with one pink flower blooming in full sun
a Crape Myrtle bush with one pink flower blooming in full sun

Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)

Crepe Myrtle is renowned for its spectacular summer blooms and exfoliating bark. This sun-loving bush perfect for Zone 7 can reach heights of 1.5-3 m (5-10 ft), depending on the variety. It's ideal for adding long-lasting color and interest to sunny areas.

green design
green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
a Bamboo plant for sun with long green leaves
a Bamboo plant for sun with long green leaves

Bamboo

There are many types of Bambo varieties but most of them can reach over 10 m (30 ft) and are ideal for creating natural screens or tall hedges. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Bamboo is fast-growing and comes in both clumping and running varieties and can also be grown as a partial sun shrub.

green design
green design
green design
green design
green design
green design

Bird of Paradise

The Bird of Paradise, scientifically known for Strelitzia reginae reaches up to 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft) and is renowned for its striking, crane-like flowers. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it's an outstanding plant in any garden. The exotic garden plant requires moderate watering and is relatively easy to care for, making it a popular choice for adding a tropical touch to your outdoors.

an exotic orange Bird of Paradise plant
an exotic orange Bird of Paradise plant
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design

Yucca

Yuccas are bushy-like cactus plants with sword-like leaves and towering flower spikes that can grow in very hot and cold conditions. Growing up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall, but keep in mind that the, bigger it gets the harder it is to dig up and remove the plant. Yuccas are drought tolerant bushes for sun that prefer sunny spots and a bit of neglect, making them perfect for a hassle-free garden with a tropical vibe.

a Yucca plant with long leaves perfect for full sun
a Yucca plant with long leaves perfect for full sun
green design
green design
green design
green design
green design
green design
one lavender stem with pink flowers
one lavender stem with pink flowers

Lavender

Lavender is an evergreen shrub for full sun that has fragrant purple flowers and grows 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) tall. This evergreen shrub prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Lavender is celebrated for its calming properties and is widely used in aromatherapy and as an herbal plant for cooking. Its vibrant blooms bring beauty and a soothing aroma to gardens.

dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
green Holly bushes with spiny leaves
green Holly bushes with spiny leaves

Holly

Holly bushes are great evergreen ornamentals, growing up to 2-15 m (6-50 ft) and prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Their bright red berriesin winter feed birds and their dense foliage offers shelter. Holly is a popular Christmas decoration plant that adds festive charm.

dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
multiple Plumeria flowers and Leaves
multiple Plumeria flowers and Leaves

Plumeria

This tropical flowercalled Plumeria reaches 2-8 m (6-25 ft) and is celebrated for its fragrant, leathery flowers used in making flower necklaces. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plumerias are drought-tolerant and can be grown in containers or other planters, making them suitable for various garden settings.

dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
dark green design
Calin Oancea
Calin Oancea
Green Box
Green Box

Article By:

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

Reviewed By:

Florin, a more technical guy, is responsible for designing, reviewing and updating the articles but also optimizing for SEO so that everything we publish is deam good.