20 Best Full Sun Perennials for Low-Maintenance Gardens

Full sun perennials are a gardener’s best friend when it comes to building a low-maintenance, colorful outdoor space that thrives with minimal effort. These resilient plants are built to withstand long hours of sunshine, and they come back year after year—no replanting needed. Whether you’re trying to brighten up a curbside bed, fill out your backyard border, or design a pollinator paradise, full sun perennials provide lasting beauty without high upkeep.

Many of these sun-lovers are drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and incredibly hardy. That means less watering, fewer pests, and no stress if you miss a weekend in the garden. From golden blooms to soft silvery foliage, these plants bring texture, color, and seasonal joy from early spring through fall.

In this guide, you’ll discover 20 of the best full sun perennials for gardens that need to look good—and stay low-maintenance.

Table of Contents

1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

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Few full sun perennials are as cheerful and dependable as Black-Eyed Susan. With its bright golden-yellow petals and dark brown center, this native North American flower brings bold color from midsummer well into fall. It’s a favorite for gardeners seeking lasting blooms that don’t require constant attention.

Black-Eyed Susan thrives in full sun and adapts well to poor or rocky soil. Once established, it’s remarkably drought-tolerant and resists most pests and diseases. Its upright habit works beautifully in borders, wildflower gardens, or even cut-flower beds.

Besides its visual appeal, it’s a major win for biodiversity—bees, butterflies, and other pollinators flock to its nectar-rich blooms. If you’re looking for a plant that combines ease, endurance, and ecosystem benefits, this perennial is a must-have.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8+ hours)
• Watering: Low once established
• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates poor soils
• Bloom Time: Summer to early fall

2. Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflower is a powerhouse among full sun perennials, celebrated for its bold blooms and unwavering toughness. Native to the prairies of North America, this striking plant sports daisy-like flowers with raised centers, commonly in shades of purple, pink, and white—though modern hybrids offer vibrant oranges and reds as well.

What makes Coneflower such a low-maintenance champion? It thrives in full sun, requires minimal watering once established, and tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils. The tall, upright blooms hold strong through summer heat and rarely flop or fade, making them excellent for both fresh bouquets and garden design.

This perennial doesn’t just look good—it performs. It’s beloved by bees, butterflies, and even songbirds who feast on its seed heads in fall. Plus, it’s naturally deer- and rabbit-resistant, which adds to its low-effort appeal.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant after year one
• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates dry or lean soil
• Bloom Time: Early summer through fall

3. Daylily (Hemerocallis)

The Daylily is often called the “plant-and-forget” perennial—and for good reason. These sun-loving beauties are among the easiest full sun perennials to grow, yet they provide an impressive display of color and form. While each individual flower lasts just one day (hence the name), mature plants produce hundreds of blooms over a season, ensuring weeks of vibrant color.

Daylilies are nearly indestructible. They thrive in full sun, tolerate a variety of soil types, and can handle drought once their roots are well-established. With countless hybrid varieties available in reds, oranges, yellows, and even purples, there’s a Daylily to complement every garden palette.

Their tidy, grass-like foliage remains attractive even when the plant isn’t in bloom, and they spread gradually to form lush, flowering clumps—ideal for edging, slopes, or filling large sunny areas with minimal maintenance.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Watering: Moderate; can tolerate short droughts
• Soil: Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
• Bloom Time: Late spring to mid-summer (reblooming varieties extend this)

4. Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is a beloved staple among full sun perennials, and it’s easy to see why. With its fragrant purple flower spikes, silvery foliage, and calming aroma, Lavender adds sensory appeal to any garden. But beyond its beauty, it’s also one of the most resilient and low-maintenance plants you can grow.

Native to the Mediterranean, Lavender thrives in dry, sunny spots with well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant, resists deer and rabbits, and even deters pests like mosquitoes—making it perfect for eco-conscious gardeners. Once established, it needs little more than sunshine and occasional pruning to keep it looking its best.

Lavender works well in borders, along pathways, or even in containers. It’s especially effective in herb gardens or xeriscapes where water conservation is a priority. Plus, bees and butterflies absolutely love it, making it a pollinator magnet as well.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Low; allow soil to dry between waterings
• Soil: Dry, sandy, or rocky; excellent drainage is essential
• Bloom Time: Late spring to mid-summer (some varieties rebloom)

5. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum, often known as Stonecrop, is one of the most dependable full sun perennials for gardeners who want maximum beauty with minimal effort. These succulent-style plants are known for their thick, fleshy leaves and star-shaped flower clusters that bloom from late summer into fall.

What sets Sedum apart is its adaptability. It thrives in hot, dry conditions, poor soil, and full sun without batting an eye. In fact, neglect often suits it better than pampering. The foliage alone adds year-round interest, ranging from green to blue-gray, with some varieties offering purple or variegated tones.

There are many types of Sedum to suit different garden styles. Low-growing groundcovers like Sedum spurium are great for borders and rock gardens, while upright varieties like Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ provide height and structure to beds and pollinator plantings.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Minimal; drought-tolerant
• Soil: Well-drained; thrives in sandy or rocky soil
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall

6. Catmint (Nepeta)

Catmint is a graceful, easy-care favorite among full sun perennials, known for its long blooming season and soft, aromatic foliage. With its delicate lavender-blue flowers and silvery-green leaves, Catmint adds a romantic, cottage-style charm to sunny garden beds and borders.

This perennial doesn’t just look good—it works hard, too. It’s drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and naturally repels many pests. Once planted in full sun and well-drained soil, it asks for very little attention. Many varieties bloom from late spring all the way into early fall, especially if lightly sheared after the first flush of flowers.

Catmint pairs beautifully with roses, daylilies, and ornamental grasses. It’s a magnet for bees and butterflies, making it a smart choice for pollinator-friendly landscapes.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Low; prefers dry to medium moisture
• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates average to poor soil
• Bloom Time: Late spring through summer (may rebloom)

7. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian Sage is a standout among full sun perennials, prized for its wispy texture, silvery foliage, and soft clouds of lavender-blue flowers. It creates movement and contrast in the garden while handling heat, drought, and neglect with ease.

This hardy perennial thrives in the hottest, driest spots in your yard. Once established, it needs almost no watering and grows well in lean, well-drained soils—even sandy or rocky ones. Its tall, airy stems add vertical interest, making it a great companion for shorter plants like Coreopsis or Catmint.

Russian Sage is not only attractive to humans—it’s a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and it naturally deters deer. Its extended bloom season, from mid-summer to fall, ensures your garden stays colorful long after many other plants have faded.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Very low; extremely drought-tolerant
• Soil: Dry, well-drained soil; poor soil is fine
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall

8. Coreopsis (Tickseed)

Coreopsis, commonly called Tickseed, is one of the most cheerful and prolific full sun perennials you can grow. Its daisy-like flowers bloom in shades of yellow, gold, orange, red, and even pink, brightening up sunny borders and garden beds from early summer into fall.

This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, it’s exceptionally drought-tolerant. Coreopsis is low-fuss and resilient, needing only occasional deadheading to keep the blooms coming. Many varieties are also deer-resistant and attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

It works beautifully in wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens, and cottage-style plantings. Some types form compact mounds, while others have a looser, more natural shape—perfect for a laid-back landscape that still delivers vibrant color.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Low once established
• Soil: Prefers sandy, well-drained soil
• Bloom Time: Early summer to fall

9. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee Balm is a vibrant, nectar-rich favorite among full sun perennials, celebrated for its unique tubular flowers and ability to attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies in droves. Blooming in bold shades of red, pink, purple, and white, it brings texture, height, and energy to sunny garden beds.

Native to North America, Bee Balm thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil but can handle short dry spells once established. Modern cultivars are bred to resist powdery mildew, one of the only issues the plant occasionally faces.

Its upright habit makes it ideal for the middle or back of borders, especially in pollinator gardens or native planting schemes. Besides its ornamental value, Bee Balm also has a long history as a medicinal herb, and its fragrant foliage has a pleasant, oregano-like aroma.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun (tolerates partial shade)
• Watering: Moderate; appreciates some moisture
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer

10. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a rugged, dependable workhorse among full sun perennials, known for its feathery foliage and flat-topped flower clusters in shades of yellow, white, pink, and red. It brings a wild, meadow-like feel to gardens while requiring very little in return.

Once established, Yarrow is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in hot, sunny conditions with minimal watering. It’s also deer-resistant, attracts pollinators, and can improve soil structure over time thanks to its deep, fibrous roots. This makes it a smart choice for erosion control on slopes or dry borders.

Yarrow blooms from early to mid-summer, and deadheading can encourage a second flush. It pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, coneflowers, and other native perennials, creating a natural, low-maintenance landscape that’s buzzing with life.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Low; highly drought-tolerant
• Soil: Well-drained; thrives in poor soil
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer (may rebloom)

11. Salvia (Perennial Sage)

Salvia is one of the most striking and reliable full sun perennials you can plant, known for its tall spires of violet, blue, pink, or white flowers that rise above aromatic foliage. These long-blooming perennials not only brighten your garden but also provide a vital nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it’s remarkably drought-tolerant and highly resistant to deer and most pests. Many varieties bloom from late spring through summer, and if deadheaded, they’ll often reward you with a second wave of flowers in early fall.

Its upright form makes it a perfect companion for softer, mounding plants like Catmint, Coreopsis, or Lamb’s Ear. Whether used in mass plantings, pollinator gardens, or mixed borders, Salvia brings color, structure, and ecological value with very little fuss.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Low; drought-tolerant after year one
• Soil: Well-drained, even sandy or rocky soil
• Bloom Time: Late spring through summer (reblooming possible)

12. Peonies

Peonies are the queens of the perennial garden—lush, romantic, and surprisingly low-maintenance. While they’re often associated with old-fashioned elegance, Peonies are tough full sun perennials that can thrive for decades with very little care once established.

They produce large, fragrant blooms in late spring to early summer, ranging from soft blush and creamy white to bold reds and vibrant pinks. After blooming, their deep green foliage remains attractive throughout the season, adding structure and fullness to beds and borders.

Peonies love full sun and rich, well-drained soil. While they may take a season or two to settle in, their longevity more than makes up for it—some clumps have been known to flower reliably for over 50 years! They’re also deer-resistant and make stunning cut flowers for arrangements.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours)
• Watering: Moderate; consistent moisture is best early on
• Soil: Deep, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

13. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

Blanket Flower is a heat-loving, sun-worshipping superstar among full sun perennials, offering brilliant, daisy-like blooms in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows that look like summer sunshine poured into petals. Native to North America, this tough bloomer thrives in dry, sunny conditions and blooms continuously from early summer into fall.

Ideal for gardeners who want vibrant color without constant upkeep, Blanket Flower is both drought-tolerant and resistant to deer. It prefers lean, sandy soils and doesn’t need rich fertilizer to flourish—in fact, too much pampering can reduce blooming.

Its compact habit makes it great for borders, rock gardens, and containers. As a bonus, butterflies love it, and spent blooms can be left in place to provide winter interest or seed for reseeding.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Low; thrives on neglect once established
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil preferred
• Bloom Time: Early summer to frost

14. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)

Creeping Phlox is a low-growing carpet of color that earns its place among the best full sun perennials for both beauty and practicality. Bursting into bloom in early spring, it forms dense mats of vibrant pink, purple, blue, or white flowers that spill gracefully over rock walls, slopes, or garden edges.

This perennial is ideal for groundcover in sunny spots, where it helps suppress weeds and adds early-season charm. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, especially sandy or slightly rocky areas. Once established, Creeping Phlox is highly drought-tolerant and spreads steadily without becoming invasive.

Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, and with minimal pruning or care required, it’s a go-to plant for gardeners seeking long-lasting groundcover that performs without fuss.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Low; prefers dry to moderately moist soil
• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates sandy and rocky soils
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring

15. Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum)

Shasta Daisy brings timeless charm and cheerful brightness to any garden, making it one of the most beloved full sun perennials for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Its classic white petals and golden centers bloom reliably from early summer into late season, adding clean contrast and structure to sunny borders.

What makes Shasta Daisy a low-maintenance favorite is its adaptability. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, needing only occasional deadheading to extend its bloom time. Once established, it’s moderately drought-tolerant and resists most pests and diseases.

Its upright, tidy growth habit makes it a great choice for edging pathways, filling gaps in mixed beds, or planting en masse for a cottage-style effect. Plus, it’s a magnet for pollinators and a lovely addition to fresh floral arrangements.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Moderate; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
• Soil: Well-drained; avoid overly rich soil to prevent flopping
• Bloom Time: Early summer to late summer

16. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)

Lamb’s Ear is a favorite among full sun perennials for adding soft texture and subtle silver tones to the garden. Its velvety, fuzzy leaves form a dense, low-growing mat that looks great along borders, pathways, or in front of taller flowering plants.

Though it’s grown mostly for its foliage, Lamb’s Ear also sends up tall spikes of pale purple flowers in late spring to early summer. But even when not in bloom, its plush leaves add year-round visual interest—especially in dry, sunny spots where many plants struggle.

This perennial thrives in hot, dry conditions and poor soil, making it ideal for xeriscaping or water-wise gardens. It’s also deer-resistant and child-friendly—kids love to touch its soft leaves, hence the name!

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun (can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates)
• Watering: Low; prefers dry soil once established
• Soil: Well-drained; avoid overly rich or wet soil
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

17. Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri)

Graceful and airy, Gaura is an underrated gem among full sun perennials. Its delicate, butterfly-like flowers dance on long, wispy stems, creating movement and softness in any garden. Typically blooming in white or soft pink, Gaura brings an elegant, naturalized look to sunny beds and borders.

Native to dry, open prairies, Gaura thrives in full sun and lean, well-drained soil. It’s incredibly drought-tolerant and handles heat like a pro—ideal for low-maintenance, water-wise gardens. Once established, it asks for almost nothing and keeps blooming from late spring through fall.

Its upright, fountain-like growth works beautifully in cottage gardens, prairie-style landscapes, or mixed borders. Best planted in drifts or groups, Gaura fills empty spaces with light and motion while attracting bees and butterflies.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Very low once established
• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates sandy or rocky soil
• Bloom Time: Late spring to fall

18. Verbena

Verbena is a sun-craving bloomer that offers long-lasting clusters of vibrant flowers from late spring well into fall, making it one of the most generous full sun perennials in terms of bloom time. Available in shades of purple, pink, red, and white, Verbena adds bold color and spreads gracefully across beds, borders, and containers.

Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it a favorite for cascading over retaining walls, softening garden edges, or filling in gaps between other taller perennials. Once established, it thrives in heat, resists drought, and requires little maintenance beyond the occasional deadheading to keep flowers coming.

Verbena is also a pollinator powerhouse—frequented by butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. For gardeners seeking season-long color with almost no effort, this perennial is a true standout.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Low to moderate; prefers dry conditions once established
• Soil: Well-drained; slightly sandy or loamy is best
• Bloom Time: Late spring to first frost

19. Penstemon

Penstemon brings vertical drama and bold color to the garden, making it a standout choice among full sun perennials. With its tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, blue, and white, this native North American plant is a favorite for attracting hummingbirds and pollinators.

What sets Penstemon apart is its toughness. It thrives in full sun, handles heat like a champ, and prefers lean, well-drained soil—making it ideal for xeriscapes, slopes, and dry borders. Once established, it’s impressively drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Its upright form adds height and contrast among softer, mounding plants, and it blends beautifully with ornamental grasses, lavender, or coneflowers. Some varieties bloom early, while others flower mid to late season, offering plenty of options for staggered color throughout the year.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Low; drought-tolerant after establishment
• Soil: Well-drained; prefers sandy or gravelly soils
• Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer (varies by species)

20. Achillea ‘Moonshine’

Achillea ‘Moonshine’ is a refined and reliable cultivar of Yarrow that earns its place among the best full sun perennials for its durability and luminous beauty. With soft, sulfur-yellow flower clusters that rise above silvery-gray, fern-like foliage, ‘Moonshine’ adds brightness and contrast to sunny borders.

This perennial is as tough as it is attractive. It thrives in poor, dry soils, requires very little water once established, and is both deer- and rabbit-resistant. Like other Yarrows, it also improves biodiversity by attracting bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.

‘Moonshine’ blooms from early summer through fall, and its upright, compact habit makes it ideal for formal beds, rock gardens, or as a companion to lavender, sedum, or ornamental grasses. It holds its color well when dried, too, making it a popular pick for dried floral arrangements.

Quick Care Tips:

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Low; drought-tolerant
• Soil: Well-drained; thrives in sandy or rocky soils
• Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall

Conclusion

Designing a low-maintenance garden doesn’t mean sacrificing color or curb appeal—especially when you focus on full sun perennials. These 20 resilient, sun-loving plants return year after year with minimal care, bringing vivid blooms, lush foliage, and vital pollinator support to your outdoor space.

Whether you’re filling a sunny front yard, establishing a drought-tolerant border, or simply looking for plants that can handle a little neglect, these perennials offer beauty without the burden. From the long-lasting blooms of Coneflower and Blanket Flower to the soothing textures of Lamb’s Ear and Russian Sage, there’s a variety for every design and style.

Plant them once, give them a little time to settle in, and you’ll enjoy a garden that flourishes through the seasons—with more butterflies and hummingbirds, and less watering and weeding.

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