What Kind of Flowers to Plant in the Sun?

Marigold

• Marigolds are among the most easily propagated flowers in the gardening world, making them a popular choice for gardens with full sun. Marigolds enjoy an extended flowering period and come in 2 types, African and French. The African variety is the larger of the two and stands between 30 and 40 inches. The African flowers bloom in tones of yellow and orange, while French types can be multi-toned in orange, yellow, mahogany and bold red. Because of their size, they are often used for clumps and color in gardens, but should be watered deeply and on a regular basis to prevent wilting and dieback. Surrounding the base of the plant with mulch will prevent water loss in extreme heat. Marigolds do well in most temperature ranges, with the exception of very cold, and should be given nutrient-rich soil that is well drained.

Morning Glory

• A native of tropical regions, the morning glory features purple, trumpet-shaped blooms that open only in the morning. The plant is a climbing variety that can reach as tall as 20 feet and should be spaced at least 12 inches apart. The flower requires full sun during the day and requires soil not be nutrient enriched or too moist. The vines are a pleasing shade of silver-green, which can serve as nice ground cover or decoration for a fence, and generally do well in hanging baskets or planters.

Blue-Eyed Daisy

• The blue-eyed daisy (Osteospermums) is a member of the Asteraceae family along with sunflowers. They produce a daisy-like flower, though they are not part of the same type. Their blooms come in an array of colors, including white, purple and pink, each of which features a prominent blue center. The flower will not open unless it is exposed to full sun and is hardy enough to withstand drought and other harsh conditions. Upon maturity, the plant will reach a maximum height of 5 inches and requires well-drained soil.

Verbena

• Verbena flowers require a minimum of 8 hours of sun exposure per day, and do well in harsh conditions, including drought. It is available in a variety of colors but is most often seen in soft pinks and corals. Clumping the plants is a favorite for gardeners, since their color provides depth and visual interest to gardens. It is relatively small, reaching a maximum height of 10 inches and makes an ideal addition to hanging baskets and window boxes. Propagating Verbena flowers is fairly easy but problems tend to arise when overwatering occurs. Fertilizing should be done once per year and watering should be limited to when the plant is extremely dry once it is established.