Flowering Plants That Love Sunshine

Sunshine Annuals

• If you plant Cosmos sulphureus in fertile soil, this annual grows so tall that it flops over under its own weight. Place this flowering plant in dry, rocky soil of poor quality and it still grows to 3 feet, turning out yellow flowers. Another annual apt for full sun is the moss rose, a drought tolerant species suitable as ground cover. It has pink, roselike flowers that open only on sunny days. Nasturtium, zinnia, melampodium and a flowering plant named "bells of Ireland" all need full sun. Bells of Ireland belongs to the mint family and features white flowers and thorny stems.

Flowering Deciduous Shrubs for Sun

• Purple Emperor, Nanho Blue and Niche's Choice are all flowering butterfly bushes for full sun. These deciduous shrubs are just a few of the many that deliver prominent, bright flowers once they bloom. Crape myrtle in particular comes in many hybrid forms, with the flower colors depending on the specific type. For instance, Petite Snow has white flowers, while those of the crape myrtle called Muskogee have lilac-colored blooms. Other deciduous shrubs for full sun and eye-popping flowers include lilacs, spireas, steeplebushes and many sorts of shrub roses.

Sunshine Vines

• A schedule of regular watering coaxes the flowering vines of the bougainvillea family to produce blooms even in hot summer sun. Certain types are appropriate for sunrooms and containers. The wisteria vines of native and non-native origins require full sun to flower abundantly. Alba is a species of Chinese wisteria growing to 25 feet and requiring the support of a solid trellis, arbor or fence to hold its weight once mature. Jicama, purple wreath, trumpet honeysuckle and moonflower are other vines for sunny environs that flower.

Flowering Trees for Sun

• It's a shame the green ebony tree does not grow outside of USDA Plant Hardiness zones 10 and 11, since the tropical species has outstanding flowering effect, producing blue-purple flowers in spring and summer. The tree grows to between 25 and 50 feet. More common flowering, sun-adoring trees are flowering crab apples, Callery pears and Chinese lilac trees. The bean family's honey locust has greenish-white flowers, growing in full sun to 80 feet and doubling as a shade tree, notes the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Yellowwood, hawthorn and different kinds of ash all flower significantly in a full sun location.