WELCOME to our blog! Today, we are exploring the wonderful world of FLOWERING SHRUBS for FULL SUN. We all know how important color can be in the garden.
And these shrubs will add a fantastic amount of VIBRANCY and BEAUTY to any outdoor space! Let’s explore some amazing options that bloom under direct sunlight.
Finding the right flowering shrubs for FULL SUN can be quite a challenge! With all the varieties, it’s easy to feel OVERWHELMED when deciding what works best in your garden.
You don’t have to suffer that ANALYSIS PARALYSIS anymore! We are here to make your life a little bit EASIER.
We are GARDENING EXPERTS. Our YEARS OF EXPERIENCE caring for plants have taught us what we know about SHRUBS.
We have done an EXTENSIVE RESEARCH to bring you nothing but the best. Think of us as your GARDENING FAIRY ready to bring some MAGIC to your garden. TRUST US!
You learn 16 gorgeous flowering shrubs that THRIVE IN FULL SUN and growing tips for shrubs! Let’s make your yard BLOOM-tastic.
16 Beautiful Flowering Shrubs For Full Sun
Here is a list of our best 16 flowering shrubs for full sun:
1. Glossy Abelia
Glossy Abelia flowering shrubs are an EVERGREEN variety. They produce WHITE or PINK flowers THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. That makes them more reliable than your ex’s Netflix password.
They have a rounded, spreading habit and glossy green leaves. So, I use them as HEDGES or PRIVACY SCREENS at home. They are perfect if you want to hide from an embarrassing ONLINE PURCHASE. We have all been there.
These shrubs thrive in areas with WELL-DRAINED SOIL too. NO CHEAP DIRT here unless you’re into plant drama. Glossy Abelia can STRUGGLE if planted in the SHADE.
So, I give them FULL SUN. They’re basically like those people who never sweat, no matter how hot it gets outside!
2. Rose of Sharon
The Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus, is like the DRAGON of flowering shrubs! Except it ACTUALLY EXISTS (sorry, fantasy fans). The plant is a deciduous flowering shrub native to East Asia – like dragons.
It thrives best in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, where it can flourish in FULL SUN without shade. So, if you live in Antarctica, sorry – maybe try growing some penguins instead. Hahaha.
The flowers on the Rose of Sharon range from DEEP PURPLE to BRIGHT WHITE. And they bloom continually THROUGHOUT SUMMER into FALL when temperatures are warm enough. You’ll think they are WORKING OVERTIME to pay their rent.
This DECIDUOUS SHRUB is not rare. I grow it readily in my home gardens with proper sunlight and growing conditions. And you can get them at your LOCAL NURSERY.
I grow them in MOIST, WELL-DRAINED SOIL and with PLENTY of WATER during dry months. I just think of them as millennials WITHOUT avocado toast obsession!
3. Potentilla
Potentilla flowering shrubs are garden favorites for their BRIGHT YELLOW or WHITE FLOWERS. They thrive in USDA hardiness Zones 3 to 8. And they provide steady blooms to brighten your yard from EARLY SUMMER to FALL.
I promise they are brighter than a highlighter on an Instagram influencer’s face!
These LOW-MAINTENANCE flowering bushes prefer FULL SUN for optimal growth. They need it more than Kanye West needs attention (which is saying something). But may tolerate LIGHT SHADE in some areas – just like, you guessed, Ye!
They are not rare. They need a WELL-DRAINED BED. And give them REGULAR WATERING during dry spells to keep them healthy and vibrant!
At least, you’ll be sure Potentillas WON’T GHOST YOU after a one off-season, unlike some people I’ve met. And no, it’s not what the kids call it nowadays. I am talking about planting.
4. California Lilac
California Lilac is a flowering shrub native to the WEST COAST. And it is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8-10. These shrubs can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs depending on the FAMILY. [**Inserts Vin Diesel’s voice**]. For the family!
These shrubs love the FULL SUN as much as DRUNK GIRLS love mirror selfies. Seriously what’s up with that? But California Lilacs can tolerate partial shade.
And they produce FRAGRANT FLOWERS in LATE SPRING. HUMMINGBIRDS and BUTTERFLIES can’t stay away from these blooms.
And the best part? This flowering shrub is LOW MAINTENANCE. No one likes a needy plant. A little PRUNING, WATERING and FERTILIZER will give you full-blown West Coast vibes. You’ll be playing California Love every time you walk by your shrubs.
5. New Jersey Tea
New Jersey Tea is a DECIDUOUS SHRUB found in, you guessed it, New Jersey… just KIDDING! It is actually a native shrub found all over the EASTERN and CENTRAL NORTH UNITED STATES. They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 and prefer full sun.
This flowering shrub blooms in LATE SPRING. Most of its flowers are WHITE and very FRAGRANT. It usually grows up to 6 feet tall and wide if I do not prune it regularly. Think of them as your friend who loves going out but ALWAYS ends up drunk calling their ex.
New Jersey tea is QUITE COMMON. It’s easy to find at LOCAL NURSERIES or RETAILERS specializing in native plants. They are more ACCESSIBLE than a love life for guys in America. Hahaha.
It is generally a LOW-MAINTENANCE SHRUB. And It does best when I grow it in its natural environment, as my garden is within favorable USDA zones. They only ask for WATER, LIGHT PRUNING, MULCHING, and FERTILIZING a few times yearly.
That means more time SIPPING COCKTAILS on your porch. Just don’t try gardening immediately after. It won’t go well. DON’T ask me how I know.
6. Viburnum
Viburnum is a flowering EVERGREEN or DECIDUOUS SHRUB. They grow in VARIOUS HARDINESS ZONES, including USDA hardiness zones 3-9. These USDA zones sound made up, right?
This shrub loves the FULL SUN. And produces stunning DARK GREEN FOLIAGE. But SOME varieties are known for their COLORFUL FOLIAGE. I hear the foliage is more colorful than the Rock in Rio festival. They bloom from about SPRING, followed by LATE SUMMER BERRIES.
This flowering shrub is a wonderful choice for creating FOUNDATION PLANTINGS. And it provides color variety in your yard with its VARIEGATED FOLIAGE.
Yes, most viburnums are NOT NEEDY. They are low-maintenance shrubs that need only pruning and REASONABLE SOIL MOISTURE. That’s LESS WORK than successfully organizing a trip with your friends. Hahaha.
7. Pearl Bush
Pearl Bush is a DECIDUOUS FLOWERING SHRUB. It sheds its leaves faster than your drunk friend loses THEIR PHONE. It is suitable for USDA zones 6 to 8.
It blooms in EARLY SPRING to produce WHITE FLOWERS and MAUVE BERRIES. Seriously they are PRETTIER than some peoples’ wedding bouquets. Hahaha.
This FULL SUN-LOVING bush is unfazed by HOT CLIMATES. And it is DROUGHT TOLERANT and requires LOW MAINTENANCE care. I don’t need an advanced botany degree to keep this shrub alive. So, I use it as an accent plant in my landscape.
Pearl Bush has NO MAJOR DISEASE or other challenges when mature. However, deer will NIBBLE ON THEM if they are near my property line!
8. Mock Orange
Mock Orange is a flowering shrub native to America, Asia & Europe. It grows in USDA zones 4-8, making it as tough as nails. And it prefers total sun exposure. And hey, if there were an award for withstanding shady conditions, these blooms would be king!
Mock Oranges flower in LATE SPRING to EARLY SUMMER. They produce bright white blooms. Their blooms are bright than my future before I discovered Netflix.
The beauties can grow 12 feet tall and wide, but there are DWARF VARIETIES that reach about 6 feet tall. That’s roughly your ex’s ego size; just kidding.
This flowering shrub is LOW-MAINTENANCE. It requires REGULAR WATERING during dry spells and is generally DROUGHT TOLERANT.
Mock Oranges are also DISEASE RESISTANT! Psst, what’s not to love? They practically grow themselves.
9. Weigela
Weigela is a flowering shrub native to EAST ASIA and the HIMALAYAS. It usually grows up to 10 feet tall and thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, making it PERFECT for many climates. They are so INDESTRUCTIBLE that THANOS would be jealous.
You should give these SUN-LOVING SHRUBS at least 6 hours of MORNING SUN BATHING. Just think of them as SUN-LOVING BEACH BUMS. Although they love FULL SUN exposure, they will also tolerate PARTIAL SHADE–just like a beach bum. Hahaha
They have BRIGHT-COLORED blooms with BELL-SHAPED flowers and GLOSSY FOLIAGE. That makes them ideal for FOUNDATION PLANTING or BORDERS along driveways or pathways. It’s like growing CRAYONS in your driveway – if you have kids, they’ll love them.
Weigelas are basically set-it-and-forget-it plants. And they have excellent DROUGHT TOLERANCE. They require only OCCASIONAL PRUNING (if desired). Like your trusty old pair of jeans – they look great even after MINIMAL EFFORT!
10. Carol Mackie Daphne
Carol Mackie Daphne is a flowering shrub native to EUROPE and the MEDITERRANEAN. It is compact, with an UPRIGHT habit at maturity, reaching up to 3 feet tall. At least that’s a shrub we normal folks can prune WITHOUT a ladder.
The plant is COLD HARDY in USDA zones 5-9. It would be PULLING SLEDS in Alaska if it were any more HARDY. Although they thrive in FULL SUN, they can make do with PART SHADE.
It produces abundant CLUSTERS of pinkish blooms in LATE SPRING that attract butterflies. You’ll think Winnie-the-Pooh & friends are having a picnic in your garden.
I like planting this LOVELY SHRUB because of its MINIMAL MAINTENANCE needs. It’s easier to care for than my dog. And it’s also pretty DROUGHT-TOLERANT and DISEASE RESISTANT. So, I use them for lining borders around my garden bed!
11. California Flannelbush
California Flannelbush is a native evergreen flowering shrub reaching 8 feet tall. It thrives in USDA zones 8-11 and needs FULL SUN for OPTIMAL GROWTH. As a rule of thumb, know it’ll thrive in any climate that doesn’t require a PARKA or SUNSCREEN year-round.
This bush produces EARLY-SEASON BLOOMS with BRIGHT YELLOW petals. It is an excellent choice for YEAR-ROUND GARDENERS like myself. It’s like having a celebrity in my front yard, I notice the curious stares.
It’s also as LOW MAINTENANCE as your ex thought you were. Hahaha. I give it MINIMAL watering once established. And it is very tolerant of DROUGHT and DISEASE, making it easy to care for.
12. Flamingo Willow
The Flamingo willow is a flowering shrub for FULL SUN. It grows to about 8 feet tall with arching branches, making it an attractive addition to gardens. This shrub is like that one friend in your group who adds a little personality and flare to EVERYTHING.
This EARLY BLOOMER prefers FULL SUN to PARTIAL SUN. That’s much like introverts who isolate themselves but can handle a LITTLE SOCIALIZING.
And they are COLD HARDY enough for growing in USDA zones 5-9. This plant is EASIER TO MANAGE than your average Tinder match! It has GOOD DISEASE TOLERANCE and requires LITTLE PRUNING once established.
They are also DROUGHT TOLERANT, so they won’t require much water after planting either. As a bonus, you WON’T need to have AWKWARD CONVERSATIONS.
13. Oakleaf Hydrangea
Oakleaf Hydrangea is a flowering shrub typically growing up to 8 feet tall. It’s TALLER than most NBA players. TRUST ME, I checked. And it thrives in USDA zones 4-9.
The plant’s SUMMER BLOOMS are large white cone-shaped panicles. When planted in FULL SUN, it requires ADEQUATE MOISTURE. That makes it HIGHER MAINTENANCE than the other shrubs on the list.
So it might not be for you if your partner says you neglect them. We’ll call plant services on you!
However, this hydrangea has IMPRESSIVE DROUGHT and DISEASE TOLERANCE. It’s like the plant version of COCKROACHES– except you want them.
These bushes come alive when planted along PATHWAYS or as FOCAL POINTS in a yard. Think of them like your hip neighbor with vibrant art pieces!
14. Rose Mallow
Rose Mallow is a FLOWERING SHRUB that grows up to 6 feet tall. It’s hardy in USDA Zones 5-9 and blooms in LATE SUMMER with LARGE PINK or WHITE FLOWERS. Now that’s Instagram-worthy.
It’s not the BARE MINIMUM that some of you would like, but I find Rose Mallow EASY TO CARE for. This plant thrives best in FULL SUN and WELL-DRAINING SOIL.
I ensure the plant has AVERAGE SOIL MOISTURE levels. But it TOLERATES DROUGHT once established.
It has good DISEASE RESISTANCE. And it doesn’t require PRUNING for health. They are NOT AS DEMANDING as Mariah Carey backstage at a concert tour.
I use rose mallows as an ORNAMENTAL ADDITION because of their beauty. This plant also produces marshmallows in July. Just kidding – it would be the perfect plant.
15. Japanese Quince
Japanese Quince is an EVERGREEN FLOWERING shrub reaching up to six feet tall. It loves USDA zones 5 through 8. That’s MORE RELIABLE than my morning coffee fix.
This flowering quince blooms with clusters of fragrant orange flowers. They have DARK GREEN LEAVES that are OVAL and LEATHERY, like my stylish boots. They provide a lovely backdrop for the vibrant blossoms in EARLY SPRING.
It is not very HIGH MAINTENANCE. This flowering quince THRIVES BEST when planted in FULL SUN with WELL-DRAINED SOIL. And it is tolerant of DROUGHT as well as RESISTANT to DISEASE or PESTS.
That’s easier than getting a pair of new Kanye West shoes (and LESS controversial too).
16. Tropical Hibiscus
Tropical hibiscus is an EVERGREEN FLOWERING SHRUB reaching up to 6 feet tall. It has GLOSSY, GREEN FOLIAGE and can produce flowers in EARLY SPRING in USDA zones 8-11. That’s as glossy as your favorite celebrity at the Met Gala.
This plant requires MODERATE ATTENTION–unlike you when you are on simpmode. It thrives best when I give them FULL SUNLIGHT and WELL-DRAINED SOIL.
It tolerates drought as much as some of you TOLERATE my jokes, which is not all that much. So I ensure the plant receives enough WATER REGULARLY.
I use this evergreen shrub’s vibrant blooms to add color to my HEDGE game!
Growing Tips for Shrubs
Many flowering shrubs can be EASILY GROWN in most home gardens. It is easier than getting your kids to eat their veggies. You just need the right amount of care and attention. Here are some TIPS for GROWING your shrub:
1. Provide enough sunlight for the shrub
Unlike VAMPIRES, most flowering shrubs require BRIGHT LIGHT to thrive. So make sure you place them in an area that gets plenty of sunshine throughout most days. Aim for at least 6 hours of DIRECT SUN DAILY.
2. Provide proper drainage
Make sure your soil is WELL-DRAINING. This will also help ensure a HEALTHY GROWTH rate for the plant. Nobody likes being SLOWLY DROWNED to death! That’s what soggy soil feels like to shrubs. That’s like having your head stuck in an OVERFLOWING SINK.
3. Consider pruning and trimming
Regularly prune off DEAD or DISEASED BRANCHES to keep your shrub looking its best. This will encourage NEW FOLIAGE GROWTH too!
Just don’t get all scissor-happy on your bushes – you don’t want to TRAUMATIZE your plants. They might take a mental health break like Gen Z workers.
4. Water regularly
do not let the soil totally dry out before providing MORE MOISTURE. Otherwise, it’s like drinking TEQUILA without any lime juice – essentially pointless!
This would STUNT any potential growth of flowers or evergreen foliage. A good indication that your bush needs water is if the leaves TURN YELLOWISH BROWN. It means they are thirstier than you on Instagram.
5. Apply fertilizer
Feeding fertilizer should be done EVERY FEW WEEKS during active periods (easter/summer). This ensures PROPER NUTRITION absorption. And it helps promote HEALTHY GROWTH later on–hopefully, they won’t be a disappointment like some of us! [**Remembers promising my therapist to stop making self-deprecating jokes**]
FAQs about Flowering Shrubs For Full Sun
1. Can hostas grow in full sun?
Yes, you can grow Hostas in full sun. Their foliage is naturally more tolerant of such conditions than other plants. Some cultivars do not mind part sun. Do you want the best results?
We recommend you provide them with part shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. As it it not recommended to keep your Hostas in full sun all the time.
2. Do any plants like direct sunlight?
Yes, some plants do prefer direct sunlight. Certain plants thrive in full sun kinda like how I thrive on a steady diet of coffee and dad jokes. Others may need shade during the day and can tolerate part sun.
But do not grow plants indiscriminately in direct sunlight. Research the specific sunlight requirements of your plants, as some love the shade.
3. What happens if you put a plant in direct sunlight?
Plants vary in their light needs. Some need direct sunlight, while others may get sunburned or die if placed in too much light. Houseplants must have the correct amount of light to stay healthy.
Direct sunlight outside is needed for specific plants. Indoor window lighting is okay, but it can also be too much for some plants.
4. Should you leave leaves around bushes?
Small amounts of leaves around your perennial bushes can be beneficial. They protect the roots and soil from temperature extremes. Also, they help retain moisture and provide plant nutrients. We recommend leaving leaves on or around your bushes for healthy growth.
Do not worry, even if the layer of leaves gets a little thick. They eventually break down.
What’s Next
We discussed 16 beautiful flowering shrubs for full sun. And then we gave you growing tips for those lush blooms. From big bushes to pretty petite posies, you can watch your garden flourish!
Let’s get that summer sunshine in and help our gardens grow! You have no excuse for a sad-looking garden. What are you waiting for?
Are you tired of a boring garden or front yard? We help you bring new life to your garden. At, AsterGardening, we have a wealth of useful information to propel both pros and newbies to new heights.
So why not visit our site today and see what wonderful delights await you?
