What Are the Best Flowers to Plant in a Sunny & Hot Area?

The best flowers for sunny areas are those where direct sun (full sun) and heat are no problem. Drought tolerant and full sun plants can be hardy in tough landscapes where other plants will wither and die out.

Common Sunflower

Helianthus annuus, the common sunflower, is a fast-growing perennial plant that brings birds and butterflies to the landscape. The average sunflower will be 8 to 15 feet tall with 8- to 12-inch flower heads. Flowers are yellow with purple brown centers full of sunflower seeds. Leaves are rough, hairy and large. Plant a common sunflower in well-drained soil, adding lime if the soil is acidic. They need full sun and good waterings, but they are slightly drought tolerant. Propagate via the seed.

Moss Rose

Portulaca grandiflora, the moss ross, is a drought tolerant annual that works good in containers. The average moss rose will get about 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide with bright green leaves 1 inch long. Flowers are 1-inch wide and in bright colors, striped or spotted. Moss roses will only open in full sun, not evening or cloudy weather. Plant a moss rose in well-drained soil in full sun with regular watering. Propagate via seed.

Spanish Bayonet

Yucca aloifolia, the Spanish bayonet, is an easy to grow drought tolerant perennial that can be suited for container use. The average Spanish bayonet will get 5 to 20 feet tall with sharp strap like leaves 2 feet long. Flowers are 4 inches wide and whitish purple. It has very sharp and dangerous spikes. Plant a Spanish bayonet in full sun with light sandy soil. Propagate via offsets, root cuttings and by seed.

Gerbera Daisy

Gerbera jamesonii, the gerbera daisy, is an easy to grow perennial that can be suited for container use. The average gerbera daisy is in a wide palate of colors 2.5 to 4 inches wide. Stems hold flowers 12 to 18 inches high with 8 to 10 inches leaves. Mounds are 12 inches wide. Plant a gerbera daisy in well drained sandy or loamy soil in full sun. It can tolerant shade. Propagate via clump division or by seed.