Flower Container Ideas for Full Sun

The summer season is a time when kids are home from school, and families are planning on that much-needed family vacations.

But one thing that usually gets forgotten is your garden.

Summertime is all about sunshine and heat so as temperatures rise and the sun’s rays bear down; it is important to remember to protect your plants. As much attention that we give ourselves in protecting our skin from sunburn, the same should apply to your garden. Plants are very delicate, especially to those that may receive 8-10 hours of constant sun, keeping in mind that the continuous exposure depletes the plants of the necessary moisture that they need to survive. Too much sun can cause the plant to dry out and die.

So, what can you do with that sunny spot on your porch or deck?

Want to add a little color to your garden?

Just because the temperatures are rising does not mean you cannot still have beautiful blooms to enjoy. 

Then are varieties of plants that thrive well during the summer months and best of all they can be planted in a container or a pot that would add another touch to your décor. 

How To Choose The Perfect Pot?

Most nurseries have an abundant selection of healthy plants that would do well in a container or planter box. But one must keep in mind is the specific of the container itself.

There are a couple of things that you can consider before purchasing a container.

Size

Keep in mind what you are going to plant, and the type of fill used for planting. Also, you may want to consider where you will keep the container once completed. You don’t want to get a big container that is too heavy to move if it ends up being in your way.

Drainage holes

When selecting a flower for your pot, you will notice that drainage is important. Consider not only the number of holes that are at the bottom of the pot but also the size of the holes. Nothing worse than having a ton of drainage holes that may be too small to drain properly.

Garden Plants

There are garden plants that will thrive in a container, even in full sun. They are also very popular and quite easy to find at any nursery. 

Even in full sun now you have an option to spruce up your garden or outside living area, and with these plants, you can make any container garden look astounding.

But before we go into the types of plants, you can use, first let’s discuss a few tips that you can use when planning your container garden.

Tips for Full Sun Planters

• Space is not important. For the short time that they are planted (4-5 months) growing in tight spaces will not be a problem.
• Make sure to leave about a one-inch gap from the top of the planter and the soil. This will prevent water from flowing over the edge of the pot, taking soil and nutrients with it.
• Consider adding a slow-releasing fertilizer, like Osmocote, to the potting soil.
• Water in the morning. If you water heavy (a good soaking) you could go every three days. If heavy rain is in the forecast, you could get away with not having to water at all. Keep in mind that if you live in a climate with many hot days, 90 degrees and above, you may need to water more often.

Flowers That Suitable For Full Sun Planter

Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa, also called “million bells,” comes in many different colors, ranging from pure white to shades of purple and pink. A million bells would look great in any container garden. They work well in hanging baskets and make for a subtle overflow effect, over the sides of any container. With regular feedings, these flowers will grow strong throughout the summer and do its best to attract a variety of species of butterflies and even hummingbirds. Deadheading is not needed, but they will need constant watering and good drainage. 

Cape Daisy

Osteospermum also called cape daisy, are tough plants. They can withstand temperatures down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. They come in an assortment of colors that include purple, a deep pink, melon, and white. Although deadheading is not required, the cape daisy could benefit from it. Make sure to water and fertilize regularly also keeping in mind to make sure that it drains properly. If it gets a little bushy, it should be trimmed back. 

Gomphrena

This plant is virtually maintenance-free. These gumball-like blooms are available in the colors purple, white, and pink Shorter species to work better in containers. They thrive well in full sun and dry conditions. Proper watering requires the plant watered at ground level, so the leaves do not get wet. Will do well in poor soil but requires good drainage.

Verbena

Verbenas are a great container plant. They will bloom throughout the entire summer and sometimes may bloom into the fall. It goes great with other flowers and makes an excellent option for spillover because of its densely clustered blossoms. They are also great for attracting butterflies. Colors range from brilliant red to dark blue. They are drought tolerant and only require an average amount of water. They too also need good drainage and fed every couple of weeks. Deadheading is not necessary for most common varieties although it is recommended to cut it back when the blooms do fade.

Portulaca

Colors for blooms come in orange, yellow pink, fuchsia, purple, white, red, well any color. These are perfect for hanging planters or on the ground containers. Keep them watered, and you will have blooms all summer long. These plants are very inexpensive and can be utilized in any container, anywhere in your garden. 

Angelonia

This plant gets the nickname summer for its ability to handle extreme heat. They can grow to two feet tall and require full sun. Flowers will appear all summer long and come in colors white, purple, and pink.  Some bloom come in a dwarf size, which makes them a perfect complimentary flower. 

Lantana

If multicolored is something, you are looking for than the Lantana is perfect. Flowers come in shades of red, yellow, orange, pink, and white. Some blooms produce an ombre’ effect, going from lightening or darkening from the outside in. The plant can reach heights of 2 feet or more and require full sun and soil that drains well.

Pentas

These flowers are the show. These cluster of star-shaped flowers are both large and beautiful.  Pentas are known by the name of Egyptian star flowers and are a favorite for butterflies and hummingbirds, especially the pick and red varieties. They need minimal care and will survive both heat and drought. With proper feeding, soil, and drainage pentas should bloom until the fall.

Coneflower

A trendy flower used for garden containers, but most gardeners are unaware of its actual benefits. It can be exposed to the direct sun all day, with no effects. If you want a specific color, sure to pick the right species. They come in the color’s orange, red, pink, purple, yellow, and white. They are inexpensive flowers that take roughly 2 to 3 months to bloom.

Browallia

Browallia or bush violet has blossoms that contain a velvety texture, a vibrant blue color with a contrasting center. They go well with almost anything and their height, 12 to 14 inches, making them an excellent option for the center of a mixed garden. A very easy plant to maintain, but will need protection from wind exposure. Good drainage is essential as well.

Petunias

Available is a wide assortment of sizes and colors. Deadheading petunias is quite the chore, so, fortunately, they are self-deadhead. They need lots of sunshine but not that much heat. Depending on your climate, some mid-day shade may be required.

Final Thoughts

A full sun planter is an excellent way of relieving stress. Using similar hues can be considered more pleasing to the eye. If warmer colors (red, yellow, and orange) are more appealing to you, there are many varieties for the flowers listed above.  But the most crucial part is that once you create the container garden, you like you can enjoy the beauty of nature with plants that will continue to flower the whole growing season.