What annual grows best in full sun?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

When it comes to choosing annuals for full sun, there are a variety of vibrant and colorful options to consider. As someone who loves gardening, I have experimented with different annuals and have found some favorites that thrive in full sun conditions. Let me share with you my top picks:

1. Marigolds: These cheerful flowers come in various shades of yellow, orange, and red. They are easy to grow and add a pop of color to any garden.

2. Zinnias: With their bold, daisy-like blooms, zinnias are a summer favorite. They come in a wide range of colors and are great for attracting butterflies.

3. Cosmos: These delicate, daisy-like flowers come in vibrant shades of pink, red, and white. They have fern-like foliage and add a whimsical touch to any garden.

4. Lisianthus: Known for their elegant and ruffled petals, lisianthus flowers are available in a wide array of colors, including white, pink, purple, and blue. They make beautiful cut flowers too.

5. Petunias: Petunias are classic annuals that come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are versatile and can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or flower beds.

6. Angelonia: Also known as summer snapdragons, angelonias are heat-tolerant and produce tall spikes of flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. They are great for adding vertical interest to your garden.

7. Cleome: These unique flowers have spidery petals and come in shades of pink, purple, and white. They are drought-tolerant and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

8. Penta: Pentas are compact plants that produce clusters of star-shaped flowers in vibrant colors such as red, pink, and purple. They are loved by hummingbirds and butterflies.

9. Salpiglossis: Salpiglossis, also known as painted tongue, produces trumpet-shaped flowers in an array of colors, including orange, yellow, purple, and blue. They are perfect for adding a touch of exoticism to your garden.

10. Annual Vinca: Also called Madagascar periwinkle, annual vinca is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun. It produces small, colorful flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.

11. Calibrachoa: These trailing annuals are often referred to as “million bells” due to their abundance of small, bell-shaped flowers. They come in a wide range of colors and are perfect for hanging baskets or window boxes.

12. Nemesia: Nemesias are fragrant annuals that produce clusters of small, tubular flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and purple. They are great for adding a sweet scent to your garden.

13. Portulaca: Also known as moss rose, portulaca is a drought-tolerant annual that thrives in hot and dry conditions. It produces vibrant, rose-like flowers in a variety of colors.

14. Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a quintessential summer flower that loves full sun. They come in different sizes and colors, and their cheerful faces are a true delight to behold.

In my personal experience, these annuals have thrived in full sun conditions and have brought joy and color to my garden. However, it’s important to note that different regions and climates may affect the success of certain annuals. So, it’s always a good idea to check with your local garden center or consult gardening resources specific to your area for the best annuals for full sun in your location.