Full sun plants in your Florida yard will provide year-round beauty, texture, and flowery scents. Finding appropriate plants, on the other hand, may be tough in Florida’s warm, humid, and coastal environment. In addition, the shift from scorching tropical weather in southern Florida to mild winters in northern Florida must be taken into account. Temperatures may drop below freezing at times in northern Florida’s mild winters.
The finest plants for complete sun exposure in Florida are described in this guide. In addition, you’ll learn valuable landscaping guidelines for utilizing these stunning plants in a Florida setting.
The Best Full Sun Plants for Growing in Florida
Hibiscus, black-eyed Susan, passion flower, milkweed, and viburnum are just a few examples of best full-sun plants for Florida. USDA zones 9 through 11 are ideal for growing the finest plants that can endure full sun in Florida. Several of these blooming plants, including some that tolerate drought, will bloom throughout the year in Florida.
Growing Zones in Florida
In Florida, USDA growing zones 8 through 11 are available. Which flowering plants you may grow in Florida gardens will be influenced by these zones. Zone 8 perennials, for example, may be grown from certain evergreen Florida plants suitable for zones 10 and 11.
Zone 8 It’s located in the state of Florida. From Pensacola to Jacksonville and south to just above Orlando, this zone encompasses Florida’s panhandle. The winters are brief and moderate, with lengthy hot summers and subtropical climate. The coldest winter temperature in the area is 20°F (-6.6°C).
Zone 9 Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville are all part of Central Florida. With minimum winter temperatures of around 25°F (-3.8°C), the climate is subtropical to tropical.
Zone 10 Most of Florida south of Lake Okeechobee is included in this area. On the Gulf Coast, from Fort Myers to Miami, this expanding zone includes Naples and Fort Myers. The Atlantic coast cities of Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. In the winter, temperatures drop to 30°F to 35°F (-1.1°C to 1.7°C).
Zone 11 The Florida Keys are located at the southernmost tip of the state. The temperature does not drop below 40°F (4.4°C) here.
Full Sun Florida Plants (With Pictures and Names)
Are you looking to brighten up your sunny Florida yard with some colorful plants? The top full-sun Florida plants are listed below if this is the case. Most plants are low-maintenance. They prefer warm, humid environments in the southeast, which is more important.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a sun-loving flowering shrub with thorny stems and flowery clusters of dried papery bracts that thrives in full sun in Florida. When in bloom all year, this decorative vine plant is for the full sun and has stunning hues. The upright evergreen shrub grows to be 8 to 40 feet (2.4 to 12 meters) tall and 30 feet (9 meters) broad.
Bougainvillea is an exceptional performer in full sun and tolerates damper, drought, and salty air. This vining, the creeping shrub is ideal for specimen planting or mass planting and may be grown over a wall or arbor. In Florida’s growing zones 9 through 11, bougainvillea is an excellent plant.
Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
This bushy flowering plant thrives in humidity and heat and is known as Hawaiian hibiscus or Chinese hibiscus. The big, brilliant trumpet-shaped blooms of this huge evergreen tropical shrub reach 8 to 16 feet (2.4 to 5 meters) tall. The red, white, orange, yellow, purple, and pink blooms are 4″ (10 cm) in diameter and bloom year-round.
In sunny, humid climates, Hibiscus bushes are ideal. The ornamental bushes bloom all year and flourish in tropical climates. Shrubs may be used as an evergreen blooming hedge, privacy screen, or specimen plant. In USDA zones 10 and 11, Chinese hibiscus is an appropriate plant.
Viburnum
Because they grow in all zones in Florida, dwarf Walter’s viburnum obovatum is a low-growing evergreen shrub with white blooms. Viburnum bushes produce conical, domed, or ball-like clusters of flowers that are remarkable for their large, showy blooms. Large white or pink blooms may be up to 6 inches (15 cm) broad.
Walter’s viburnum (Viburnum obovatum), Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum), and Sweet viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) are examples of viburnum shrubs that flourish in Florida’s warm, bright environment. In Florida, you may cultivate these big decorative bushes as specimen plants or tiny flowering trees.
As foundation plantings, shrub borders, and flowering screens, dwarf viburnum varieties are ideal. In USDA zones 8 through 10, many viburnum species are suitable for cultivation in the southeast.
Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis)
Beach sunflower is a full sun ground cover that thrives in Florida’s coastal regions, especially hot, dry places. It requires little care and upkeep. These yellow plants’ larger sunflower-like blossoms feature golden yellow petals and brown centers, which are an ornamental feature. Flower heads are 3″ (7.5 cm) across and come in large, brightly-colored flowers that grow 7″ to 10″ (17–25 cm) tall.
Beach sunflowers grow quickly and bloom throughout the year in Florida’s warmest areas. From spring to autumn, the yellow-flowering plant thrives in northern Florida. Low-maintenance perennials thrive in coastal gardens and attract pollinators with their full-sun ground cover. In USDA zones 8 through 10, beach sunflowers are ideal.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susan is a bright-flowered native plant that thrives in the heat of Florida and requires little care. These brilliant yellow daisy-like blooms bloom from summer till fall and are eye-catching. Coastal areas are also home to heat-loving, drought-tolerant plants. Flowers reach a height of 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 1 meter) and a width of 2 feet (0.6 meters).
For a Florida garden, black-eyed Susans are an excellent choice. These blossoms prefer to grow in the southeast, where they require very little upkeep. Yellow-flowering plants may be grown in cottage gardens, mixed borders, or along a sunny foundation line where they receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. In well-drained soil, grow black-eyed Susans USDA zones 3 through 10.
Allamanda Bush (Allamanda schottii)
The bush allamanda brightens up south Florida landscapes with its vivid yellow flowers. It is a full sun flowering shrub. Orange throats adorn the showy Amanda bush flowers, which are funnel-shaped. Against the green leathery leaves, these yellow blooms are 2″ (5 cm) across. 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) tall and broad, allamanda shrub is a bush.
Full sun or light shade is ideal for Allamanda bush. You can use it as a specimen plant, an evergreen hedge, or an accent shrub. It is a vigorous, fast-growing shrub. The soil must be moist during hot Florida summers and the roots must be kept cool. In USDA zones 10 and 11, bush allamanda may be planted outdoors.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
The butterfly bush is a sun-loving purple-flowering shrub that thrives in full sun and well-draining slightly acidic soil. It is ideal for central and northern Florida. Large cone-shaped arching clusters of fragrant purple blooms and semi-evergreen leaves bloom on butterfly bush. In the summer, the purple conical blooms cover the shrub and are 8 inches (20 cm) long.
3 to 5 feet (1–1.5 meters) tall and wide, butterfly bush The drought-tolerant plant is a superb foundation planting, shrub border, or pot plant that thrives in full sun. The fragrant, long-lasting flowers also make for excellent cut flowers and dried floral displays.
USDA zones 5 to 9 are ideal for butterfly bush varieties. Dwarf forms of Buddleja davidii, such as ‘Blue Heaven’ and ‘Tutti Fruitti Pink,’ are suited for zone 10 in southern Florida.
Cape Jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides)
Cape Jasmine is a gorgeous classic white plant with big dark glossy green leaves and pure, bright white flowers that give charm and fragrance to sunny Florida landscapes. In Florida’s hottest areas, the mounding evergreen shrub performs best in full sun with some afternoon shade. Depending on the cultivar, the small, spreading plants may reach a height of 2 to 8 feet (0.6 to 2.4 meters).
For tropical settings, Cape jasmine is a fantastic white-flowering shrub. The flowers of many of the plants are double, growing in a rosette pattern. Six-petalled, flat-faced single flowers adorn some of the cape jasmine varieties. Cape jasmine makes a wonderful hedge, specimen plant, or container plant in any location.
USDA zones 8 to 11 are suitable for growing cape jasmine bushes. For zones 6 and 7, however, there are certain cold-hardier types.
Blue Daze (Evolvulus)
From spring until fall, blue daze blooms with brilliant purple-blue flowers as a flowering perennial that may be cultivated in Florida. Green, velvety leaves, tiny blue blossoms, and slow growth distinguish this clumping, spreading plant. This sun-loving ground cover plant grows to be 3 feet (1 meter) wide and 1.5 feet (0.45 meters) tall.
For Florida landscapes, blue daze is a great ground cover plant. During the warm seasons, the mat-forming plant produces a lush carpet of fuzzy green leaves that contrasts with the blue flowers. Blue daze is also an excellent hanging basket plant because of its trailing nature. In USDA zones 8 to 11, blue daze is ideal for large-scale planting.
Egyptian Star Flower (Pentas lanceolata)
Egyptian star flowers are a low-growing perennial plant that thrives in full sunlight in south Florida. The shrub’s spectacular showy star-shaped pink blooms, which bloom all year, are the finest decorative feature. The bright green foliage with pointed leaves contrasts beautifully with these lovely pink blossoms.
The Egyptian star flower thrives in at least six hours of sunlight every day, despite tolerating some shade. Planted along a foundation line or growing in containers, the low-growing, mounding shrub thrives in beds and borders. Egyptian star flowers grow in USDA zones 10 and 11, and they flourish on the ground in tropical settings.
Canna Lily (Canna indica)
Canna lilies are heat-loving tropical perennial bulbs that thrive in full sun and blossom brightly and beautifully. Orange, red, pink, and yellow are the hues of Canna lily blossoms. The bulbous plants, which have lush, glossy green banana-shaped leaves when not in bloom, add texture to gardens.
Plants that are 2 to 3 feet (0.6 meters) tall are stunning. When grown in bulk along walls, borders, or hedges, cannas lilies look their best. From mid-summer until late fall, the iris-like flower bouquets with upright stalks produce magnificent floral displays in gardens. In USDA zones 8 through 11, canna lilies may be planted outdoors at any time of year.
Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera garvinea)
Gerbera daisies are a fantastic option for sunny front or rearyards in Florida, with their vivid cheerful hues. Gerbera blooms are characterized by long, colorful petals that form a rosette around a central disc. In warmer climates, the sun-loving flowers bloom longer and are seen from spring till the first frost.
Gerbera daisies, which are 18 inches (45 cm) tall and have huge disc-shaped blooms, look like they come from outer space. In the front of beds or borders, the cheerful flowers offer a variety of pastel pink, orange, peach, and red colors. In USDA zones 7 through 10, Gerbera daisies flourish in full or partial sunlight.
Common Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
In colder regions, zinnia blooms are annuals that bloom for a few months; in Florida, they bloom as perennials and produce lovely bright colors. Except for blue, all of the flower heads are colorful. Zinnia blooms are up to 6 inches (15 cm) wide and resemble dahlias. The long- blooming easy-to-care landscaping plants rebloom if you deadhead them, and they bloom for a long time.
In full sun, zinnia plants produce stunning flowers. Flowers bloom on the ends of long stems, creating a compact mound of green foliage. They’re ideal for sunny beds and borders, as well as growing in pots or containers. They’re perfect for planting near a house foundation. In USDA zones 2 through 11, grow zinnias outdoors. In colder climates, zinnias grow as annuals, but in Florida, they are tough perennials.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Blanket flowers are Florida perennials that provide a brilliant focal point in gardens when they are in full sun. The petals of the flower heads are yellow with a crimson and yellow center, and they are topped with orange. Double flowers with spectacular yellow blooms, on the other hand, are seen in certain plants.
Blanket blooms reach a height of 3 feet (1 meter) and are up to 2 inches (5 cm) broad. In all growing zones in Florida, grow blanket flowers as an accent or mass plantings.
Blazing Star (Liatris)
Because of its tall flowering purple spikes, Liatris spicata (gayfeather or blazing star) flowers prefer full sun and may tolerate some partial shade in hot and dry summers. The grass-like leaves and purple bottlebrush blooms of blazing star plants distinguish them.
In sunny landscapes, these flowering spikes may grow to be 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and provide a strong vertical emphasis. Blazing star, which grows in USDA zones 3 through 10, is native to the southeastern United States.
Milkweed (Asclepias)
Pollinators such as butterflies, honey bees, and other insects are drawn to drought-tolerant full-sun blooming perennial Asclepias tuberosa (shown in the photograph). Milkweed blooms range from lovely red to orange to white to yellow to pink. The plant’s slender green leaves contrast with the gorgeous blossoms, which grow at the ends of long stems. Milkweed plants flourish in full sun and grow up to 3 feet (0.6 meters) tall. They have a long blooming season and are happiest in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Passion Flower (Passiflora)
Passiflora is a full-sun blooming vine with gorgeous purple blooms that grows throughout the state of Florida. Large petals with spidery filaments cover the unusual exotic purple blooms. A large disc-corona and outstanding stamens make up the center of the bloom.
Vining passionflower plants grow to be 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 meters) long. Passion flowers are ideal for trellises, fences, arbors, and over walls and are perfect for tropical and subtropical gardens. In USDA zones 7 through 11, passion flowers flourish.
Tickseed (Coreopsis)
Tickseed is a low-maintenance plant with bright sunny yellow, red, or orange blossoms that bloom from early summer till mid-fall in Florida. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun. The leafy mounds reach 20 inches (50 cm) in height and are easy to grow.
Sun-loving tickseed plants are drought-tolerant and grow well in poor soils. For mass plantings, beds, and borders, or container cultivation, the cheerful plant is ideal. USDA zones 5 to 10 are ideal for tickseed.
Coontie (Zamia integrifolia)
Coontie is a kind of attractive shrubby cycad that may be cultivated in both full sun and shaded areas. The leathery compound foliage, which may grow 10 inches to 50 inches (25 – 127 cm) long, distinguishes the clumping plant. There may be up to 30 leaflets per pinnately compound leaf. Salt and drought tolerance are excellent in the fern-like plant with its feathery foliage.
As an evergreen ground cover or foundation plant, grow coontie cycads across Florida. The hardy shrub-like cycad grows in zones 8 through 11 and thrives in the sun or shade.