Full Sun Shrubs: A Guide to Choosing and Growing
When it comes to landscaping your garden, choosing the right shrubs is essential. If you have a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, you’ll need to select shrubs that can tolerate full sun exposure.
What are Full Sun Shrubs?
Full sun shrubs are plants that thrive in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it’s important to note that “full sun” doesn’t mean 12 hours of sunlight. Most full sun shrubs prefer some protection from the blazing afternoon sun.
Benefits of Native Shrubs for Full Sun
Native shrubs are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them relatively low-maintenance. They are also beneficial to native wildlife, providing food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and other creatures.
Some popular native shrubs for full sun include:
- Fragrant sumac
- Witch-hazel
- Summersweet
- Viburnum
- Buttonbush
- Winterberry
- Inkberry
- Chokeberry
Flowering Shrubs for Full Sun
Flowering shrubs add a splash of color and fragrance to your garden. Many flowering shrubs need full sun to produce the most blooms.
Here are a few popular flowering shrubs for full sun:
- Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii): A magnet for pollinators, the butterfly bush produces tall spikes of flowers in a variety of colors.
- Spirea (Spiraea): A compact shrub that packs a punch with its masses of buttercup-yellow flowers in the summer.
- Viburnum (Viburnum): An easy-to-grow shrub that offers year-round interest, with flowers, autumn foliage, and berries that persist into winter.
- Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica): Popular in the South, the crape myrtle produces spectacular summer flowers that last through September.
Choosing Shrubs for Full Sun
When choosing full sun shrubs for your garden, consider the following factors:
- Size and shape: Choose shrubs that will fit the space you have available and complement the overall design of your garden.
- Hardiness zone: Make sure to select shrubs that are hardy in your climate zone.
- Soil conditions: Some shrubs prefer well-drained soil, while others can tolerate clay or sandy soil.
- Water needs: Consider how much time and effort you want to spend watering your shrubs. Some shrubs are more drought-tolerant than others.
Growing and Caring for Full Sun Shrubs
Once you’ve chosen your shrubs, it’s important to plant and care for them properly.
- Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the shrub in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly.
- Watering: Most full sun shrubs need regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize your shrubs according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most shrubs benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied in the spring and fall.
- Pruning: Prune your shrubs as needed to maintain their shape and size. Most shrubs should be pruned in the spring or early summer.
By following these tips, you can choose and grow beautiful, healthy full sun shrubs that will add beauty and value to your garden for years to come.
