12 Full Sun Perennials Flowers That Bloom All Summer

If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space into a colorful summer retreat, full sun perennials flowers are the perfect place to start. These resilient plants thrive in direct sunlight and offer vibrant blooms that last from early summer through late fall. Not only do full sun perennials flowers enhance curb appeal, but they also attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds—making them a staple in pollinator-friendly gardens.

Their drought resistance and low-maintenance nature make them ideal for gardeners of all experience levels. For inspiration, check out our guide to low-maintenance full sun perennials and 25 stunning full sun flower bed ideas. While not every plant blooms all season, you’ll find that many top performers offer continuous color and charm. Let’s dive into 12 full sun perennials flowers that truly shine all summer long.

🌼 1. Daylilies

Daylilies are a quintessential choice when it comes to full sun perennials flowers that deliver bold, colorful blooms all summer long. These hardy plants come in a dazzling array of colors and sizes, from soft pastels to fiery reds and golds. Ideal for sunny borders or mixed beds, daylilies thrive in a range of soil types and are remarkably drought-tolerant once established.

Their long, arching foliage adds texture and movement to your garden, while their blooms—though short-lived individually—are produced in such succession that the show never really stops. Even better, many varieties are fragrant or reblooming, extending their display even further.

🌺 2. Tall Phlox

With their fragrant clusters of vibrant blooms, tall phlox bring elegance and charm to any sunny landscape. These full sun perennials flowers are especially prized for their variety of colors—ranging from pure white to vivid fuchsia—and some even feature striking bicolor patterns.

Perfect for sunny entryways, back borders, or large containers, tall phlox offer vertical interest while also attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Their upright habit pairs beautifully with lower-growing companions, and their sweet scent adds a sensory dimension to summer evenings. For best results, plant in well-drained soil and allow for good air circulation to reduce mildew.

🌸 3. Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Coneflowers, also known by their botanical name Echinacea, are among the most dependable full sun perennials flowers for summer gardens. Known for their daisy-like blooms and sturdy, upright stems, these native wildflowers are beloved by pollinators and gardeners alike.

Available in a wide spectrum of colors—ranging from classic purple to orange, yellow, and even green—coneflowers add both visual and ecological value. They’re not just drought-tolerant; their seed heads also provide winter food for birds if left standing. Whether planted in mass groupings or dotted throughout borders, coneflowers lend a cheerful, low-maintenance touch.

🌿 4. Hollyhocks

Towering and dramatic, hollyhocks are true vertical showstoppers in the world of full sun perennials flowers. Reaching heights of up to 7 feet, these old-fashioned favorites bloom along tall spires in a variety of deep, romantic hues—think crimson, plum, pale pink, and sunshine yellow.

Perfect for the back of borders, along fences, or beside outbuildings, hollyhocks create instant garden architecture while attracting bees and butterflies with their rich nectar. They’re deer-resistant, winter-hardy, and well-adapted to sunny, open spaces. With their cottage garden charm and sky-reaching stature, hollyhocks add both color and height all summer long.

🌸 5. Hardy Geraniums

Don’t let their delicate appearance fool you—hardy geraniums are rugged little workhorses. These low-growing full sun perennials flowers spread easily to form a lush groundcover, blooming reliably from late spring well into fall.

Available in cool shades of purple, pink, and white, with many featuring intricate veining or bicolor petals, hardy geraniums are ideal for rock gardens, sunny borders, and even containers. They’re drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and virtually maintenance-free. With minimal effort, you’ll enjoy a long-lasting carpet of color that complements taller summer bloomers perfectly.

🌼 6. Coreopsis

Few plants match the sunny disposition of coreopsis. These cheerful full sun perennials flowers burst into bloom early in the summer and continue to shine through the heat of the season. Their daisy-like blossoms come in vivid shades of yellow, orange, and red—many with bicolored or speckled petals.

Coreopsis is beloved by pollinators and gardeners alike for its low maintenance and adaptability. It thrives in poor soils, tolerates drought, and resists browsing from deer. Whether planted en masse in a cutting garden or tucked along a walkway, coreopsis adds energy and brightness that lasts for months.

✨ 7. Astrantia

Often called “masterwort,” astrantia is one of the most uniquely elegant full sun perennials flowers you can grow. Its glittery, star-shaped blooms—technically umbels—offer a delicate, almost ethereal look that contrasts beautifully with bolder garden companions.

Despite their refined appearance, astrantia plants are impressively hardy and reliable. They begin blooming in early summer and continue well into fall, especially with regular deadheading. Ideal for borders, pollinator gardens, and cut flower arrangements, they’re a favorite among floral designers and landscape pros for their texture and steady color. Choose a sunny to lightly shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil for best results.

🔥 8. Heleniums

Looking to set your summer garden ablaze with color? Heleniums are just the ticket. These fiery full sun perennials flowers produce masses of daisy-like blooms in rich reds, oranges, and golds—perfect for adding warmth and depth to borders or containers.

Not only are heleniums prolific bloomers from early summer through fall, but their sturdy stems also make them great for cutting. They’re highly attractive to bees and butterflies and can stand up to heat and dry spells with ease. Mass plant them for a blazing effect, or dot them through a mixed bed to spice up your summer palette.

🌺 9. Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)

Often associated with floral arrangements, alstroemeria—or Peruvian lily—makes a surprisingly effective garden perennial. These full sun perennials flowers boast an exceptionally long bloom time, stretching from early summer deep into fall with consistent deadheading.

Their tropical flair and spotted, multicolored petals add exotic appeal to garden beds, borders, or containers. Despite their delicate look, many alstroemeria varieties are hardy in zones 5–9, thriving in sunny spots with well-drained soil. With just a bit of care, they reward gardeners with months of vibrant, bouquet-ready blooms that look as good in the ground as they do in a vase.

🔥 10. Red Hot Pokers (Kniphofia)

If your garden needs a jolt of bold texture and sizzling color, red hot pokers are your answer. Also known as Kniphofia, these full sun perennials flowers feature dramatic, upright spikes of tubular blooms that shift from red to orange to yellow as they mature—resembling glowing torches.

These heat-loving, drought-tolerant plants are beloved by hummingbirds and butterflies alike. Their bold form makes them perfect for back borders or as an accent in xeriscape or modern gardens. Red hot pokers bloom from early to late summer and require little maintenance—just full sun, well-drained soil, and occasional deadheading to keep the flames going.

🌼 11. Shasta Daisies

A timeless favorite with a cheerful face, Shasta daisies bring classic charm to sunny gardens. These white-petaled full sun perennials flowers with sunny yellow centers are beloved for their simplicity and reliability.

Shasta daisies bloom from early summer through late in the season, standing strong in borders, cottage gardens, or containers. Their upright stems and crisp blooms make them great cut flowers, and pollinators can’t resist their sunny appeal. Pair them with ornamental grasses or colorful perennials for a fresh, breezy garden look. Plus, they’re deer-resistant and thrive in poor to average soils.

🐝 12. Cinquefoil (Potentilla)

Compact, colorful, and incredibly resilient, cinquefoil—also known as Potentilla—is a small but mighty addition to any sun-drenched garden. These full sun perennials flowers bloom profusely all summer, featuring delicate, saucer-shaped blossoms in cheerful shades of yellow, pink, or white.

Their dense, bushy growth habit makes them ideal for edging paths, filling containers, or mass planting in pollinator gardens. Cinquefoil is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and virtually fuss-free, returning year after year with minimal care. If you’re looking for a hardy bloomer that quietly gets the job done, this is a plant worth rooting for.

🌿 Conclusion

Adding full sun perennials flowers to your landscape is one of the most effective ways to enjoy continuous color, support pollinators, and simplify garden upkeep all summer long. Whether you’re drawn to the exotic charm of Alstroemeria, the dramatic height of hollyhocks, or the vibrant hues of coneflowers and coreopsis, there’s a full sun perennial flower to suit every garden style and space.

Thanks to the wide range of long-blooming perennials, your garden can remain radiant from June through fall—without the need for constant replanting. Combine different heights, bloom colors, and foliage textures to create dynamic displays that evolve through the season. Don’t forget to explore more ways to build thriving beds with our easy guide to perennial garden design. With the right mix of full sun perennials flowers, your summer garden is guaranteed to shine bright.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🌞 What are full sun perennials flowers?

Full sun perennials flowers are plants that require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and return each year without needing to be replanted. They’re perfect for bright garden spots and often bloom throughout the summer with minimal maintenance.

🌿 Which perennials bloom all summer in full sun?

Some of the best summer-long bloomers include:

Daylilies
Coreopsis
Shasta Daisies
Heleniums
Alstroemeria

These varieties thrive in sunny conditions and provide consistent color for months.

🐝 Do full sun perennials attract pollinators?

Yes! Many full sun perennials flowers—like coneflowers, hollyhocks, and coreopsis—are magnets for bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. Adding these plants supports local ecosystems and promotes a healthy garden environment.

💧 Are full sun perennials drought-tolerant?

Many are! Daylilies, red hot pokers, and cinquefoil are all known for their ability to handle dry conditions once established. Be sure to water newly planted perennials regularly until they develop strong root systems.