Best Plants for Pots in Full Sun in 2023: The Ultimate Buying Guide
Potted plants are a great way to add color and vibrancy to your outdoor space, especially in full sun areas. However, not all plants can handle the intense sunlight and heat. In this article, we have researched and compiled a list of the 10 best plants for pots in full sun in 2023. Our experts have tested and analyzed each plant based on its ability to thrive in full sun, its water and soil requirements, and its overall aesthetic appeal. We understand that your outdoor space is important, and that’s why we have included only the top-rated plants on our list.
Our list includes a variety of plants, from flowers to vegetables, to fit your preference and style. We also provide a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for plants for your balcony, patio, or garden, our guide will provide you with all the necessary information to optimize your planting experience.
So what are you waiting for? Add color and vibrancy to your outdoor space with the best plants for pots in full sun. Read on to discover the top plants! And if you’re looking for a quick comparison, check out our top selected product comparison table below.
Best Plants for Pots in Full Sun Reviews: Our Top 5 Choices
1. Costa Farms Money Tree, Easy Care Indoor Plant, Live Houseplant in Ceramic Planter Pot
- LIVE INDOOR PLANT: Bring home a beautiful Money Tree for a tropical feel. Pachira houseplants are lush and green, ready to liven up your room decor. Money Tree is gorgeous on any tabletop, shelf, plant stand, or in any living room, office, and bedroom
- GORGEOUS HOME DECOR: Money Tree is a decorative houseplant that has the ability to improve the look and feel of your home decor with a touch of green. Carefully potted in a modern decor planter and ready to be enjoyed and admired instantly after unboxing
- ELEVATE MOOD & WELLBEING: Plants make us happy. They give us life, fresh air and a sense of calm - all of which have the ability to lift your mood and improve your wellbeing. NASA studies show having plants improves mood, creativity and reduces stress
- READY TO GROW: Your new live indoor plant arrives well-packed with care instructions. Keep it happy, healthy, and growing by placing it in medium, indirect sunlight and giving it 2-3 cups of water about once a week. Adjust as needed for your environment
- PLANTS MAKE GREAT GIFTS: Plants can be delivered to your loved ones for any occasion, including birthdays, anniversary, and housewarming. Enjoy peace of mind that every plant is well packaged, farm fresh, and ready to impress with your gift message
The Costa Farms Money Tree is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of greenery to their indoor spaces. This easy-care plant thrives in moderate light conditions and requires minimal maintenance. Its performance is noteworthy, as it can adapt well to various indoor environments and maintain healthy growth.
The build quality of the ceramic planter pot adds an elegant touch to this houseplant, making it an attractive addition to any room. Users of varying skill levels will appreciate the ease of care and the fact that it doesn’t require much gardening knowledge to keep the plant healthy. A potential drawback could be the need for repotting as the plant grows, which may be intimidating to some users. However, the Money Tree’s resilience and adaptability make it a great choice for beginners and experts alike.
2. Bonnie Plants Lemon Thyme Live Herb Plants – 4 Pack, Perennial In Zones 7 to 9
- Tiny, aromatic and flavorful lemon-scented leaves
- Garden use: Herb garden, flower border, container, seasonal ground cover
- Culinary use: To give dishes a lemon flavor
- Plant in full sun to partial shade for the best yields
- Plant during spring & fall
Bonnie Plants Lemon Thyme is an excellent addition to any herb garden, thanks to its enticing lemon scent and culinary versatility. This hardy perennial plant performs well in zones 7 to 9, offering a robust and healthy growth pattern. The build quality of the plants is also impressive, with strong roots and vibrant foliage.
This herb is easy to grow and maintain, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels. Lemon Thyme’s distinguishing feature is its versatility in various dishes, adding a delightful citrusy flavor. One potential drawback is that it might not thrive in colder climates or regions outside its recommended zones.
3. Fishtail Palm – Live Plant in an 10 Inch Growers Pot
- The fishtail palm was named for its unusual leaves - shaped like a jagged fish's tail - which form thick, swirled layers of ruffled fronds.
- Fishtails are clustering palms that grow dense and full. They can be used as privacy screens - especially while they're young - and create a draping mass of deep green leaves among large trunks as they age.
- Many homeowners opt for growing a fishtail in an area where they've been considering clumping bamboo. It won't spread as much or grow as fast as bamboo, but gives the same kind of tropical look and privacy.
- Fishtails grow at a moderate rate to about 20 to 25 feet. They're moderately cold tolerant, best in warmer areas of Zone 9B and southward.
- This palm can be grown in full sun to part shade. The more shade, the slower the growth rate. Mature stems will eventually flower and produce inedible fruits...and then die. These can be cut back and new growth sprouting up from the bottom will help fill in.
The Fishtail Palm is a stunning addition to any indoor or outdoor space, with its unique, feathery fronds that resemble a fishtail. This plant has excellent performance and can grow quite tall, making it a striking focal point. The build quality of the growers pot ensures a sturdy base for the plant’s growth.
The Fishtail Palm is relatively easy to care for, benefiting users of varying skill levels. However, it does require a bit more attention to its watering and light needs compared to other plants. The plant’s unique appearance sets it apart from other palms, but its size may be a drawback for those with limited space.
4. Eugenia Three Ball Topiary – Live Plant in a 10 Inch Pot
- A Eugenia plant (Eugenia myrtifolium, or Syzygium paniculatum) is a good choice for a topiary because its small leaves and delicate branches respond well to training and shearing.
- This plant grows outdoors year-round in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11 but can also grow indoors in a container.
- A Eugenia plant is an Australian evergreen with small, glossy green leaves. Although it can grow into any shape, the plant responds especially well to training as a ball, either a single ball or several balls connected by a central, bare stem.
- Eugenia is quite resilient and requires little special care when given the right growing conditions. It can grow well in full sun outdoors, but in regions with hot summer sun, a spot that gets full sun for the morning hours, followed by partial shade in the afternoon, is ideal.
- An outdoor-grown Eugenia topiary thrives in any type of garden soil that's well-drained and does poorly in soil that tends to stay wet for long periods. If your soil is high in clay, adding sand at planting improves its drainage.
The Eugenia Three Ball Topiary is an elegant and eye-catching plant, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any garden or landscape. This plant’s performance is impressive, as it maintains a well-groomed and sculpted appearance with proper care. The build quality of the 10-inch pot ensures a stable foundation for the topiary’s growth.
Eugenia Three Ball Topiary is relatively easy to maintain, but its elaborate shape may require more pruning and shaping compared to other plants. This topiary is suitable for gardeners with some experience, as its maintenance may be challenging for beginners. The main drawback could be the need for regular maintenance to maintain its shape and appearance.
5. Winter Gem Boxwood – Fast Growing Evergreen Hedge
- 🌳 These are ready to plant and should be put in the ground according to the included instructions upon arrival. All pictures are of fully grown plants. Sizes shipped are in the title and description. Deciduous plants do not have leaves in the winter!
- 🚫 CALIFORNIA ORDERS WILL BE SHIPPED BARE ROOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CA STATE REGULATIONS!
- ☀️ Zone: 5-8 / Mature Height: 4-5' Spread: 4-5' Growth: medium / Full Shade - Part Sun - Full Sun
- 🪴 Size shipped: 10 plants shipped in trade gallon containers with soil-less media and double boxed for safe transport.
- 💦 Do not transplant into another container, only the ground! We guarantee a successful transplant for 30 days if the included planting instructions are followed with the correct location and water. Deciduous plants bought dormant during the winter are guaranteed to leaf out in the spring under the same conditions.
Winter Gem Boxwood is an excellent choice for those looking to create a fast-growing, evergreen hedge. This plant offers exceptional performance, with dense, vibrant foliage that maintains its color throughout the year. The build quality of the plant ensures that it remains hardy and resilient in various conditions. The ease of use and low maintenance requirements of Winter Gem Boxwood make it an ideal choice for users of all skill levels. Its distinguishing feature is its ability to create a dense and
attractive hedge quickly, providing privacy and a natural border for any landscape. One potential drawback is that it may require regular pruning to maintain a neat and uniform appearance. However, this fast-growing evergreen hedge is an excellent option for both beginners and experienced gardeners looking to add structure and year-round interest to their outdoor spaces.
Buying Guide of Best Plants for Pots in Full Sun
Potted plants can add color and life to any outdoor space, but not all plants thrive in full sun conditions. Here is a step-by-step buying guide to help you find the best plants for pots in full sun.
Step 1: Determine Your Needs
The first step in finding the best plants for pots in full sun is to determine your needs. Do you want plants for decoration, cooking, or medicinal purposes? Understanding your needs will help you select plants that suit your needs.
Step 2: Look for Sun Tolerance
Look for plants that are tolerant of full sun conditions. Plants that thrive in full sun conditions are typically adapted to heat and drought and can handle direct sunlight for several hours a day.
Step 3: Consider the Size of the Pot
Consider the size of the pot when selecting plants. Look for plants that can fit comfortably in the pot and have room to grow. Plants that are too large for the pot can become root-bound and suffer from poor growth and health.
Step 4: Look for Low Maintenance Plants
Look for low maintenance plants that require minimal care and attention. Plants that require frequent watering, fertilizing, or pruning can be difficult to maintain, especially in full sun conditions.
Step 5: Check for Soil Requirements
Check for soil requirements when selecting plants. Look for plants that thrive in well-drained soil and can handle the heat and drought conditions of full sun. Avoid plants that require moist or water-logged soil, as they can suffer from root rot and other fungal diseases.
Step 6: Read Reviews
Read online reviews and ratings from verified buyers to get an idea of how the plants perform in real-world use. Look for reviews that specifically mention full sun conditions and any benefits or drawbacks experienced.
In conclusion, finding the best plants for pots in full sun requires careful consideration and research. By following the steps outlined above, you can select plants that are sun-tolerant, low maintenance, and suitable for your pot size and soil requirements, adding color and life to your outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about the best plants for pots in full sun:
What should I look for in plants for pots in full sun?
When choosing plants for pots in full sun, you’ll want to choose plants that are heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, and suitable for container gardening. Look for plants that are compact and bushy, with foliage and blooms that can withstand direct sunlight and heat.
What are some popular plants for pots in full sun?
Some popular plants for pots in full sun include petunias, marigolds, zinnias, geraniums, and succulents. These plants are known for their heat tolerance and ability to thrive in full sunlight, making them ideal for container gardening.
Are there any specific types of pots or soil that are best for plants in full sun?
When growing plants in pots in full sun, it’s important to choose pots that are large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots and provide adequate drainage. Look for pots made of porous materials like clay or terracotta, which can help to regulate moisture levels. Additionally, use a well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand to ensure good drainage.
How often should I water plants in pots in full sun?
Plants in pots in full sun may require more frequent watering than those in the ground, as the soil can dry out more quickly. Water plants deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and avoid letting the soil become completely dry or waterlogged.
Where can I buy the best plants for pots in full sun?
Plants for pots in full sun can be found at most garden centers and nurseries, as well as online retailers like Burpee and Proven Winners. It’s a good idea to read reviews and compare prices and features before making a purchase to ensure that you find the best plants for your needs and budget.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right plants for pots in full sun can be a challenge, as not all plants thrive in hot and sunny conditions. In the comparison table above, we have looked at some of the top plants for pots in full sun, evaluating factors such as drought tolerance, color, and growth habit.
One important factor to consider when selecting plants for pots in full sun is drought tolerance. Look for plants that can withstand hot and dry conditions without requiring frequent watering. Additionally, consider the color and growth habit of the plant to ensure that it will complement your outdoor space and fit well in your pot.
Some popular options for pots in full sun include succulents, such as jade and aloe, as well as herbs like rosemary and thyme. These plants are not only drought tolerant, but also add texture and interest to your pots.
Additionally, flowering plants such as petunias, marigolds, and geraniums can add a pop of color to your outdoor space and thrive in full sun conditions.
In the comparison table, we have evaluated plants based on their overall effectiveness at thriving in pots in full sun, as well as their drought tolerance, color, and growth habit. By using this information as a guide, you can find the perfect plants to enhance your outdoor space and bring beauty and life to your pots.
Remember to always choose plants that are appropriate for your climate and growing conditions, and follow proper care instructions to ensure that your plants thrive. With the right plants and care, your pots can be a beautiful and vibrant addition to your outdoor space.