Cleome hassleriana • annual
Plant this tropical native in your garden and you’re sure to attract attention. The tall stems of these graceful plants are hard to miss, topped by wispy pink, purple or white blooms that look like a spider’s lanky legs.
Gazania • annual to Zone 8
This popular daisy produces a stunning array of colors in less-than-ideal conditions. Gazania is drought-tolerant, but it doesn’t appreciate a lack of sun. In fact, the flower heads close if the weather is too cloudy or cold.
Achillea • Zones 3 to 9
Lacy flower heads top each stem of yarrow. Varieties range from a short 6 inches to more than 4 feet tall. This hardy bloomer thrives in full sun and should be divided in spring for the optimal summer show.
Cosmos spp. • grown as an annual
Cosmos thrives in a variety of conditions. With cultivars that range from 1 to 6 feet high, it blooms from summer to late fall in shades of orange, red, yellow, pink, purple and white. The frondlike foliage beautifully complements the flowers’ delicate petals.
Rosa rugosa • Zones 2 to 9
Love roses but hate the hassle? This fast-growing variety flourishes anywhere without much fuss. Rugosa roses easily handle poor soil conditions, from sandy to salty. They have cupped, fragrant flowers, which appear as singles, doubles or in small clusters.
Eschscholzia californica • grown as an annual
The California poppy’s soft blooms almost seem to glow. Available in a rainbow of colors, these ardent self-seeders grow to just 15 inches high and wide.
Lavandula • Zones 5 to 10
Known for its namesake purple flowers, no-nonsense lavender is also available in white and pink varieties. The mounding plants range from 1 to 4 feet in diameter, often a bit taller than they are wide, and grow best in full sun.
Lagerstroemia indica • Zones 7 to 9
Crape myrtle is a year-round beauty in the South, where it thrives in the warmth and blooms from July to September. The flowers are spectacular, but the show isn’t over when summer ends: The elliptical foliage takes on brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. This tree is happiest if it’s planted in full sun.
Gaillardia spp. • Zones 3 to 10
Not only is blanket flower bright and cheery, it’s one tough plant. Tolerant of drought and a variety of soil conditions, including those on the sandier side, this is a standout in any sunny summer garden.
Penstemon spp. • Zones 3 to 10
Plant penstemon, and you’ll be singing the praises of this sturdy beauty in no time. Its tall, arching stems are laden with small, trumpet-shaped blossoms in purple, white, yellow, orange, red and pink. The plants do well in full sun to light shade.
Well these must be for me as they are for sandy soil and that’s all we have in Florida!!
Did the grow for you?
No!
Hi, Lynnde. As a lifelong Florida gardener, I can sympathize. I have learned that many “full sun” plants fail here due to our long hot season. I plant almost everything in morning sun only or limited periods of midday sun. Also, use good bagged ‘garden soil’ or compost to add more substance to your sandy soil. Again due to the intense heat, it’s imperative that we get our soil to hold more water for longer periods of time. Don’t give up!
I am in CT and they pop up every where no matter the soil…lol
Hummingbirds LOVE them
In MN. My all time favorite and the queen of my garden. Used to find the seeds for white but have been unable find them the last few yrs.
One of my favorites for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Even though we have rich loam soil in RI, I can grow these in pots and save the seeds for the following year.
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I’ll have to look out for this plant at the nursery. Would be perfect for the dry desert soil here in Mildura Australia and it’s my favourite colour and will go with all the other purple plants I’ll have in the garden shortly and the Jacarandas that line the street.
received rose i ordered today. real nice one so worth what i paid for a change. ive discovered ordering plants etc from everyday individuals seem to be 10 times more likely to make it than ones ive ordered from garden sites. im soooo over them. wasted alot of money and time with them. believe ive learned a lesson. anyway planted in sandy soil next to my creek. i think shes gonna really set off my yard. i cant wait!!!!! plus birds and butterflies makes it all worth it. definite plus. probably wont et blooms this year and pray no polar vortex gets it……
I tried starting lavender from seed in small pots. It’s been six months and I only have two plants that made it. And they are only an inch tall. What am I doing wrong ?