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Hot and dry conditions are tough on plants, especially those in pots and hanging baskets, which dry out faster than those in beds. This challenge is greater for west-facing locations, where the afternoon sun is relentless. But there are many full-sun plants that thrive in these conditions, enduring high temperatures and minimal watering – once established – while maintaining their good looks. Here are our top plants for full sun that can handle the heat.
An attractive, compact low-growing shrub with narrow leaves and large gold-bronze flower spikes in autumn and winter. Grow in a native potting mix and deadhead to keep it tidy.
An evergreen with dark-green leathery leaves and white to pale-pink flowers in spring and summer (look for named varieties as these are less likely to be invasive). This tough, salt-tolerant shrub has a compact, rounded form and is great for coastal areas and poolside containers, making it one of the best full sun plants for pots.
These native grasses grow into dense clumps of strappy green foliage and vary in height from 30cm to 1.2m, depending on the variety. Tolerant of coastal conditions, they can be trimmed back if becoming unruly.
Large velvety silvery-white leaves make this heat-tolerant succulent a standout feature. Contrast with purple or green foliage for an eye-catching display. Ensure soil is free-draining or use a cacti and succulent potting mix.
An evergreen native shrub with small grey-green, rosemary-like leaves and masses of white or blue-mauve, purple flowers through spring. Naturally forms a loose mound but can be clipped into a formal topiary ball.
This succulent has slender fleshy leaves covered with a prolific display of red to pink flowers and white daisy-like blooms from spring to summer. It will quickly fill a pot and trail over the sides.
A sprawling groundcover plant with small green foliage and a profusion of white or purple flowers in spring and summer. This full sun plant looks superb cascading out of pots and hanging baskets, over rockeries or on flat ground.
Lilac flowers rise above the handsome strappy green foliage from spring to autumn. The leaves form small, soft mounds to 30cm and have a strong garlic fragrance when crushed. Both leaves and flowers are edible.
Highly decorative rosettes of lance-shaped leaves with tones of cream, green-blue and new reddish growth. Makes a striking feature mass planted in pots but use a cacti and succulent mix, as it can’t stand wet feet.
Apply a naturally derived mulch, like pine bark or pea straw, to pots to help insulate the potting mix. “Always water in the cool of the morning or early evening,” says Jeanette Kennedy of Plant Growers Australia. This reduces water loss through evaporation. Group small pots to create a cool microclimate around the plants, suggests Jeanette. If a heat event is expected, shade leafy greens and vulnerable plants with a large umbrella to diffuse the heat and stop soil drying out.
If you’re a forgetful gardener or will be away for a couple of weeks, horticulturist Melissa King of Scotts Osmocote advises using self-watering containers, which have a built-in reservoir. “As long as there is ample water in the reservoir, plants can access water as they need it, so there’s no need to constantly monitor their watering needs,” says Melissa. Note smaller pots and baskets need at least twice weekly watering in hot weather, as smaller pots hold less potting mix.
Learn how to protect your garden from heat stress this summer.
Photo credit: GAP Photos/Friedrich Strauss and Getty Images
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
