22 Container Plants for Full Sun and Heat In Summer

Container plants for full sun and heat are perfect for adding color and visual interest to outdoor spaces that get plenty of direct sunlight all season long. In this post, we’ll cover 22 of our favorite container plants that thrive when summers get scorching hot.

Whether you have a patio, deck, porch, or sunny windowsill, these tough and tolerable flowers, shrubs, and perennials will survive and flourish even through the hottest days of summer with minimal care from you. Get ready for a vibrant display of flowers, foliage, and tropical texture that can boost your mood every time you step outside, no matter how hot and sunny it gets, with these tough-as-nails potted plants for full sun!

Container Plants for Full Sun and Heat for Your Collection 

1. Geraniums

Geraniums are a classic, cheerful choice for colorful container plants in areas receiving full sun. Zonal geraniums thrive when conditions become hot and dry, which is typical during the summer months, pumping out an abundance of colorful flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and purple that last throughout the warm season. 

We always maintain several varieties of zonal geraniums planted in containers on our sunny front patio throughout the warm summer months. Thanks to their very low maintenance needs and natural hardiness, all they require to flourish is an abundance of direct, unfiltered sunlight for most of the day, average potting soil and an occasional, deep drink of water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry.

2. Zinnias

Zinnias make absolutely fantastic container plants for producing an abundant crop of vibrantly colored, long-lasting cut flowers in areas receiving full sun. Their large, cheerful daisy-like flowers in a brilliant array of shades ranging from bright yellow to vivid scarlet red bloom continuously throughout the summer months on the plants’ compact, mounded forms. 

Zinnias tolerate hot, arid conditions extremely well, which makes them perfect choices for container gardening on patios, decks, and near buildings that experience extended periods of intense heat. 

With minimal care requirements of only infrequent watering whenever the top few inches of soil become dry and regular deadheading of spent blossoms to remove faded flowers, zinnia plants grown in containers will reward gardeners with a prolific non-stop display of bold, cheerful flowers in a wide variety of colors that last for days. Spectacular, long-stemmed cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements throughout the entire warm season await you!

3. Marigolds

Marigolds make an excellent selection of carefree container plants for spaces receiving full, intense sun exposure such as on hot, sunny patios and decks. They offer non-stop color all season long through their bright, showy blooms in vivid shades of yellow, gold, orange, and red that begin flowering in the summertime and continue abundantly through early fall. 

In fact, marigolds actually tend to reward gardeners with an even more prolific display of flowers as high temperatures climb higher, testifying to their amazing heat tolerance and suitability for hot weather container gardening. These tough, drought-tolerant plants require little care or maintenance in pots, with requirements as simple as watering them sparingly whenever the top few inches of soil become dry and reducing or eliminating fertilizer applications as the weather grows hotter. 

An additional benefit is that marigolds actually release a slight scent from their foliage that helps repel common insect pests, serving to keep damaging bugs and caterpillars away from any vulnerable container plants situated nearby.

4. Wax Begonias

Wax begonias make beautiful, colorful container plants suitable for both full sun and partial shade exposures depending on the cultivar. They feature cheerful blossoms year-round in lively shades of red, pink, orange, and white in frost-free climates thanks to their ability to tolerate warmer temperatures. The thick, fleshy leaves of wax begonias that are coated in wax help protect them from sun scorch and sunburn, making them very tolerant of hot, direct sunlight while still thriving with partial shade. 

As understory plants native to shaded forest floors, wax begonias thrive best when provided with consistent soil moisture throughout their root systems. Gardeners should water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but should allow the top few inches of soil to dry out slightly in between waterings, especially during the hottest parts of summer, to prevent the onset of root rot issues. 

These low-maintenance container plants reward owners with an abundance of long-flowering color all season long and for years in frost-free climates with consistent care that meets their modest needs for moisture and shade depending on the cultivar.

5. Dragon Wing Begonias

Dragon wing begonias make gorgeous, tropical container plants prized for their spectacular foliage rather than their blooms. Their extremely large, vivid green leaves feature distinctive patterns and colors in shades of silver that can measure up to 10 inches long, adding significant color, texture, and visual interest to sunny gardens. 

Similar to their wax begonia relatives, dragon wing begonias tolerate both full sun and partial shade locations and will require regular deep watering during hot, sunny weather to maintain the moisture levels preferred by their humidity-loving foliage that hails from tropical rainforests. 

However, their massive, lush leaves that evolved under consistently shady forest canopies may scorch, brown, or develop unsightly burn marks in the harshest brunt of the midday sun. Gardeners will achieve the best results and healthiest plants by situating their containers of dragon wing begonias in locations that receive mostly morning sunlight along with dappled or filtered afternoon sunlight.

This is to protect their delicate foliage while still allowing adequate illumination for optimal growth and development of their large, stunning leaves.

6. Firecracker Plant

Firecracker plants make colorful, cheery additions to summer container gardens with their heat-tolerant nature and a profusion of brilliant red flowers that resemble bursting firecrackers and truly light up patio and deck plantings. They earn their common name from the terminal clusters of vivid scarlet blooms resembling tiny firecrackers that appear along the stems continuously throughout the summer months into early fall. 

Firecracker plants thrive when provided with full exposure to direct, unfiltered sunlight for most of the day and consistently moist though well-draining soil conditions to ensure optimal growth and flowering. 

Although these perennials become somewhat drought tolerant once established, the plants actually benefit from moderate summer watering during intensely hot and dry spells through applications that thoroughly moisten the root zone. This encourages the continuous production of their bright red blossoms that will continue lighting up containers with color throughout the warm weather season. 

Container-grown firecracker plants may additionally benefit from supplemental applications of a balanced, organic fertilizer once a month through summer to boost flowering but require reduced frequency of fertilizer as the weather becomes drier and hotter to prevent damage from excess nutrients.

7. Banana Trees

Banana trees make absolutely fantastic large container specimens for use as intense focal points and to add a touch of the tropical to full sun porches, patios, and other outdoor spaces. Their towering height often reaching 20 feet tall, gigantic tropical appearance, large leaves that can measure over three feet long, and distinctively pyramidal architectural form provide an eye-catching, unique center of interest that truly elevates the style of an outdoor setting.

Banana trees thrive when provided with consistently warm temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and flower spectacularly in the heat of summer, producing an abundance of showy flower spikes. For the most impressive upward growth and profuse flowering display, these container banana trees should be placed in an area receiving full, unfiltered sun exposure for most of the day though they can tolerate some filtered light. 

The soil within the large containers must be kept continuously damp but not soggy to meet the high moisture requirements of banana trees’ extensive root systems, and these pots will need to be moved indoors for winter and protected from freezing temperatures in order for the plants to survive the colder months by overwintering within a warm structure.

8. Coleus

Coleus are irresistible container plants for their show-stopping foliage in shades of reds, purples, oranges, and greens. Their wildly colored leaves provide loads of visual interest to any sunny spot from spring to fall.

Coleus thrive in hot weather and full sun if their soil is kept consistently moist but never soggy. Water them daily during the heat of summer to keep their leaves richly hued and textured. Consider a self-watering pot to make maintenance easier for high-maintenance coleus.

9. Canna Lily

Canna lilies are tropical-looking perennials that put on a spectacular show of large, colorful blooms summer after summer in containers. Their lush, sword-like foliage and towering stalks of red, yellow, or orange flowers give a touch of the tropics to sunny porches and patios. 

Cannas prefer rich, organically amended potting soil and consistently high moisture to deliver an outstanding performance year after year. Locate containers in full sun and water deeply once or twice daily during the heat of summer for maximum flowering.

10. Fuchsias

Fuchsias have bell-shaped flowers in vibrant colors like purple, red, pink, and white that dangle elegantly from their branches. These beautiful container plants thrive in part shade to light shade to keep their delicate flowers blooming throughout the warm seasons. 

Fuchsias require moist but well-drained soil and consistent watering, especially when grown in containers that dry out quickly. Place pots in a spot protected from direct midday sun and apply a liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season for best results.

11. Mexican Heather

Mexican heathers are colorful, heat-loving perennials grown for their showy flowers and gray-green foliage. They produce clusters of tubular blossoms in shades of white, pink, red, and purple continuously from spring through fall. Mexican heathers prefer full sun and thrive in hot, dry conditions where containers can go for long stretches between waterings. 

Once established, these tough drought-tolerant plants require very little care beyond an occasional flush of plain water. Mexican heather’s unique needle-like foliage also provides a nice textural contrast to other rounded container plants.

12. Moonflowers

Moonflowers are fast-growing vines valued for their beautiful white or blue flowers that bloom at night and wither by morning. In containers, moonflowers make dramatic statement pieces that quickly cover arbors, trellis, and fences with heart-shaped green foliage. 

These heat lovers thrive in warm temperatures and full sun and bloom most profusely during the hottest summer months. Stake moonflower vines or provide a sturdy support structure and water them regularly to keep their large, fragrant blooms flowering all season long.

13. Pentas

Pentas are carefree container plants valued for their cheery flowers in shades of red, pink, and white. They bloom continuously from spring to fall producing clusters of star-shaped flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Pentas prefers full sun and thrive in hot weather where they have low water and maintenance demands. 

Like most container plants, pentas benefit from occasional shearing and deadheading old flowers to encourage new growth and a prolonged bloom period. Their attractiveness makes pentas wonderful additions to sunny patio container gardens with a cottage garden feel.

14. Helichrysum

Helichrysums, commonly called strawflowers, earn their keep as tough, worry-free container plants perfect for the sun. Their grayish, needle-like foliage and masses of daisy-like flowers in yellow, white, and apricot make helichrysums excellent spiller plants for hanging baskets. 

Adaptable strawflowers thrive in both hot and cold climates and require very little care other than the occasional watering and deadheading of old flowers for non-stop bloom. These long-lasting cut flowers contribute a burst of color to sunny gardens from summer into fall.

15. Caladiums

Caladiums are tropical tuberous perennials grown primarily for their attractively colored foliage. Their large, lush green-and-white or red-and-green leaves make fantastic additions to shaded container gardens, though they can also take full sun if roots are kept constantly moist. 

These whimsical foliage plants perform best when grown in pots filled with rich, organic potting soil and given high moisture levels. Caladiums produce their best leaf display when temperatures rise into the 80s and 90s, making them perfect shade-loving choices for containers in hot, sunny climates.

16. Dusty Miller

Dusty millers thrive as rugged, low-maintenance container plants for hot, sunny locations. Their woody stems and gray-green, velvety foliage covered in fine hairs require very little care beyond occasional watering. Dusty millers flower sparsely with small, insignificant white or yellow blooms, but are instead grown for their distinctive silvery foliage. 

Place pots of dusty miller in full sun for gray leaves with the most silver coating and sheared hedges with a tidy silhouette. The drought-tolerant nature of dusty millers also makes them ideal selections for xeric container gardens.

17. Lavender

Lavenders produce bushes topped with fragrant purple flower spikes that bloom continuously from early summer into fall. These versatile perennials perform beautifully when grown in containers and thrive in hot, sunny climates where their flower display becomes more abundant. Lavenders prefer lean, infertile soil and infrequent watering, which makes them suitable selections for greenhouse conditions. 

Place pots in full sun for the strongest floral scent and bluish leaves, though portions of morning and afternoon shade help lavenders withstand hot summer temperatures. Provide infrequent watering and prune back old stems annually to maintain shape and promote new growth.

18. Mandevilla

Mandevillas are tropical vines valued for their trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, and red. In containers, mandevillas produce a dramatic splash of color that quickly covers trellises, arbors, and fences with glossy green foliage. 

These heat-loving vines thrive in warm temperatures and full sun where they bloom most prolifically in summer. Provide sturdy support for mandevilla vines and water them regularly, especially when flowers are present, to keep their pendulous blooms swinging all season long. Prune mandevilla vines back hard in late winter to encourage bushier new growth and larger flowers.

19. Petunias

Petunias make outstanding container plants for providing abundant color in outdoor spaces. Their cheerful blossoms in shades of white, purple, pink, and red attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators.     

Petunias come in sizes that suit various types of containers from hanging baskets to large tubs and planters. This versatility allows petunias to enhance outdoor environments of different scales.   

With proper care, petunias continue blooming abundantly throughout the warm season from spring through fall in most areas. Their longevity and prolific bloom for relatively little investment make them a low-cost way to add copious color.   

The ability of petunias to thrive in full sun exposure and withstand hot, dry conditions when planted in containers on patios suits them well as heat-loving outdoor plants. Their bright, cheerful blossoms offer a welcome visual lift when needed the most during the hot summer months.

Petunias, especially heat-tolerant wave types, make outstanding container plants for elevating patios, decks, and other sunny outdoor spaces with season-long color, cheer, and abundance.

20. Portulaca

Portulaca, commonly called Moss Rose or Sun Rose, thrive as tough container plants ready for the hottest sun. Their brilliant single or double blooms appear continuously in shades of pink, yellow, red, orange, and white throughout the warm seasons. Portulacas put on an incredible show in containers placed in full sun where their succulent leaves and fleecy flowers benefit from the consistent warmth. 

These drought-tolerant plants require little care or water once established and fit well in xeric gardens, rockeries, and other low-maintenance settings. Come spring, simply cut portulacas back hard and position containers in direct sunlight for the best flower display.

21. Sunflowers

Sunflowers produce absolutely cheerful, gigantic blooms in bright shades of yellow, orange, and brown that can measure up to two feet wide and feature dark centers resembling traditional coins. When grown in containers, sunflowers quickly develop into tall plants and climbing vines that are perfect for covering arbors, screens, fences, and pergolas in the summertime by transforming otherwise blank vertical structures into bursts of colorful sunshine. 

Full exposure to direct, unfiltered sunlight and regular deep watering that keeps the soil continuously moist encourage the largest, most impressive blooms on container-grown sunflowers, though these plants tend to spread rapidly due to their vigorous growth habit and require staking, caging, or training onto trellises and support structures for their heavy flower heads. 

Sunflowers grown in containers bloom most prolifically during the warmest summer months, making them stunning additions that truly elevate the cottage charm of patio and porch container gardens featuring an informal, country-style aesthetic.

Once container-grown sunflowers become established, gardeners can cut their tall stems back to the ground in late winter to encourage the development of multiple stems and an even more profuse display of cheerful yellow blooms the following summer.

22. Lantana

Lantanas truly thrive as easy-care container plants that are capable of producing lush mounds of intensely colored blooms in a nearly consistent, non-stop display. Their long-lasting clusters of fragrant flowers appear in a wide array of vivid shades including hot pinks, reds, yellows, oranges, and purples and attract swarms of hungry butterflies seeking both nectar and pollen. 

Lantana plants grow vigorously and develop an abundant, mounded shape featuring profuse branching when provided with full exposure to direct, unfiltered sunlight. They are remarkable for tolerating both intense heat and dry soil conditions extremely well, making them perfect selections for hot, sunny porches and patios.

In order to elicit the showiest possible display of colorful blooms, container-grown lantana plants should be placed in the hottest, sunniest spot possible and watered only lightly during extended dry spells or drought conditions. 

Lantanas also naturally release chemicals from their leaves that function as a natural insecticide to repel insect pests, requiring minimal assistance in staying lush and healthy throughout the entire warm season once established. Deadheading old blossom clusters regularly by removing faded flowers will help container-grown lantanas maintain their vigor and encourage a much longer bloom time that may extend well into early fall before the first hard frost.

Conclusion

There are many beautiful options for container plants that thrive when summers get scorching hot. Above all, these cheery container plants for full sun help remind us of summertime pleasures through their beauty. Sitting on the porch enjoying a cool drink while listening to the sounds of the garden and feeling uplifted by the colorful display of nature that these containers provide makes for a great summer day.

• The vibrant, colorful flowers of Marigold bloom profusely in the summer heat to brighten up hot, sunny patios and decks. 

• The giant leaves of dragon wing begonias are attractive, textural foliage that stays lush despite the punishing conditions.

• Portulaca, commonly called Moss Rose or Sun Rose, thrive as tough container plants ready for the hottest sun.

So go ahead and fill some pots — your patio is waiting for a splash of color and cheer from these gorgeous, low-maintenance container plants for full sun!