If you’ve got a garden that basks in sun all day, lucky you. Sunny borders are brilliant for growing bold, brilliant and bee-friendly plants that really put on a show.
However, with all that sun you’ll need to make sure the plants you choose are up to the job. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing a tired space, we have some plant inspiration for you, with varieties that adore sunshine, flower for months, and don’t mind a bit of heat.
From long-flowering perennials to aromatic shrubs and drought-tolerant beauties, everything featured here is suited to your sunniest of border.
Why Should You Care About the Varieties You Plant?
Not all plants are built for blazing sun. Some frazzle in heat, while others soak it up and bloom better for it. Choosing the right varieties for a sunny spot isn’t just about survival, it’s the secret to a garden that keeps on giving.
The right mix will reward you with vivid colour, strong scents, pollinator activity, and structure across the seasons. Go for proven performers that can cope with dry spells and high light levels, and you’ll save yourself a lot of time and effort in the long run.
How to Care for Plants in Sunny Borders
Once you’ve picked the right sun-lovers, you’ll want to keep them looking their best.
Sunny borders can dry out quickly, so water deeply once or twice a week in dry weather, rather than a daily splash. Add mulch in spring to help lock in moisture and suppress weeds.
Feed your plants monthly with a general-purpose fertiliser through the growing season to keep flowering going strong.
Keep an eye out for signs of stress – wilting, pale leaves or stunted growth – and act early with water or feed if needed.
General Pruning Advice for a Sunny Border
Pruning is key to keeping your sunny border neat and blooming.
Cut back faded perennials after flowering to encourage a second flush or tidy the clump. Shrubs may need shaping in spring or after flowering, depending on the variety.
Use clean, sharp secateurs and always remove any dead, damaged or diseased growth first. For summer perennials, a gentle trim often stimulates more flowers and fresh growth.
And don’t forget to deadhead regularly, as this is the quickest way to extend your display into late summer and autumn.
Top 5 Plants to Grow in a Sunny Border
Lavender ‘Hidcote’
A British favourite for a reason. Lavender ‘Hidcote’ is a compact variety with rich purple flowers and fragrant silvery foliage. It loves sun, needs little water once established, and attracts bees in droves. It’s also perfect for edging, pots or as a low hedge. This drought-tolerant shrub flowers from early to late summer and can be clipped after flowering to maintain shape. Hardy, low-maintenance, and evergreen – it ticks every box.
Salvia ‘Lips’ Collection
For reliable, long-flowering colour in a sunny border, the Salvia ‘Lips’ Collection is a winning choice. This trio features the much-loved ‘Hot Lips’, ‘Cherry Lips’ and ‘Amethyst Lips’, each producing masses of two-tone blooms from early summer into autumn.
These easy-going salvias thrive in full sun, tolerate dry spells once established, and bounce back beautifully each year. Their fragrance is a hit with bees and butterflies too, making them ideal for wildlife-friendly planting. Compact, bushy and brilliant in both borders and pots, they’re as versatile as they are eye-catching.
Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’
This long-flowering perennial delivers soft lemon-yellow daisies in summer. With airy, fine foliage and a compact habit, Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’ adds a relaxed, informal look to sunny borders. It thrives in well-drained soil, is incredibly easy to grow, and needs little maintenance apart from a quick tidy after flowering. Ideal for new gardeners or anyone after fuss-free, cheerful colour.
Echinacea ‘Magnus’
A magnet for pollinators and a real sun lover, Echinacea ‘Magnus’ produces bold pink daisy-like flowers with raised centres. It stands tall in the border, offering height and structure, and comes back reliably each year. It’s brilliant in prairie-style planting or mixed with grasses and other perennials. Drought tolerant once settled, and great for cutting too.
Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’
One of the best late-summer performers, Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ brings weeks of golden-yellow blooms with black centres. It’s upright, bushy, and excellent for filling space in full sun. Flowering from summer into autumn, it provides colour when other plants are fading.
Easy to grow in most soils and tolerant of dry conditions, this tough perennial is also great for attracting butterflies and bees.
Was this article helpful?
That’s Great!
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry! We couldn't be helpful
Thank you for your feedback
Feedback sent
We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article