Landscape Plants for Areas with Full Sun
Michael N. Dana and B. Rosie Lerner*

This publication lists and briefly describes landscape plants that are suitable for the specific site conditions of full sun. These lists can serve as a guide, but are not intended to be exhaustive. Many other plants may grow well in full sun conditions besides the ones on the list.
Winter survival is fundamental to success of perennial landscape plants. Indiana is divided into hardiness zones by the United States Department of Agriculture. Southern Indiana, from the Ohio River to approximately Bedford or Seymour, is in zone 6. The rest of the state is in zone 5. Select only plants from this list with a hardiness zone number equal to or lower than the zone for the location they will be planted. For example, in Muncie (zone 5), select plants listed for zone 5, 4, 3, or lower.
Areas of full sun may also be associated with dry soils. Such areas are frequently found on the south side of the house. To grow plants in dry soils, it is important that they develop a good root system so that plants can survive droughty periods.
Enriching the soil will help plants grow successfully in the dry soils found in sunny areas. Dig large planting holes, and add 1 part soil and 1 part peat moss plus 1 tablespoonful of fertilizer, such as 12-12-12 or similar analysis, per square foot. After planting, water the site thoroughly, and mulch the area. Mulches of black plastic, woodchips, or shredded bark will help retain moisture. Continue to provide water until plants are well established. For sunny areas, be sure to select plants which are adapted to such a location. The following plants will grow under sunny conditions.
NOTE: Herbaceous perennials die to the ground in winter and grow from the roots each spring. Protect these types of plants with mulches in winter. Herbaceous perennials are indicated by “HP” in the following tables.

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