10 Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun

If you’ve got a sunny yard, the right shrubs can bring structure, color, and texture without constantly needing your attention. But not all shrubs can handle full sun, especially in hotter climates where the afternoon rays get intense. Choosing ones that are made for it means less babying, fewer scorch marks, and a whole lot more success.

These shrubs hold up well under full sun and still look good doing it. If you’re tired of guessing what’ll survive in your yard, start with these.

Boxwood

Boxwoods are a reliable choice for full sun and structured landscaping. They’re slow-growing, dense, and easy to shape, making them great for borders or low hedges.

They tolerate pruning well and hold their shape through the seasons. Most varieties handle heat without issue, as long as they’re planted in well-draining soil and watered regularly during dry spells.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

Butterfly bush thrives in direct sun and poor soil, making it one of the easiest flowering shrubs to grow. As the name suggests, it draws in butterflies like crazy.

It blooms from summer into fall and doesn’t need much once established. Just make sure to cut it back each year in late winter to keep it full and healthy.

Spirea

Spirea is a no-fuss shrub that loves full sun and produces clusters of tiny flowers in late spring or early summer. It also offers nice fall color as the leaves change.

There are several varieties with different sizes and bloom colors. Most spireas stay compact, making them great for front yards or mixed shrub borders.

Potentilla

Potentilla handles sun, heat, and dry conditions better than most shrubs. It stays small, blooms all summer, and doesn’t ask for much attention.

It’s a solid pick for those tough spots where other plants struggle. Plus, it holds its shape naturally and works well in both foundation beds and rock gardens.

Abelia

Abelia holds up well in heat and sun, especially the glossy abelia varieties. It blooms for a long stretch—usually from late spring into fall—and brings in pollinators.

It’s semi-evergreen in warmer zones and grows in a loose, arching shape. It doesn’t need constant trimming, which makes it a good low-maintenance option.

Rose of Sharon

Rose of Sharon is a hardy hibiscus that tolerates full sun and tough soil. It blooms late in the season, which makes it a great way to carry color into late summer.

It can grow pretty tall—up to 10 feet in some cases—so it works well as a privacy shrub or focal point. Prune it in early spring to control size and shape.

Knock Out Roses

Knock Out roses are bred for hardiness and long bloom times. They love full sun, don’t need constant spraying, and keep producing blooms from spring to frost.

They’re not as delicate as traditional roses, which makes them great for beginner gardeners. Deadheading helps, but they’ll keep blooming even if you skip it.

Barberry

Barberry is tough, drought-tolerant, and thrives in full sun. Its bright foliage adds year-round color, and some varieties come with deep red or gold leaves.

It also has thorns, which makes it useful as a deterrent shrub near fences or windows. Just be aware that it’s considered invasive in some states, so check before planting.

Russian Sage

While technically more of a woody perennial, Russian sage behaves like a shrub and thrives in full sun. It’s drought-tolerant and blooms with tall purple flower spikes in summer.

It spreads over time and holds up well in poor soil. Once it’s going, it barely needs water, and deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone.

Viburnum

Viburnums come in a wide range of sizes and types, but many of them do great in full sun. They produce clusters of white flowers in spring and often have berries in fall.

Some varieties are evergreen, others are deciduous, but most are hardy and easy to grow. They’re a great way to add seasonal interest without a lot of work.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.