10 North America Native Full-Sun Flowers and Plants
This is one of the hottest Summers ever. Our plants are also experiencing this. This weather can have a negative impact on the health of your garden plants. It is important to choose native plants for your garden in order to respect footprints, local ecosystems, and other environmental considerations. Not only will they thrive in your natural environment without requiring a lot of maintenance, but many common landscaping plants are also invasive which can cause environmental damage.
Non-native flowers are often chosen for their beauty. However, many native flowering plants can be used to decorate your garden and bring joy. These are 10 plants and flowers that can thrive in the summer heat.
1. Sunflower
These iconic flowers love the sun, as their name implies. In addition to their bright brand of beauty, sunflowers enjoy a very deep history in North America: Indigenous peoples were growing them as crops as far back as 4,500 years ago.
Sunflowers can also produce edible seeds, which can be eaten, used as oil, or snacked upon. Sunflowers are beloved and distinctive. They can be found in all 50 US states as well as in parts of Canada, Mexico and Canada. Your flowers might grow tall enough for shade.
2. Prickly Pear Cactus
Even though the spines are enough to make anyone cringe, there are many advantages to growing prickly pear Cacti in an environment that supports their growth. These full-sun plants will thrive in much of the southern and western United States.
This cactus’s best feature is its ability to give you the fruits of your labor. There are many types of prickly pears, each with a unique vibrant color and flavor. What’s not love about prickly pear?
3. Wood Lily
Wood lilies can be found in most states and half of Canada. They are a beautiful species that is native to North America. Though they grow widely, a wet to medium soil. These delicate, full-sun roses are perennial plants so you can watch them return each year to your garden.
5. Black-Eyed Susan
The black-eyed Susan is a great choice if you want to add a bit of color to your garden. Black-eyed Susans are found throughout the central U.S., and they bloom from late spring through early fall.
Although they can tolerate soggy soil, black-eyed Susans are quite hardy. They can tolerate dry soil over several weeks, which is a great way to keep your garden looking fresh.
6. Blue Flag Iris
These brightly colored blooms will be a star in any garden. Many irises are native to North America, including the blue flag. The perennial flowers bloom from late summer to early fall in the northeastern U.S.A. and Canada. They can withstand both full and part sun. Although they prefer moist environments, Irises are resilient enough to withstand floods and droughts.
7. Trumpet Honeysuckle
Trumpet honeysuckle can grow to 15 feet in length. Honeysuckle can be found in many parts of the United States. Their unique shape makes them a great choice for hummingbirds who are looking for nectar. Good news! Honeysuckle prefers a very sunlit environment. However, they can tolerate shade.
8. Texas Lantana
Lantana Urticoides is a native flowering plant to Texas and Mexico. These fiery flowers can withstand some heat and thrive in dry soils.
Texas lantana can grow to 3 to 4 feet high and blooms from July through frost. The lantana is a strong plant that can withstand heat.
9. New England Aster
The New England aster plant can be found in the eastern and central U.S. The aster flower blooms in late summer through mid-autumn, unlike many other flowers.
New England aster can be grown anywhere from 3 to 6 feet . This is a boon for many insects and pollinators. They thrive in moist soil, and can withstand partial to full sun. Their light purple color is a great addition to any garden.
10. Rock Rose
Rock roses can be vibrant flowers with a tropical look like hibiscus. It is native to Texas and California as well as Mexico. They are quite drought-tolerant, as they live in the hottest and most dry areas of North America.
Many benefits come with rock roses, including attracting pollinators and staying in bloom for longer periods of time. They also last season after season.