Home Garden 9 Best Sun-Loving Plants for Planter Boxes That Thrive in Heat

9 Best Sun-Loving Plants for Planter Boxes That Thrive in Heat

by Marry Dell

Have a sunny spot with planter boxes, but not sure what plants can handle all that heat? You’re not alone. Too much sun can make some plants droop or burn out fast.

But the good news is, there are many vibrant and tough plants that love soaking up the sunshine and still look amazing.

In this list, you’ll discover 9 sun-loving plants that thrive in planter boxes, bringing color, texture, and life to even the hottest corners of your yard or balcony. These plants don’t just survive in full sun, they shine in it.

And with the right picks, your planter boxes can stay lush and blooming all season long. Just remember to group plants with similar water and climate needs. Ready to meet your sunproof garden heroes?

#1 Sedum

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t mind the heat, sedum is a top pick. This sun-lover grows well in zones 4 to 9 and blooms in late summer through fall, right when other plants may start fading.

Its fleshy leaves store water, making it super drought-tolerant. Place it in shallow planter boxes or mix with other succulents for texture.

Sedum also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Once established, you’ll hardly need to fuss over it.

#2 Calibrachoa

Source: Bhg

Often called “Million Bells,” Calibrachoa offers a waterfall of blooms in nearly every color you can imagine. This trailing beauty grows best in zones 9 to 11 and can stretch up to 2 feet long, perfect for hanging or edge-spilling boxes.

It starts flowering in spring and doesn’t stop until fall. To keep it happy, water regularly and make sure your box drains well. Pair it with upright plants for a fuller look. You’ll be surprised how fast it brightens up the space.

#3 Salvia

Want something that brings both color and pollinators? Salvia is a bold, upright bloomer that thrives in zones 5 to 9 and stands about 2 feet tall.

Its pale-yellow flowers bloom from late summer into early fall, giving your garden a warm, golden touch. Bees and hummingbirds absolutely love it.

It works beautifully as a vertical accent in your planter box. Plus, once it’s settled in, it’s pretty drought-resistant too.

Read More: 10 Best Shrubs That Withstand The Heat Of Summer Days

#4 Gomphrena

Gomphrena might not be the most famous flower, but it’s one of the longest-lasting bloomers. This plant grows well in zones 2 to 11 and reaches about 2 feet tall.

Its round, papery flowers pop up in early summer and keep going until the first frost. The colors range from purple to pink, red, and white, and they even hold up as dried flowers!

If you want nonstop color and texture in your planter boxes, this is a great option. Bonus: it’s heat and humidity-tolerant.

#5 Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine

This vine isn’t just fast-growing, it’s bold and dramatic. With deep purple, lime green, or bronze heart-shaped leaves, ornamental sweet potato vine adds instant flair to sunny planter boxes.

It does best in zones 8b to 11 and loves warm, sunny spots. It’ll quickly spill over the edge of your planter, softening the look with lush vines. Pair it with upright bloomers for contrast. Just keep the soil moist, especially in dry spells.

#6 Verbena

Verbena gives you waves of color from summer to fall, and it doesn’t mind the heat one bit. With over 250 varieties to choose from, most do best in zones 7 to 9. These low-growing bloomers spread easily and fill out boxes beautifully.

You’ll often find them in purple, pink, red, and white, perfect for mixing and matching. Deadhead spent blooms to keep them flowering longer. It’s a sun-worshipper that thrives even in hot, dry conditions.

#7 Firecracker Plant

Looking for a bold plant that really stands out? Firecracker plant lives up to its name, bursting with bright red or yellow blooms that resemble mini firecrackers. It grows in zones 8 to 11 and can reach up to 4 feet tall.

The best part? It flowers almost all year long in warm climates. It’s a favorite for attracting hummingbirds. Tuck one into a corner of your planter box to create height and a pop of fiery color.

#8 Lantana

Lantana is tough, colorful, and ready to handle the heat. Growing best in zones 11 and 12, this shrub-like plant offers clusters of small, five-lobed flowers in stunning shades like yellow, red, pink, and purple.

The blooms can grow up to 2 inches wide, and they’re magnets for butterflies. It’s a great choice for large boxes or sunny spots that get full exposure. Once established, it’s quite drought-tolerant, so you won’t need to water constantly.

#9 Phlox

Phlox adds a touch of softness and color that many sunny spots lack. This perennial grows well in zones 4 to 8 and can reach up to 4 feet tall, making it great for the back of deeper planter boxes.

In summer and early fall, it sends out clusters of fragrant flowers in shades from pale pink to bold magenta. It’s also a butterfly favorite. Keep the soil slightly moist and give it plenty of sunshine, and it’ll reward you with long-lasting blooms.

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