Moreover, you might find berries or catkins (flowering spikes) on some shrubs, which gives them extra appeal. Plus, some of these shrubs have colorful or peeling bark, as well as unusual branching patterns. Here are 13 shrubs that grow best in full sun.
13 Best Shrubs for Full Sun
Plant flowers on new wood, so prune the shrub in the late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove dead or diseased parts. Also, remove faded flowers to encourage additional blooming. Can be an aggressive self-seeder.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: PinkSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
This plant likes full sun but will appreciate some afternoon shade in hot climates. Also, it prefers evenly moist soil but can tolerate somewhat dry conditions. Prune to maintain its shape in the late winter or early spring.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: YellowSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining
Prune your shrub to shape it immediately after its blooming period, which typically is from May to June.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 7Color Varieties: Light pinkSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, slightly acidic, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
Make sure to provide your plant with good drainage, and regularly water it throughout the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8Color Varieties: WhiteSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-draining
Oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so prune your shrub immediately after it’s finished flowering to allow it to develop next year’s buds. Be sure to give it some winter protection, such as with a burlap wrap or mulch, in colder growing zones.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Color Varieties: White to purplish-pinkSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-draining
It features chartreuse foliage in the spring that matures to a bright yellow in the summer and picks up orange and red tones in the fall. The foliage contrasts nicely with its purplish stems. Provide your shrub with good drainage, and make sure you’re not overwatering.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: Yellow-greenSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
As long as you give rock cotoneaster an appropriate planting space, it usually requires minimal pruning. It tends to be a hardy, low-maintenance plant.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 7Color Varieties: PinkSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Loamy, moist, well-draining
Beautyberry is a fairly low-maintenance shrub. Pruning isn’t always necessary unless you need to remove dead, broken, or diseased portions.
USDA Growing Zones: 7 to 11Color Varieties: Purple, pinkSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining
Keep your shrub consistently moist through regular watering and rainfall. You may prune it close to the ground every three to five years to rejuvenate growth.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: Yellow-greenSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, medium to wet, well-draining
Water the shrub regularly to maintain soil moisture, but avoid planting it in heavy clay soil. Also, remove any root suckers to help maintain the plant’s appearance.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Color Varieties: Yellow-brownSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining
Pruning isn’t always required, but you can remove about a quarter of the old growth each spring to promote new stems.
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 7Color Varieties: WhiteSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-draining
This plant is fairly low-maintenance and can tolerate poor, sandy soil, as well as some drought. Just make sure you plant it in an area with good drainage.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 11Color Varieties: WhiteSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
Pruning is rarely necessary for this plant. Ensure that it has adequate soil drainage, and plant it in a spot that’s protected from strong winds.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 7Color Varieties: NonfloweringSun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-draining
