15 Full Sun Container Plants Ideas for Vibrant Outdoor Spaces

I love helping gardeners create beautiful outdoor spaces, even in hot and sunny conditions.

Container gardening offers flexibility to brighten up patios, balconies, and other areas with colorful plants. 

Choosing heat-tolerant plants that thrive in full sun is key for successful summer container gardens.

I’ve put together some ideas for container plants that can handle intense sunlight and high temperatures.

These tough plants will keep your outdoor spaces looking lush and vibrant all season long.

With the right plant choices, you can enjoy gorgeous blooms and foliage without constant watering or worrying about wilting.

1: Basil

Basil is a great choice for full sun container gardens. I like to grow it in pots at least 8 inches deep.

I make sure to space basil plants 12-16 inches apart so they have room to spread out. Regular watering keeps the soil moist but not soggy.

I pinch off the top leaves when plants reach 4 inches tall. This encourages bushier growth. Basil adds fresh flavor to many dishes all summer long.

2: Petunias

Petunias are a top choice for full sun containers. I love their colorful blooms that last all summer long.

These flowers come in many shades and patterns. They’re easy to grow and don’t need much care.

I recommend planting 3-4 petunias in a 10-12 inch pot. For bigger pots, you can add more plants.

3: Marigolds

I love marigolds for full sun containers. These cheerful flowers bloom in bright yellows, oranges, and reds. Marigolds are easy to grow and don’t need much care.

I plant marigolds in pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes. They look great mixed with other sun-loving flowers too.

4: Geraniums

Geraniums are a great choice for full sun containers. I love their colorful blooms that last all summer long. They come in shades of pink, red, white, and purple.

Geraniums need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. I make sure to water them when the soil feels dry. They do well in pots with good drainage.

5: Lantana

Lantana is a top pick for sunny container gardens. I love its colorful flowers that bloom all summer long. It’s tough and can handle heat and drought well.

Lantana comes in many colors like yellow, orange, pink, and purple. I find it easy to grow and care for in pots. It attracts butterflies too, which is a nice bonus.

6: Coleus

Coleus is a great choice for full sun containers. I love its vibrant foliage colors that can brighten up any space.

Many new coleus varieties thrive in direct sunlight. The Colorblaze series is especially sun-tolerant and develops more intense hues with more sun exposure.

When planting coleus in pots, I use rich, well-draining soil. I make sure the containers have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

7: Zinnias

Zinnias are a perfect choice for full sun containers. I love their vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms.

These flowers thrive in hot, sunny spots. They’re easy to grow and add cheerful pops of color to any patio or balcony.

I recommend planting zinnias in large pots with good drainage. They need plenty of space for their roots to spread out.

8: Million Bells

Million Bells are perfect for sunny container gardens. I love their colorful, bell-shaped flowers that bloom all summer. They’re easy to care for and don’t need much water.

I plant them in well-draining soil and give them full sun. They look great spilling over the edges of pots or hanging baskets.

9: Lavender

Lavender is one of my favorite plants for sunny containers. It loves full sun and well-drained soil. I find it does best in clay or terracotta pots at least 12 inches wide.

I make sure to water lavender sparingly. It doesn’t like wet feet. The fragrant purple flowers look beautiful and attract bees to my garden.

10: Begonias

Begonias are a surprising choice for full sun containers. While many varieties prefer shade, some can handle direct sunlight.

Wax begonias, especially those with darker leaves, do well in full sun. They add vibrant color to pots with their small but plentiful blooms.

I like to mix begonias with other sun-loving plants in containers. Their rounded leaves and cheerful flowers create nice contrasts.

11: Fuchsia

Fuchsias are stunning plants for full sun containers. I love their unique drooping flowers that come in vibrant shades of pink, purple, and red.

These plants thrive in pots and hanging baskets. They bloom from early summer until frost, adding long-lasting color to any outdoor space.

Some great fuchsia varieties for containers include ‘Dark Eyes’ and ‘Swingtime’. They prefer morning or late-day sun and need regular watering to stay happy.

12: Sweet Potato Vine

Sweet potato vines are a great choice for full sun containers. I love how they add a splash of color and trailing texture to pots.

These vines come in shades of lime green, purple, and bronze. They grow quickly and can spill over the edges of containers beautifully.

I find sweet potato vines easy to care for. They thrive in warm temperatures above 55°F and need regular watering.

13: Portulaca

Portulaca is a colorful, low-growing plant perfect for sunny containers. I love its vibrant blooms in shades of pink, yellow, orange, and more.

This drought-tolerant annual thrives in hot, dry conditions. It has succulent-like foliage that stores water.

Portulaca flowers open in full sun and close at night. Some newer varieties bloom even on cloudy days.

14: Verbena

Verbena is a fantastic choice for sunny container gardens. I love its clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that bloom in vibrant colors.

This plant thrives in full sun and can handle hot conditions well. I’ve found it’s quite low-maintenance once established.

To grow verbena in pots, I use well-draining soil and make sure it gets at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

15: Dianthus

Dianthus is a great choice for full sun containers. I love how these compact flowers add vibrant pops of color to any pot or planter.

They come in shades of pink, red, and white. Dianthus is easy to care for and blooms for a long time.

I find they do best in well-draining soil with regular watering. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers throughout the season.