That bright Texas spring sun is shining proudly across our lawns and gardens and the warmth of the season is here. Thankfully, our flowerbeds and containers are soaking it all in — this is their time to shine!
Why are they thriving? Because we’ve stocked up on vibrant, sun-loving plants that are perfectly suited for warm weather. From bold blooms to resilient greenery, these heat-tolerant and drought-resistant varieties are made to handle the Texas heat with ease.
If you’re looking to keep your garden full of life all season long, these plants are just what you need for success!
FIRST: PLAN YOUR GARDEN
Understanding how much sunlight your garden receives each day is one of the most important steps in setting yourself up for gardening success. Whether you’re planting directly in the ground or designing container creations, knowing your sun exposure will guide you in choosing the right plants for your space.
Take a little time to observe how the light moves through your flowerbeds and patio—does it get full sun all day, a few hours of morning light, or mostly shade? If your garden receives full sun from morning to evening, it’s essential to choose plants that are built to handle those bright conditions. The right sun-loving varieties will not only survive but thrive, giving you a beautiful and lasting landscape.
So, before you start planting, take a moment to sit back and observe. A little time spent goes a long way toward creating a healthy, flourishing garden that suits your unique space.
SECOND: SELECT YOUR PLANTS
We’ve put together a helpful guide featuring some of the best plant varieties that thrive in full sunlight — from vibrant annuals to hardy perennials.
Our curated list includes reliable favorites and unique picks that add texture, color, and resilience to any sunny space — perfect for gardeners of all experience levels looking to make the most of that Texas sunshine!
Zinnia
Zinnias are the perfect choice for Texas gardens because they absolutely love the sun! These vibrant, cheerful flowers are highly heat-tolerant, making them ideal for warm climates. Best of all, they bloom continuously throughout the season, adding long-lasting color and beauty to your flowerbeds or containers. Zinnias are also low maintenance, requiring only well-drained soil, regular watering, and occasional deadheading to encourage even more blooms. With just a little care, they’ll reward you with a garden full of bright, eye-catching color.
Angelonia
Angelonia may appear delicate with its soft, graceful blooms, but it’s a surprisingly tough and dependable plant. Often called “Summer Snapdragon” for its tall, spiky flowers, Angelonia is both heat-loving and drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens and containers. Once established, it requires minimal watering and continues to bloom beautifully throughout the summer. Its vibrant colors not only add charm to any landscape but also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, bringing movement and life to your garden. Whether used in borders, beds, or mixed containers, Angelonia offers lasting color and reliability all season long.
Pentas
Pentas are a fantastic addition to any garden, bringing vibrant color and pollinator-friendly charm to your outdoor space. These sun-loving plants thrive in full sunlight and are known for their star-shaped blooms that last throughout the warmer months. Not only do they add bold, eye-catching color to flowerbeds and containers, but they also attract a variety of pollinators—especially butterflies and bees—making your garden come alive with activity. With their ability to handle heat and their easygoing nature, Pentas are a reliable and rewarding choice for gardeners looking to create a lively, sun-drenched landscape.
Cora ® XDR Vinca
Cora® XDR Vinca is a hardy and vibrant summer annual that flourishes in the heat and full sunlight, making it perfect for our summer months. With its durable nature, this plant’s bright, colorful blooms continue to thrive throughout the summer and well into the fall, offering long-lasting beauty in your garden. Cora® XDR Vinca is known for its impressive resilience, requiring minimal care while providing a consistent display of color in both flowerbeds and containers. Its ability to tolerate heat and drought, combined with its low maintenance needs, make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color that endures through the seasons. Whether planted in sunny spots or along borders, Cora® XDR Vinca will keep your garden looking vibrant and lively!
Tropical Hibiscus
Tropical and stunning, Hibiscus are the perfect addition that enjoys the warmth of the sun. These heat-loving beauties thrive in our Texas climate, where their large, colorful blooms create a striking focal point. Beyond their eye-catching flowers, Hibiscus also attract hummingbirds, bringing vibrant wildlife and a sense of liveliness to your garden. Their bold petals and unique shape make them a favorite for adding tropical flair, while their ability to withstand the heat ensures they continue to flourish throughout the summer. Whether grown in containers or as a standout feature in flowerbeds, Hibiscus offer both beauty and attract the delightful presence of hummingbirds, making your garden an enchanting oasis.
Monrovia® White Cape® Plumbago
White Cape® Plumbago is a stunning, frost-tender evergreen that produces clusters of pure white flowers for most of the year, adding a soft, elegant touch to any landscape. Its dense, compact habit makes it perfect for containers, informal hedges, or as a bright accent in mixed beds. Thriving in warm climates, it’s adaptable to various soil types with good drainage and offers excellent drought tolerance. Ideal for groundcover or slopes, White Cape® Plumbago combines long-lasting blooms with easy care, making it a practical and beautiful choice.
Monrovia® Stoplights Yucca
This compact, yucca-like plant features soft green leaves and striking crimson-red flowers on tall stalks, creating a bold statement in any garden. Its tubular blooms are a favorite among hummingbirds and other pollinators. Thriving in poor soils and warm, arid conditions, this hardy desert plant is also evergreen, providing stunning interest with minimal care.
THIRD: START YOUR PLANTS OFF STRONG
Give your plants the best start by using quality soil and nutrients to help them thrive all season long. Healthy roots begin with healthy soil, and a high-quality mix can make all the difference.
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, our Flowerbed Mix and Premium Potting Soil are specially formulated to provide essential nutrients, support drainage, and retain moisture—perfect for Texas heat. Pair them with Calloway’s Premium Mulches to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect plants from harsh conditions, all while giving your garden a polished look.
We offer a range of premium plant care products designed to nourish and enhance your garden, especially during the sun-filled summer months. Our Premium Flower Food is specially formulated to promote vibrant blooms and healthy growth in all flowering plants, delivering essential nutrients that help sun-loving varieties thrive. For lush, resilient foliage, Calloway’s Premium Tropical Plant Food supports the unique needs of tropical plants, making it ideal for those that soak up the summer warmth indoors or out. And to keep your landscape green and growing strong, our Natural Lawn and Garden Food provides a balanced, organic-based formula that’s safe for kids, pets, and the environment—perfect for maintaining a beautiful, eco-friendly outdoor space all season long. Whether you’re growing flowers, tropicals, or caring for your lawn, Calloway’s and Cornelius has everything your garden needs to flourish under the summer sun.
With the right soil, mulch, and plant food, your garden will be ready to burst with bold, heat-loving color. Let’s make this season one to bloom!
SHOP WITH EASE
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we are here to help with all your gardening activities! Visit us today and explore our stunning collection of vibrant blooms, pretty perennials, impressive trees and shrubs, stylish pottery, lush indoor plants, and so much more! Shop any of our 29 neighborhood stores, where we have served our loyal customers for over 38 years.
Have questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are here to help!