15 potted plants for full sun on the patio

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Geranium in a pot in the sun

contents

  • Terrace plants for full sun
  • From B to G
  • From K to R
  • From S to Z
  • frequently asked Questions

Flower lovers can hardly wait to decorate the terrace and balcony with flowers again after the ice saints. The selection in the garden centers is huge. But which potted plants are suitable for full sun on the terrace?

In a nutshell

  • full sun poses challenges for plants
  • Danger from heat and drought
  • Varieties from warmer regions are suitable
  • Shading and regular watering help

Terrace plants for full sun

A location in the blazing sun poses great challenges for plants. heat and drought, but direct sunlight also triggers stress.

Hobby gardeners who are guided not only by their beauty but also by their requirements when choosing their terrace plants have the chance of a blooming oasis. We have put together for you the most beautiful sun worshipers among the potted plants for the balcony and terrace.

From B to G

Blueness catnip (Nepeta x faassenii)

Not only the cats, also bees, bumblebees and butterflies love the blue catnip. On the terrace, the blue flowers of the tub plant give off a beguiling scent in the sun.

Blue catnip (Nepeta x faassenii) 'Walker's Low'
Nepeta x faassenii 'Walker's Low'
Source: Photo by David J. rod, Nepeta x faassenii Walkers Low 2zz, Edited from Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Planting time: April to May
  • Soil: moderately nutrient-rich, well-drained, dry to fresh
  • Care: water little, avoid waterlogging
  • Flowering period: May to September
  • Flower color: blue, violet
  • Growth height: 30 to 60 centimeters
  • Lifespan: perennial

Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)

Do you only know stinging nettles as indoor plants? In the bucket on the sunny terrace, the brightly colored leaves unfold their full splendor.

Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
  • Planting time: April to May
  • Soil: loamy-sandy, fresh, nutritious, humic
  • Care: water regularly, spray leaves with water, fertilize every two weeks
  • Flowering period: June to July
  • Flower color: white
  • Foliage colouration: brown, white, red, violet
  • Growth height: 20 to 60 centimeters
  • Lifespan: perennial, winter protection required

A notice: The brightly patterned leaves make the coleus so attractive. Their flowers are inconspicuous. We recommend plucking these out as soon as they appear to strengthen the plant.

elf mirror (Nemesia)

A few years ago, the Elfenspiegel was still almost unknown. Now the plant with the orchid-like flowers has made a breakthrough and can be found in many gardens.

Fairy Mirror (Nemesia) 'Sunsatia'
Nemesia 'Sunsatia'
  • Planting time: from May
  • Soil: sandy, poor in nutrients, slightly acidic
  • Care: regular watering, fertilize every two weeks
  • Flowering period: June to October
  • Flower color: blue, white, yellow, orange, pink, red, multicolored
  • Growth height: 20 to 60 centimeters
  • Lifespan: one year

Tip: If the flowering subsides in late summer, a pruning can help. The plant then flowers a second time with full force.

Parachute Coneflower (Rudbeckia nitida)

The curved basket flowers of this coneflower species look like small yellow parachutes.

Parachute Coneflower (Rudbeckia nitida)
  • Planting time: March to May
  • Soil: sandy-loamy, permeable, rich in nutrients
  • Care: water when dry, fertilize regularly
  • Flowering period: July to October
  • Flower color: yellow
  • Growth height: 150 to 200 centimeters
  • Lifespan: perennial

Geranium (Pelargonium)

Hanging or standing, double, single or fragrant, geraniums are the perfect sun plants. After all, they are from South Africa.

Geranium (Pelargonium)
  • Planting time: from mid-May
  • Soil: rich in nutrients
  • Care: water and fertilize regularly
  • Flowering period: May to October
  • Flower color: red, pink, white, multicolored
  • Growth height: 20 to 50 centimeters
  • Lifespan: several years, protected winter quarters required

A notice: Geraniums flower longer and more beautifully if you regularly remove the faded flowers.

From K to R

cape basket (osteospermum)

There are more than 70 different types of cape baskets. The delightful tub plant comes from Africa and defies even high temperatures.

African Daisies (Osteospermum)
  • Planting time: from mid-May
  • Soil: sandy-gravelly, slightly moist, permeable, rich in nutrients
  • Care: Fertilize potted plants every two weeks, water when dry
  • Flowering time: April to October
  • Flower color: white, yellow, orange, pink, pink, red, violet
  • Growth height: 20 to 50 centimeters
  • Lifespan: several years, protected winter quarters required

A notice: When Cape daisies wilt and sag the buds, too much moisture is the most common cause. Low temperatures can also trigger wilting.

Crown campion (Lychnis coronaria)

This container plant for full sun shows off its beautiful flowers and velvety leaves on the patio.

Crown campion (Lychnis coronaria)
  • Planting time: April to May
  • Soil: loamy-sandy, fresh, nutritious, humic
  • Care: undemanding, water little, avoid waterlogging
  • Flowering period: June to August
  • Flower color: red, pink, white
  • Growth height: 60 to 90 centimeters
  • Lifespan: two years

Pennisetum grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)

Grasses are suitable for pot culture as well as for a location in full sun.

Pennisetum alopecuroides (Pennisetum alopecuroides)
  • Planting time: March to May
  • Soil: dry, permeable, rich in nutrients
  • Care: keep potted plants moist, fertilize little
  • Flowering period: June to August
  • Flower color: red, pink, white
  • Growth height: 40 to 60 centimeters
  • Lifespan: perennial, winter protection required

Tip: If the stalks of the pennisetum turn dark, this is a sign of insufficient moisture. Water the ornamental grass regularly.

lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender is one of the most popular potted plants. Full sun and warmth don't bother him.

Lavender (Lavandula)
  • Planting time: from mid-May
  • Soil: loamy-sandy, well-drained, dry, humic
  • Care: water regularly
  • Flowering period: June to August
  • Flower color: violet, pink, white
  • Growth height: 25 to 50 centimeters
  • Lifespan: perennial

marigold (Calendula officinalis)

A marigold should not be missing in any garden or terrace. The attractive plant with bright orange or yellow flowers is a valuable one bee forage plant. At the same time, it effectively repels pests.

Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
  • Planting time: from May
  • Soil: sandy-loamy, nutritious, no special requirements
  • Care: Fertilize potted plants every two weeks, water when dry
  • Flowering period: June to September
  • Flower color: white, yellow, orange
  • Growth height: 20 to 50 centimeters
  • Lifespan: annual, propagation by self-seeding

From S to Z

Butterfly bush (Buddleja)

What many do not know: the summer lilac, one of the most decorative trees, also thrives in a bucket culture in a sunny place.

Summer lilac (Buddleja davidii)
  • Planting time: from mid-May
  • Soil: permeable, calcareous, loose
  • Care: water little, cut back in autumn
  • Flowering period: June to September
  • Flower color: white, pink, light to dark violet
  • Growth height: 150 to 200 centimeters
  • Lifespan: perennial, winter protection required

Summer Marguerite (Leucanthemum maximum)

The summer daisy is perfect for all garden beginners, because it doesn't need more than a sunny location and a little water now and then.

Summer Marguerite (Leucanthemum maximum)
  • Planting time: from mid-May
  • Soil: rich in nutrients, loose
  • Care: water regularly, avoid waterlogging
  • Flowering period: July to August
  • Flower color: white
  • Growth height: 70 to 160 centimeters
  • Lifespan: several years, protected winter quarters required

Tip: Summer daisies unfold their beauty particularly well next to blue delphiniums.

shrub daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens)

Shrub daisies are the perfect plant partners for the colorful flower pot on the sunny terrace.

Marguerite (Argyranthemum frutescens)
  • Planting time: from mid-May
  • Soil: loamy-sandy, permeable, fresh
  • Care: water regularly
  • Flowering period: May to October
  • Flower color: pink, white, yellow
  • Growth height: 70 to 120 centimeters
  • Lifespan: perennial, winter protection required

Tip: Do not fertilize freshly planted shrub daisies. Then they form stronger roots.

magic bell (Calibrachoa)

The annual magic bell blooms from spring to autumn. The adorable plant looks like a small petunia.

Magic bells (Calibrachoa)
  • Planting time: from mid-May
  • Soil: rich in nutrients, humic, permeable
  • Care: water regularly
  • Flowering period: May to October
  • Flower color: red, pink, orange, yellow, white, purple
  • Growth height: 50 to 60 centimeters
  • Lifespan: one year

A notice: Magic bells do not tolerate waterlogging. Make sure the tub has good drainage and don't water too much at once.

Zinnia (Zinnia)

Zinnia flowers can be seen from afar because of their bright colors. On the terrace, the tub plant becomes an eye-catcher in the sun.

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) 'Swizzle scarlet and yellow'
Zinnia elegans 'Swizzle scarlet and yellow'
  • Planting time: March to May
  • Soil: stony, permeable, poor in humus
  • Care: water little, fertilize regularly
  • Flowering period: June to September
  • Flower color: red, pink, orange, yellow, white, purple
  • Growth height: 30 to 100 centimeters
  • Lifespan: one year

frequently asked Questions

Do the planters have to have a drainage hole?

Above all, potted plants that are exposed to precipitation need a container with a drainage hole. If the excess water cannot drain away, there is a risk of waterlogging. Covering with a potsherd or flat pebble will prevent the substrate from sliding down the drain hole.

Are roses suitable for pot culture in sunny locations?

The queen of flowers is a real sun lover! Depending on the space available, choose bushy dwarf roses or magnificent bed roses. Keep in mind that roses have deep roots and need a large bucket. It should be at least 50 centimeters deep. We also recommend thick drainage to prevent waterlogging and the use of special rose soil.

Which crops can be grown in tubs on the sunny terrace?

For example, strawberries, tomatoes, radishes, beans, peppers and most herbs feel really good in the sun. Sun is often required for the aromas to develop fully.

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