In this guide, we’ll journey through an exciting collection of Zone 7 full sun perennials, exploring their unique characteristics, benefits, and tips for cultivating them successfully. So, grab your gardening gloves and let’s get started!

Black-Eyed Susan

One of the hallmark flowers of summer, the Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) brightens up any garden with its cheerful, golden petals and distinctive dark centers. These sun-loving perennials are not just visually appealing; they’re also incredibly resilient. Black-Eyed Susans thrive in poor soil conditions and bloom from mid-summer until fall, making them a favorite among gardeners who enjoy long-lasting color.

When planting Black-Eyed Susans, opt for well-draining soil and a position that receives full sun for at least six hours a day. These plants are drought-tolerant once established, so you won’t have to fuss over them too much. They also attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making your garden a lively hub of activity. Be sure to deadhead spent flowers to promote further blooming and prevent them from self-seeding uncontrollably.

Catmint

If you’re looking for a hardy perennial that brings a touch of elegance to your landscape, consider Catmint (Nepeta spp.). With its soft, gray-green foliage and spires of lavender-blue flowers, Catmint is as beautiful as it is fragrant. This drought-resistant plant thrives in full sun and tolerates poor soil, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who may face challenging conditions.

Catmint blooms from late spring to early summer, and its aromatic foliage resists deer and other pests. Moreover, it’s a pollinator’s paradise, attracting bees and butterflies throughout its blooming season. For ideal results, prune back the plant after its first bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers. This low-maintenance perennial showcases its best characteristics when planted in groups or as a border in sunny gardens.

Coneflower

Echinacea, commonly known as Coneflower, is a superstar in the perennial garden. With their daisy-like flowers and spiky central cones, these plants are not only stunning but also packed with medicinal benefits. Coneflowers are native to North America and thrive in the sunny spots of Zone 7 gardens, offering vibrant blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white.

These perennials bloom from mid-summer to fall, attracting not only bees and butterflies but also songbirds that feed on their seeds. They are adaptable to a variety of soil types, although they prefer well-drained locations. Once established, Coneflowers require minimal care and are known for their drought resistance. To promote bushy growth, divide plants every few years, and consider leaving seed heads over winter for visual interest and to benefit local wildlife.

Creeping Phlox

When it comes to ground covers that pack a colorful punch, Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) is a champion. This perennial boasts a sprawling habit and vibrant blooms, making it ideal for sunny rock gardens, slopes, and borders. From April to May, you’ll be treated to a profusion of star-shaped flowers in hues of pink, purple, and white.

Creeping Phlox not only adds beauty to your landscape but also helps control erosion. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun, which encourages dense flowering. After the blooms fade, a light trim can help maintain its shape and vigor. This perennial is often used effectively in combination with other early blooming plants, creating a cheerful tapestry of spring colors.

Daylily

Hemerocallis, or Daylilies, are beloved by gardeners for their adaptability and dazzling array of colors. With thousands of hybrids available, these perennials can suit any garden style. Daylilies are remarkably resilient, thriving in full sun and tolerating drought once established, making them an excellent choice for areas where other plants might struggle.

Each bloom lasts only a day, but the plants produce numerous flower stalks over a lengthy blooming period during summer. They can be found in striking shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red. Daylilies are perfect for borders, mass plantings, and even as specimen plants. After blooming, the foliage remains lush and continues to provide a backdrop for other plants in your garden. Divide every 3-5 years to rejuvenate the plants and maintain blooming vigor.

Lavender

The enchanting aroma of lavender (Lavandula spp.) is hard to resist. Known for its stunning purple flowers and aromatic foliage, lavender is a quintessential addition to any sunny garden in Zone 7. This perennial not only stimulates the senses but also thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, making it a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.

Lavender flowers attract pollinators and are often used in culinary dishes, potpourris, and essential oils. Pruning your lavender plants after flowering will encourage bushier growth and greater flower production the following season. Whether planted in neat rows, combined with other perennials, or incorporated into herb gardens, lavender brings a touch of tranquility and beauty.

Lupine

Lupines (Lupinus spp.) are a colorful and dynamic choice for sunny areas of your garden. Known for their tall, impressive flower spikes, these perennials showcase vibrant colors such as blue, purple, pink, and white. Lupines are perfect for adding vertical interest and can be incorporated into mixed borders for a stunning display.

These plants thrive in full sun and are generally tolerant of various soil conditions, although they prefer well-drained sites. Lupines are also nitrogen fixers, improving soil fertility as they grow. After blooming, cut back spent flowers to encourage a bushier appearance. While they tend to attract pollinators, they may also require some protection from deer, who find them appealing.

Polyantha Roses

For those who desire the beauty of roses with the resilience of perennials, Polyantha roses are an exceptional choice. These compact, bushy roses produce clusters of small, colorful blooms, making them perfect for borders or container gardens. Polyantha roses prosper in full sun, ensuring abundant flowers throughout the season.

These roses are known for their disease resistance and ability to flourish in a variety of conditions. Regular deadheading and pruning can encourage repeat blooming, providing continuous color from late spring to fall. Polyantha roses also make excellent cut flowers, enabling you to enjoy their beauty indoors. Pair them with other perennials to create stunning floral arrangements in your garden.

Rose of Sharon

For a bold statement in your sunniest spaces, consider planting the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). This deciduous shrub is famed for its large, showy flowers that bloom from mid-summer to fall, bringing vibrant color and attraction to your garden. With varieties ranging from white and pink to deep purple, the Rose of Sharon can fit into any landscape design.

This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and is tolerant of drought once established. While it can tolerate various soil types, well-draining soil is preferred for the best growth. Rose of Sharon is also a magnet for hummingbirds and bees, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. Regular pruning can help shape the plant and promote healthy growth, enhancing its overall appearance.

Russian Sage

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a fabulous perennial that combines striking visual interest with exceptional drought tolerance. Known for its silvery-gray foliage and tall purple flower spikes, Russian Sage thrives in full sun and can withstand poor soils and dry conditions, making it an environmentally friendly choice for water-wise gardening.

Blooming from late summer to fall, this perennial creates a soft, breezy aura in the garden. The aromatic foliage and flowers attract pollinators, and its upright habit adds vertical structure to beds and borders. Russian Sage is not only low-maintenance but also resilient to pests and diseases, making it a reliable addition to your sunny garden spots.

Salvia

Salvia, commonly known as sage, is a highly versatile perennial that offers a splash of color and attracts a multitude of pollinators. There are many varieties, ranging from the popular Salvia nemorosa (wood sage) to the more vibrant Salvia microphylla (Mexican bush sage). These plants thrive in full sun and bloom from late spring to fall, providing long-lasting color in your garden.

Salvia is known for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, ideal for busy gardeners. Many species feature aromatic foliage, which can deter deer and other pests. Regular deadheading encourages vibrancy and prolongs the blooming season. Salvia pairs beautifully with other perennials and makes delightful cut flowers for indoor arrangements.

Sedum

Sedum, or stonecrop, is a fantastic choice for sunny areas, especially in rock gardens or as ground cover. These succulents offer a range of textures and colors, with some varieties showcasing stunning fall blooms. Sedums are incredibly hardy, thriving in well-drained soils and needing minimal care once established.

Their drought resistance is a significant advantage, making them perfect for gardeners looking for low-maintenance options. In the right conditions, sedums can spread rapidly, filling in bare patches of soil while adding visual interest. Their fleshy leaves and bright flowers also attract pollinators and provide a rich habitat for beneficial insects.

Trumpet Vine

For a bold splash of color and a charming climbing habit, the Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) is a worthy consideration. This vigorous perennial produces clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from summer to early fall. Loved by hummingbirds and other pollinators, Trumpet Vine brings life to fences, trellises, and arbors.

Planting in full sun is crucial for maximized blooming. However, it’s important to give this plant ample space, as it can become quite unruly if not properly maintained. Pruning back aggressively in early spring can help control growth while promoting robust flowering. The lush foliage and vibrant blooms of Trumpet Vine create an irresistible visual allure throughout the growing season.

Verbena

With its dainty flower clusters and extended blooming season, Verbena is a delightful addition to sunny Zone 7 gardens. Available in both annual and perennial varieties, the perennial forms (such as Verbena bonariensis) are particularly praised for their tall, swaying presence.

These plants thrive in full sun, making them perfect for sunny borders or mixed beds where they can dance elegantly in the breeze. Verbenas are drought-resistant once established and can tolerate poorer soils. These plants attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding movement and liveliness to your garden. To encourage strong growth and continuous blooms, deadhead as necessary and provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

Yarrow

Last but not least, Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial that deserves a spot in any full sun garden. Known for its feathery foliage and clusters of small flowers, Yarrow blooms from late spring to early fall, offering a spectrum of colors including white, yellow, pink, and red.

Yarrow thrives in full sun and is incredibly low-maintenance, adapting to various soil types and tolerating drought conditions. Its aromatic leaves repel pests and attract beneficial insects, adding to its appeal as a resilient garden choice. Ideal for wildflower gardens, Yarrow can be used as a border plant or in mixed perennial beds to create a naturalistic landscape. Regular deadheading will promote further blooming, and their dried flowers are perfect for fall arrangements.