Low maintenance even during those scorching, sun-drenched summers: We’re breaking down seven of the most popular full-sun plants that barely need a drop of water, plus we’ll let you in on our favorite pro tip.
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++Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)
The Windmill Palm is a real showstopper with its stunning fronds sitting atop a distinctively textured, hairy trunk. In most US climates, this easy-going beauty is grown as a container plant, usually reaching heights of about six to nine feet. From May to June, it shows off with long clusters of yellow flowers that eventually turn into blue-black fruits. It handles direct sunlight like a champ and is surprisingly drought-tolerant, so keep the watering can tucked away and only give it a drink occasionally.
++Moss Rose (Portulaca grandiflora)
These succulents spread out quickly with low-growing stems, making them a perfect choice for hanging baskets or window boxes. If you want a carpet of blooms, you’ve got to give them full sun—the more, the better! Their thick, fleshy leaves are topped with pretty flowers in shades of white, yellow, orange, pink, and red. Just a heads-up: Moss Roses hate “wet feet.” Be very stingy with the water and make sure your soil drains well to avoid root rot.
++Dark Mullein (Verbascum nigrum)
Dark Mullein is one of those hardy perennials that offers massive visual impact with almost zero effort. In a full-sun spot, it spends its first year growing a lush rosette of leaves. After a chilly winter “reset,” it shoots up in its second year with flower spikes that can reach nearly four feet tall. These spikes are covered in yellow blossoms with striking dark purple centers. Bonus: it’s a nectar goldmine, so your local bees will definitely thank you!
++Stonecrop (Sedum)
Sedums are the ultimate “set it and forget it” plants. They store water in their thick, spoon-shaped leaves, allowing them to breeze through long dry spells without breaking a sweat. They’re perfect for rock gardens or those awkward, sunny corners of the yard where nothing else seems to grow. They aren’t picky about nutrients and require basically no maintenance, yet they still produce lovely flower clusters that serve as a vital buffet for bees and butterflies.
++Spineless Yucca (Yucca elephantipes)
Even though it looks like a palm tree with its tuft of green leaves, the Yucca is actually a member of the asparagus family! Native to the deserts of the Southwestern US and Mexico, it’s built for intense heat and direct sun. You’ll want to water it very sparingly, even in the height of summer. One quick tip: if you’ve been keeping your Yucca in the shade, move it into the sun gradually to avoid leaf sunburn.
++Pineapple (Ananas comosus)
A member of the bromeliad family, the pineapple plant grows a sturdy central stalk surrounded by a rosette of long leaves. At the top, a crown of bracts emerges, followed by flowers and—if you’re lucky—a small fruit! To keep this tropical native happy, give it plenty of sun and let the soil dry out completely between waterings. While it likes dry soil, it does love high humidity, which is the secret to getting it to actually produce fruit.
++Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)
Famous for its healing gel, Aloe Vera is also a sun-worshipper. This succulent grows in a classic rosette pattern with “toothed” edges on its leaves. In the winter, you might even see a tall flower spike with tubular yellow or orange blossoms. Aloe handles drought like a pro because its leaves are essentially built-in water tanks. Just be careful not to overwater, as too much moisture is the quickest way to kill an Aloe.
%%Our Secret Tip: Cacti (Cactaceae)
If you want something exotic, low-maintenance, and practically indestructible in the heat, look no further than the cactus family. These plants are the masters of adaptation, storing water in their stems, roots, or leaves to survive months without rain. Once they’re acclimated to the light, they thrive in direct sun and can produce some of the most stunning, vibrant flowers in the plant kingdom.