Today’s yards seem to have fewer trees, leaving more sunny spots to mow—or to fill with beautiful plants. Let’s discover some awesome sun-loving plants that can handle the heat and still look stunning.
Purple Pixie® Loropetalum
With its dwarf size and weeping habit, Purple Pixie is just the plant we’ve been crying for. Use as a groundcover, hanging basket, or a window box. The showy pink flowers combined with rich purple foliage will move you to tears. It grows only 1 to 2 feet tall by 4 to 5 feet wide. Plant in USDA Zones 7 -10 in full sun to part shade.
Jubilation™ Gardenia
Who can resist the sweet southern scent of gardenias? Jubilation is a compact shrub growing between 3-4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Enjoy the fragrant white blooms in the spring and a reblooming period through summer and into fall. Plant Jubilation in USDA zones 7-10, water as needed, and shape after spring bloom.
‘Suntastic™ ‘Radiance’ Abelia
The name says it all! With colorful foliage, striking crimson stems, and fragrant white flowers, ‘Radiance’ is anything but ordinary. This compact, vigorous shrub adds year-round interest with leaves that mature from green and creamy yellow to soft silvery-green and cream. It is also deer-resistant, making it a strong choice for adding structure, contrast, and lasting color to the landscape. Vigorous but compact, Radiance grows 2–3 feet tall and 3–3.5 feet wide, performs in full sun to part shade, and is hardy in USDA Zones 6a–10a.
