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If you are planning to garden against a south-facing wall in a warm climate, be sure to choose plants that will tolerate the extra heat generated in that location. Brick or masonry walls, especially, can churn out the heat. Soils will dry out quickly, so it’s important to keep the plants watered and mulched well.
Hey there! I’m Laura, and today I’m super excited to share my experience with perennial plants that absolutely thrive on the south side of houses. After years of gardening and plenty of trial and error I’ve discovered some amazing plants that not only survive but totally rock that hot, sunny exposure.
Why South-Facing Gardens Are Special
Before diving into my plant recommendations let’s quickly understand why the south side of your house is unique
- Gets the most direct sunlight (6+ hours daily)
- Usually warmer than other areas
- Can be pretty dry due to heat reflection from walls
- Often has well-drained soil conditions
My Top 15 Perennial Picks for South-Facing Gardens
1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Y’all this is one tough cookie! I’ve watched my yarrow thrive in the hottest spots with barely any care. It gives you
- Flat-topped flower clusters in white, yellow, pink, or red
- Lovely fern-like foliage
- Super low maintenance once established
- Blooms all summer long
2. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
These guys are like little suns themselves! They:
- Produce non-stop blooms in red, orange, and yellow
- Handle heat like champs
- Need minimal watering
- Attract butterflies like crazy
3. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
One of my absolute faves! These cheerful flowers:
- Sport golden yellow petals with dark centers
- Grow 1-3 feet tall and wide
- Bloom from mid-summer into fall
- Play nice with other perennials
4. Lavender (Lavandula)
Trust me, your nose will thank you for planting lavender! It:
- Produces gorgeous purple spikes
- Smells amazing
- Tolerates drought like a pro
- Stays pretty year-round
5. Salvia (Salvia)
These are absolute workhorses in my garden:
- Come in tons of colors
- Bloom forever
- Attract hummingbirds
- Need minimal care
6. Coneflower (Echinacea)
These babies are tough as nails:
- Available in multiple colors
- Bloom from early summer till frost
- Great for pollinators
- Make excellent cut flowers
7. Sedum
I love how these succulents just do their thing:
- Thick, drought-resistant leaves
- Beautiful fall blooms
- Various heights available
- Perfect for borders
8. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
A total butterfly magnet:
- Bright orange blooms
- Native plant
- Super drought tolerant
- Long-lasting flowers
9. Catmint (Nepeta)
This aromatic beauty is a must-have:
- Gray-green fragrant foliage
- Long-lasting blue flowers
- Pest resistant
- Looks great all season
10. Russian Sage (Perovskia)
Such an elegant plant:
- Silvery foliage
- Purple-blue flower spikes
- Drought resistant
- Deer resistant
11. Daylily
These guys are practically bulletproof:
- Multiple color options
- Long blooming season
- Divide easily
- Low maintenance
12. Ornamental Grasses
Perfect for adding movement:
- Various heights available
- Year-round interest
- Drought tolerant
- Low maintenance
13. Penstemon
These beauties bring the hummingbirds:
- Tubular flowers
- Multiple color options
- Long blooming period
- Great cut flowers
14. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
Talk about making a statement:
- Torch-like blooms
- Various colors available
- Architectural interest
- Drought tolerant
15. Yucca
Perfect for that southwestern vibe:
- Evergreen
- Architectural form
- Super drought tolerant
- White flower spikes
Tips for Success
Here’s what I’ve learned about growing perennials on the south side:
- Soil Prep is Key
- Add organic matter
- Ensure good drainage
- Mulch well to retain moisture
- Water Smart
- Water deeply but less frequently
- Morning watering is best
- Use drip irrigation when possible
- Maintenance Tips
- Deadhead regularly
- Cut back in late winter/early spring
- Divide plants when needed
Final Thoughts
I gotta tell ya, creating a thriving south-facing garden isn’t rocket science – it’s all about choosing the right plants and giving them basic care. These 15 perennials have never let me down, and I’m pretty sure they’ll work great for you too!
Remember, every garden’s a bit different, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best in your space. And hey, if something doesn’t work out, that’s just an excuse to try something new, right?
Heat Tolerant Plants for South-Facing Wall
Plants for hot walls need to be tough, drought tolerant plants that can withstand full sun. Succulents, such as agave, aloe, yucca, bromeliad, and cactus, are some of the best plants for hot locations in the landscape. They love full sun and hardly need any water. They do require well-draining soil, however.
There are many benefits to planting a green wall (where plants are growing on a vertical structure). For example, vines along an exterior wall can cool the wall, reducing indoor cooling costs. Additional benefits of a green wall include:
- It covers an unattractive wall space
- Creates a layer of insultation on building sides
- Reduces traffic and noise pollution
- Creates additional wildlife habitat
Other plants besides vines can be used for a green wall. Freestanding structures with modular units can accommodate several plants.
Whether you are planting shrubs, vines, annuals or perennials, the following plants should perform well.
13 Perennial Plants You’re Probably Not Growing, But Should Be For Vibrant Late Summer & Fall Color
FAQ
What perennials grow on the south side of the house?
Perennials for south-facing wall:
Blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella) Blazing star (Liatris spicata) Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium atlanticum) Clover (Clover spp.)
What is a good perennial for partial sun?
A great perennial for partial sun is the Hosta. They are known for their attractive foliage and are very adaptable to shady conditions, thriving in areas that receive morning sun and afternoon shade.
What shrubs are good for south-facing houses?
West and south-facing house foundations (hot afternoon sun)
Shrubs: birds nest spruce, chamaecyparis, juniper, shrub roses, caryopteris, spirea, crape myrtle, ninebark, lilac, viburnum.
What plants can take full sun and heat?
Many plants thrive in full sun and high heat. Examples include lantana, salvia, lavender, black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, verbena, coneflower, hibiscus, catmint, geranium, petunia, yarrow, hydrangea, pentas, and blanket flowers.