Tall and Full Sun Perennials

Rudbeckia and lavendar stand tall in the full sun garden.

Tall perennials that do well in full sun add impact to the flower garden when placed behind the shorter varieties of blooms or foliage. Good for concealing outdoor storage tanks or other unsightly objects, tall perennials provide an element of privacy. Many tall perennials are also drought tolerant and may be planted together to add an assortment of color and texture to the sunny landscape.

Rudbeckia

Rudbeckia is also known as black-eyed Susan or yellow coneflower and grows in U.S. hardiness zones 2 to 11. Rudbeckia loves the sun and grows to heights of 2 to 3 feet. A drought-tolerant plant, rudbeckia does well in a slightly acidic soil that drains well. Plant the clumping flowers between 12 to 18 inches apart so the plants have plenty of room to spread. Deadhead the spent flowers to promote blooming during the entire growing season.

Echinacea

Echinacea is known as purple coneflower, but this plant comes in several colors, including white. Echinacea grows to a height of 3 feet or more when it is fully mature. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. A native to the eastern part of North America, echinacea grows in U.S. hardiness zones 3 to 8. This plant does reseed itself if the dead flowers are not removed. Echinacea can be propagated by division.

Gold Yarrow

Growing 2 to 4 feet tall, gold yarrow prefers the full sun and a rich soil. Gold yarrow is also known as an herb and does well at the back of the herb garden. Hardy in U.S planting zones 3 to 9, yarrow makes a good cut flower, lasting for a week or more. Yarrow varieties also bloom in shades of pink and white. This plant does not tolerate wet soil and may rot if exposed to excessive moisture.

Delphinium

Delphinium produces tall spikes of pink, purple or white bell-shaped blooms, in full sun. This perennial grows from 3- to 8- feet tall in well-drained soil. Delphinium grows in U.S. hardiness zones 3 to 7 and, unless reseeded, may only last two to three years in the garden. Allow the seeds to overwinter outdoors for germination in the spring. Delphinium is susceptible to powdery mildew and aphids and should be treated as soon as a problem is detected.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Gardening with Perennials; Taller Perennials
• Ohio State University: Echinacea purpurea
• University of Vermont: Delphinium
• University of Florida Extension: Rudbeckia hirta Black-Eyed Susan, Gloriosa Daisy
• Texas A&M University: Gold Yarrow