You may have a backyard, but that doesn’t mean it’s the conventional square patch of lawn with surrounding garden beds. Tonight, Charlie’s working on a very unconventional patch of land, which requires him to work with it, not against it. For this particular sun-drenched space, that means plants that can withstand Australia’s heat, like Mexico’s cacti and agave.
To complement these, Charlie’s planting a riot of colour to brighten it up. After a hard day’s work and some propagating tips, it’s time to relax with a drink, and with all those cacti around, what else but something refreshing from Mexico.
Plants for full sun
While sunlight is essential for plant growth, excessive exposure can harm certain garden species. Opting for plants suited to full sun is wise if your garden basks in six or more hours of intense sunlight daily.
Plants that thrive in full sun are typically adapted to withstand intense sunlight and heat. Here are some popular options:
Dahlias
These vibrant blooms inject colour into your garden and thrive with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. While they appreciate afternoon shade in scorching climates, they can handle full sun in cooler regions. Here’s how to grow Dahlias.
Succulents
Agave, aeonium, and sedum varieties excel in sunny gardens thanks to their water-storing capabilities and drought resistance. Don’t overlook the charming dangling Rhipsalis and Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri. Here are some tips on how to grow succulents.
Cacti
Cacti are well-suited to the hot and arid conditions in many parts of Australia and prefer a sunny location with direct sunlight for most of the day. Exposure to full sun helps cacti grow compactly and develop vibrant colours, though gradual acclimation is crucial to prevent sunburn and stress. Here are our favourite flowering cacti.
Foxgloves
In cooler climates or during the spring and fall seasons, they can tolerate full sun. However, regions with hot summers may benefit from partial shade to protect them from intense sunlight and heat stress.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea needs 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight to reap the benefits of it’s bright blooms. Its ability to flourish in such conditions makes it a garden favourite in warm regions.
Buddleia (Butterfly bush)
Buddleia, commonly known as the butterfly bush, generally prefers full sun. These flowering shrubs thrive in sunny locations and require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce flowers and stay healthy. A bonus when planting Buddleia is it attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, enriching your garden’s biodiversity.
You might also like:
The essential guide to Australian native plants
Australian Native Lawn Alternatives
How to grow succulents: A beginner’s guide
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