7 Lush Full Sun Plants for Front Porch Hanging Baskets, Containers and Window boxes 

Summer has arrived and it’s time to start curating all the best full sun plants for your front porch! Whether you are a passionate gardener, or just hoping to freshen up your front porch, this list of amazing flowers and greenery will help you to select some beauties to make your space welcoming. 

The plants on this list are more than happy to sit for hours in the sun, won’t wilt, and are bright and cheery. 

We will cover all the best beginner tips for caring for your porch plants and some considerations for making the plants look cohesive. 

Whether you want florals that steal the show or florals to seamlessly mesh with your other front porch decorations, there will be something you adore on this list! 

This post is all about the best full sun plants for your front porch.

a lush window box with greenery

The Best Full Sun Plants For Your Front Porch, Patio or Garden

Full sun plants for hanging baskets

Million Bells

There’s nothing like a cascading flowering plant on a front porch. It signifies abundance, health and beauty. 

Million bells come in every shade imaginable and can truly go with any front porch decoration theme. They are happiest sitting in full sun from spring until the first frost. 

Bougainvillea

For a more romantic feel, consider getting a few bougainvillea for your sunny porch. These look wonderful in hanging pots or they can run wild on vertical displays. 

Just a warning, they can truly spread if you give them room to grow! If you want to cover an archway in your front yard bougainvillea’s can actually offer shade as well.  

Their paper like petals come in various shades of pink and purples but be mindful to not prick yourself on their thorns! 

All things aside, bougainvilleas could be the perfect addition to your sunny porch! 

pink bougainvilleas on a white wall at someones home which are plants that can handle full sun

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Full sun container plants for your front porch

Celosia

If you want your front porch to have a bright and cheery feel, the celosia will be your best bet. 

They come in an array of vibrant colors ranging from yellow, pink, purple, and more to welcome in the summer season. If you are looking for a unique flower then this will give your space its own unique feel. 

These beauties love full sun for 6-8 hours and will give your front porch a one-of-a-kind look! 

Coneflower

For front porch flowers that will still wow your guests but are a little toned down, consider opting for the coneflower. This traditional floral also thrives in a full day of sun but is more of a wallflower. They spread bountifully and will give the space a full meadow like feel. 

Strawberries

Red strawberry plant which is perfect for a hot sunny porch decoration

Yes! The fruit. Strawberries love a ton of sun, 6ish hours is ideal! The leaves of this plant are nice and lush and of course, when the strawberries are ready you will have a delightful summer treat.

 Strawberries grow happily in containers so thrifting or DIYing a pot that fits your porch decor is the perfect pair. 

Here are a few more edible plants that do well in full sun for your front porch container garden: 

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers 
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Malabar spinach

Full sun plants for front porch window boxes

Geranium

Imagine looking out your window and seeing these beauties smiling back. 

Geraniums will give your window boxes that abundant look with bright pops of pink and purple color. Some variations of geranium are slightly scented offering a whiff of citrus or peppermint. 

Whether planted on your porch or outside of your kitchen window, you can’t go wrong with these sun-loving florals!  

Lantanas

Lantanas are like a sea of mini tie-dye bouquets! Popping with various colors, Lantanas will not only make your windows brighter but they are well-loved by creatures alike.

 Get ready to have your home visited by butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds as they fancy these mini bouquets as well! 

Lantana plant which is a great plant to hang outside on a porch. This lantana plant is yellow, orange and pink

How to decorate your front porch with plants

Personally, I love the look of a front porch with various levels of plants with different shapes, colors, and styles. That look isn’t for everyone though! 

Brainstorm what you want to feel when you look at your home.

 Depending on if you enjoy a more minimalist, maximalist, bohemian look etc. you may choose different plants and decor. 

Here are a few ways to incorporate plants on your front porch:

  • Outdoor hanging baskets
  • Terrarium on table
  • Window boxes
  • Container plants in pots, raised beds, buckets etc. 
  • Air plants that you can hang on driftwood
  • Bouquets of home grown flowers  
  • Small trees, palms & bushes 
  • Succulents 
  • Hydroponic plants in glass containers 

Get creative with it! When we think of front porches our mind goes to flowers in window boxes or hanging plants but don’t be afraid to experiment with plants on side tables, your steps, and vertical gardening. 

Adding plants to your front porch is a great eco-friendly way to decorate your space. Rather than using seasonal decor made from plastic, flowers, and plants can return to the earth when you’re done using them. 

Depending on the plants you choose, some will attract bees and butterflies contributing to your local environment as well! Even small choices like these can help to make your home more sustainable and part of your greater local ecosystem. 

Lastly, try your best to support your local garden shop and community by soucring your plants there first before larger stores! The shopkeepers may have extra tips for you about caring for the plants in your specific area. 

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When should you water your front porch plants?

An assortment of container flowers on a front patio

So how do you keep your front porch plants happy?

Depending on where you live, humidity levels, rain levels etc. it can be tricky to offer an exact amount of days to tell you when to water each of your plants. Overall, a daily light watering should be sufficient. 

The best thing to do is gently touch the soil and see if it is dry. If so, your plant needs some water. It really is that simple! (Quick tip: If the soil is bone dry, then you need to water more frequently!) 

Once you get into a good rhythm of caring for your plants you may notice a pattern of how often they need to be watered. 

A big part of gardening is simply checking in on your plants and making adjustments when necessary. 

Another important thing to consider is the time of day you are watering your porch plants. It is best to water your porch plants early in the morning or in the evenings. 

If you water them in the middle of the day it can make your plants crispy and the water will just evaporate off. Just like we like to have breakfast, your plants want to have water to thrive throughout the day’s heat. 

How to care for your front porch plants?

Now that you have chosen your favorite porch plants, how do you ensure they thrive all summer long? 

Aside from keeping your plants hydrated, you have to ensure there is a way for the excess water to drain out. Roots sitting in water and getting waterlogged is a no-go. 

Make sure that whether you have hanging porch plants, container porch plants, or window boxes there are a few holes in the bottom of the container to allow water to pass through. 

To keep your blooms happy consider adding organic fertilizer or compost tea. This will ensure your plants have all the nutrients they need to stay strong and vibrant. 

Lastly, keep an eye out for any dead leaves and flowers that appear. Be sure to clip those off so all of the nutrients and strength can go to fresh blooms! 

What plants will you be choosing to decorate your sunny porch with? Let us know in the comments below!

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Stay well, 

Maggie 

This post was all about the best hanging plants and flowers for your sunny front porch. 

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Four photos of potted flowers and hanging plants on front porches, and patios.

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