What to Grow, Where, and Why
Full sun conditions — areas that receive 6+ hours of direct sunlight per day — can be hot, dry, and exposed. Native plants adapted to these bright conditions often have small or waxy leaves, deep roots, and strong resilience to heat and drought. These species thrive where many others struggle, offering vibrant, hardy options for sunny gardens or open landscapes.
What Makes Full Sun Sites Unique
-
Sunlight: Intense UV exposure, especially during summer.
-
Heat: Higher soil and air temperatures can increase water loss.
-
Soil: Often drier and quicker draining than shaded areas.
-
Exposure: Can be windy or open, with little natural shelter.
What to Plant in Full Sun Areas
|
Site Type |
Best Plant Choices |
Why These Work |
|
Sunny garden beds & borders |
Leptospermum scoparium (Mānuka), Coprosma ‘Hāwera’, Hebe Icing Sugar, Austroderia richardii |
Compact shrubs and grasses with sun- and drought-tolerant traits. |
|
Dry, open hillsides |
Kunzea ericoides (Kānuka), Ozothamnus leptophyllus (Tauhinu), Poa cita (Silver tussock) |
Thrive in exposed, sun-drenched slopes; stabilise soil and require little watering. |
|
Sunny coastal areas |
Olearia solandri, Coprosma robusta, Muehlenbeckia astonii |
Salt- and sun-tolerant plants for full sun and windy, sandy environments. |
Signature Full Sun Native Plants
-
Leptospermum scoparium (Mānuka) – A hardy shrub with fragrant flowers, perfect for sunny, well-drained sites.
-
Ozothamnus leptophyllus (Tauhinu) – Silvery, drought-tolerant shrub ideal for hot slopes and full sun exposure.
-
Poa cita (Silver Tussock) – Attractive grass for dry, open landscapes; low-maintenance and sun-loving.
-
Hebe Icing Sugar – Hebes are drought tolerant, thrive in full sun, and make good border shrubs with beautiful flowers.
-
Coprosma Hawera – A compact shrub that tolerates full sun and is relatively drought hardy once established.
Planting Tips for Full Sun
|
Tip |
Advice |
|
Planting time |
Early autumn or spring is best — avoid peak summer unless irrigation is available. |
|
Soil preparation |
Ensure good drainage; amend heavy soils with sand or compost if needed. |
|
Mulching |
Apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and reduce root stress from heat. |
|
Watering |
Water regularly during establishment; many sun-loving natives need little water once mature. |
|
Spacing |
Allow airflow between plants to avoid heat stress and fungal issues. |
Why Choose Natives for Full Sun?
-
Naturally adapted to high UV and dry soils
-
Require minimal maintenance once established
-
Attract native pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds
-
Stabilise soil on exposed slopes or open ground
-
Blend beautifully into natural or native-themes garden designs