If you want to add some privacy and shade to your backyard with landscaping, you might be tempted to go for large, leafy plants. That’s one option, but another option is to focus on small, hardy plants that will liven up your backyard without taking up too much space. This article contains some of the best plants for south facing backyards so that you can have some gorgeous landscaping.
The perfect landscaping for your backyard depends on the climate and what you’re looking for in a backyard. If you have a south facing backyard, then read on to get some ideas for what plants to use for your next landscaping project.
Pros of a South Facing Backyard for Landscaping
There are many benefits to having a south facing backyard. One of the main benefits is that the sun will shine in your backyard for most of the day. This means that your plants will have plenty of sunlight to grow and thrive.
Another benefit is that the temperature in a south facing backyard is usually warmer than in other areas of the yard, so your plants will have a longer growing season.
Perennials That Love the Heat
Consider these heat-loving perennials if you’re looking for plants that will do well in your south-facing backyard. From bright and colorful flowers to lush foliage, these plants will add beauty and interest to your landscape all season long.
Blanket flower (Gaillardia pinnatifid): With its striking yellow and red flowers, a blanket flower is a real showstopper. This tough plant is drought-resistant and tolerates poor soil, making it a great choice for hot, sunny spots.
Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa): This native plant is a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds. Its bright orange flowers add a splash of color to the landscape, and its milkweed leaves are an important food source for Monarch butterflies.
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Coneflowers are a garden staple, with their large pink or purple flowers and long-lasting blooms. They’re tolerant of heat and drought, making them a low-maintenance choice for hot, sunny spots.
Lantana (Lantana Camara): Lantanas have a unique vine-like appearance from woody branches. They’re popular to grow in outdoor hanging baskets. They come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, pink, and purple.
Which Trees to Use for a South Facing Backyard?
When landscaping a south-facing backyard, one thing to consider is what trees to use. There are a few factors you’ll want to consider, including the amount of sun and heat your backyard gets, as well as the size and layout of your yard.
Some good options for trees that will do well in a south-facing backyard include:
Oak trees are a good option if you have a large yard, as they can grow quite tall. They also provide decent shade and help keep your yard cooler in the summer.
Maple trees: These are another good option for larger yards. Like oak trees, maple trees provide a decent amount of shade and can help cool your yard in the summer months.
Dogwood trees: These are a good choice for smaller yards, as they don’t grow as large. They provide pretty flowers in the springtime, and their leaves change color in the fall, making them a beautiful addition to any yard.
Crape myrtle trees are an excellent choice for hot, sunny yards since they can tolerate high temperatures and direct sunlight. They also produce beautiful flowers in a variety of colors.
Shade Loving Plants for Your South Facing Backyard
If you’re lucky enough to have a south facing backyard, you have the perfect opportunity to create a stunning outdoor space full of life. But what plants should you choose?
Here are some of the best plants for south facing backyard:
- Ferns
- Hostas
- impatiens
- begonias
- coleus
- New Guinea impatiens
- caladiums
- wax begonias
- ivy geraniums
- vinca
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Flowers That Love to Grow in the Heat
Looking for plants that can take the heat? Check out our list of favorites that are perfect for a south-facing garden. From sun-loving annuals to heat-tolerant perennials, these plants will thrive in the intense summer sun.
1. Zinnia
A classic summertime flower, zinnias come in many colors and are very easy to grow. They love warm weather and do best when planted in full sun.
2. Marigold
Another cheerful annual, marigolds are well-suited to hot, dry conditions. They come in various colors and their strong fragrance can help deter pests from your garden.
3. Black-eyed Susan
A native North American wildflower, black-eyed Susans are tough and adaptable plants that do well in full sun. They bloom from early summer to fall and make excellent-cut flowers.
4. Coneflower
Coneflowers are heat-tolerant perennials that produce showy flowers throughout the summer months. They come in various colors, including pink, purple, white, and yellow.
Tips and Tricks for South Facing Landscape Garden Care
South-facing gardens can be difficult to maintain because the sunlight can quickly dry out the soil, leading to brown patches that can cause plants to have issues. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you keep your south-facing garden looking its best:
- Choose plants that are tolerant of heat and sun. Succulents, cacti, and other drought-tolerant plants are ideal for south-facing gardens.
- Mulch heavily to help retain moisture in the soil.
- Water deeply and regularly, especially during periods of extended heat. A drip irrigation system can be a lifesaver in a south-facing garden.
- Provide shade for sensitive plants with structures like umbrellas or pergolas.
Following these tips, you can keep your south-facing garden healthy and beautiful all season long.
Considerations for South Facing Gardens
When designing a garden, one important factor to consider is the direction your garden will face. South-facing gardens are ideal for those in temperate climates, as they receive the most sunlight during the day.
If you’re lucky enough to have a south-facing garden, here are some tips on how to make the most of it.
Choose plants that thrive in full sun. Many flowers and vegetables need at least six hours of sunlight daily to flourish. If your garden gets less sun, you’ll need to choose plants tolerant of partial shade.
Make use of trellises and other structures to provide support for climbing plants. Vines such as morning glories and sweet peas will add vertical interest to your garden and help shade other plants from the harsh afternoon sun.
Include a water feature in your design. A fountain or birdbath will add a cooling element to your garden and provide a welcome respite from the summer heat.
With a little planning, you can create a south-facing garden that is both beautiful and functional. By choosing the right plants and taking advantage of the natural sunlight, you can create a space perfect for entertainment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right plants for your garden takes some consideration, but with a little research, you can find the perfect plants. We hope our list of best plants has given you some ideas of where to start your landscaping or gardening journey.
