30 Plants for South-facing Gardens

30 Plants for South-Facing Gardens — 2022 #1 Guide!

Gardening isn’t simply a chore; it’s an exciting hobby for most house gardeners.

While several plants can grow indoors, having a house with a south-facing garden multiplies the fun of gardening.

The gardens in these houses offer excellent lighting-full sun for a good six to eight hours. Most plants that produce flowers need this light to flourish fully and bloom throughout summers.

Let’s look at some examples of plants that grow exceptionally well in south-facing houses.

30 Plants for South-Facing Gardens

  1. Chamaemelum Nobile
  2. Sedum spectabile
  3. Bougainvillea
  4. Verbena
  5. Euphorbia characias
  6. Lophocereus marginatus
  7. Gaura lindheimeri
  8. Helianthemum
  9. Asclepias curassavica
  10. Aquilegia
  11. Canna lily
  12. Santolina chamaecyparissus
  13. Lavender
  14. Paeonia lactiflora
  15. Paddle plant
  16. Lady palm
  17. String of pearls
  18. Peperomia
  19. Bulb-albuca namaquensis
  20. Pothos
  21. Agloenema Chinese evergreen
  22. Jade plant
  23. Chinese money plant
  24. Yucca
  25. Spider plant
  26. Air plant
  27. Aloe vera
  28. English ivy
  29. Dragon tree
  30. Calathea ornata
Plants for South-Facing Gardens
Plants for South-Facing Gardens

Chamaemelum Nobile

Chamaemelum Nobile is a fragrant flowering plant that you can grow in your south-facing garden
Chamaemelum Nobile is a fragrant flowering plant that you can grow in your south-facing garden

A true delight is the Chamaemelum Nobile plant.

This classic beauty has wonderful, fragrant flowers that grow exceptionally well under full, indirect sunlight. The fragrance fills your home, making guests linger for long periods.

The Chamomile is ideal for south-facing gardens as it thrives in full sun.

To ensure that the blooms grow fully, place the plant in at least six hours of sunlight. Moreover, put it in borders to bed to enhance its look.

  • Scientific name: Chamarmelum nobile
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 5.6 to 7.8
  • Care: low to moderate

Sedum Spectabile

Sedum spectabile is one of the low-maintenance plants you can grow in your south-facing garden
Sedum spectabile is one of the low-maintenance plants you can grow in your south-facing garden

Let’s talk about another beauty – the Sedum Spectabile. This is another low-maintenance plant that you can plant in south-facing gardens.

Also known as Ice plant and Stonecrop, Sedum Spetabile puts up fabulous pink clustered flowers in contrast with bright green foliage.

Ice plant flourishes vigorously from summer to autumn. It perfectly decorates long hallways, walkways, and other borders.

Resistant to several diseases, it is a great choice for both expert and beginner gardeners. Keep an eye for the butterflies when plating this one!

  • Scientific name: Sedum Spectabile
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 30 degrees Fahrenheit and above
  • pH: 6
  • Care: low to moderate

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea is another gorgeous flowering plant you can grow in your south-facing garden
Bougainvillea is another gorgeous flowering plant you can grow in your south-facing garden

Fill your house with color with this gorgeous plant; the Bougainvillea plant is a sight to behold when fully mature.

It comes in a wide range of flower colors, from deep red to purple to pink. The plant grows and spreads fairly fast.

This beauty is a climber; Bougainvillea will grow well with some wall support, tree trunks, or other similar decorations.

It thrives in full sunshine and so loves south-facing gardens. Place it in unrestricted sunlight for a minimum of six hours.

The Bougainvillea can tolerate dry, hot conditions; however, it’s best that you maintain adequate hydration levels.

Additionally, plant it in fresh, moist soils that do not hold too much water and add some organic matter for optimal growth.

  • Scientific name: Bougainvillea
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 5.5 to 6
  • Care: low to moderate

Verbena

Verbena thrives best in south-facing gardens as it enjoys 6-8 hours of sunlight
Verbena thrives best in south-facing gardens as it enjoys 6-8 hours of sunlight

The Verbena is another wonderful plant you need to add to your houseplants collection.

This plat is a genus of about 250 species, with the most popular one being ‘Tears of Iris’; this has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries now.

The Verbena plant enjoys 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Apart from medicinal uses, it is also a good aromatherapy ingredient.

Plant this, and your house will smell pleasant all day, relaxing you further.

Plant Verbena in light soils that are organic and nutritious. Once the plant reaches maturity in good health, it will reward you with attractive coral, pink, purple, blue, or violet flowers, depending on the variety.

It also attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

  • Scientific name: Verbena
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: unknown
  • pH: 5.8 to 7.2
  • Care: low to moderate

Euphorbia Characias

Euphorbia characias, aka the Mediterranean spurge, is another plant that loves the 6-8 hours of sunlight in the south-facing garden
Euphorbia characias, aka the Mediterranean spurge, is another plant that loves the 6-8 hours of sunlight in the south-facing garden

Fortunately, the Euphorbia Characias care and maintenance is not as tough as its name.

Also known as Mediterranean spurge, the plant highly enjoys south-facing sides indoors and six to eight hours of sunlight.

It is an evergreen beauty that offers colors and life all year long. Moreover, it fills your garden with vibrancy and looks beautiful against dark ornaments and backgrounds.

In full sun, it grows upright and compact and creates a good focal point in the center of plants.

The Euphorbia Characias plant gives rise to yellow-green flowers that take the shape of a bottle. The flowers mostly last from late spring to summer, and sometimes, fall.

  • Scientific name: Euphorbia characias
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 68 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6 to 7
  • Care: low to moderate

Lophocereus Marginatus

Lophocereus marginatus, aka the Mexican fence post cactus, is a beginner-friendly plant you can grow in your south-facing garden
Lophocereus marginatus, aka the Mexican fence post cactus, is a beginner-friendly plant you can grow in your south-facing garden

The Lophocereus marginatus is another excellent choice for south-facing gardens.

Commonly known as Mexican fence post cactus, this is a beginner-friendly plant with a manageable care routine.

As evident by the name, it wants full sun for at 8 hours at least. The hot, dry days are this plant’s favorite.

Unless growing indoors, it reaches great heights, sometimes over 20 feet (6 m). Additionally, it makes great barriers, boundaries, and fences.

It is disease and drought-resistant, and so doesn’t expect watering every other day.

  • Scientific name: Lophocereus marginatus
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 70 to 80
  • pH: 6 to 7
  • Care: low to moderate

Gaura Lindheimeri

Gaura lindheimeri thrives in south-facing gardens as it needs 6 hours of sunlight
Gaura lindheimeri thrives in south-facing gardens as it needs 6 hours of sunlight

Another exciting plant for south-facing gardens is the Gaura lindheimeri. Also called bee blossom, this beauty prefers a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily.

With an easy-care routine, it is sure to become your favorite.

This lovely plant does not need lots of care. All you need to do is maintain adequate hydration levels and keep the soil moist, and it will grow just fine.

It looks stunning next to water decorations and in hallways and walkways.

With its beautiful butterfly-shaped white-pink flowers, it will catch the eye of many observers. For full blooms, place the plant where there is no shade from surrounding plants.

  • Scientific name: Gaura lindheimeri
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 68 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6 to 8
  • Care: low to moderate

Helianthemum

Helianthemum grows red to orange flowers that will thrive in south-facing gardens
Helianthemum grows red to orange flowers that will thrive in south-facing gardens

A bright beauty that flourishes in south-facing gardens is Helianthemum, alternatively known as the sun rose and rock rose.

It produces vibrant orange to red flowers that form an excellent contrast against dark backgrounds.

It is a native of Mediterranean regions; therefore, it loves hot, humid days and plenty of sunlight. Your south-facing garden is just the right spot for this beauty. Apart from orange, it produces yellow, white, pink, and peach color flowers.

Although the blooms only last for a day, a healthy sun rose will showcase a stunning flower display throughout the summer months.

  • Scientific name: Helianthemum
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 5.5 to 8
  • Care: low to moderate

Asclepias Curassavica

Aka the Tropical Milkweed, Asclepias curassavica grow best in a south-facing garden
Aka the Tropical Milkweed, Asclepias curassavica grow best in a south-facing garden

Tropical milkweed or the Asclepias curassavica is another excellent choice for south-facing gardens.

The plant offers masses of red-orange flowers with yellow hoods that bloom from summer to fall. This plant is a great way to add color to otherwise dull gardens.

The Asclepias curassavica is an evergreen shrub, so you’ll have something colorful to look at all year.

It thoroughly enjoys hot days, especially when it is sitting in six to eight hours of sunlight. Moreover, it manages fine in several types of soils and is low maintenance.

Attracted to this beautiful plant are the bees and butterflies as it produces nectar. Therefore, get ready for some color, sound, and movement inside your garden when planting this stunner.

  • Scientific name: Asclepias curassavica
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: unknown
  • pH: 6 to 7
  • Care: low to moderate

Aquilegia

Aquilegia, with its delicate foliage and bell-shaped blooms, thrive in a south-facing garden
Aquilegia, with its delicate foliage and bell-shaped blooms, thrive in a south-facing garden

Aquilegia also called Granny’s bonnet or Columbine is an attractive perennial that thrives in full sun.

The plant has showy delicate foliage and a considerable number of bell-shaped blooms. The flower colors range from yellow to red, white, blue, pink, and violet.

The Aquilegia blooms profusely for about four to six weeks from summer to mid-spring in full sun. However, six to eight hours of sunlight are a must.

Moreover, plant it in average, well-draining soils that are preferably organic.

  • Scientific name: Aquilegia
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 5 to 6
  • Care: low to moderate

Canna Lily

Canna Lily is sun-loving plant that thrives in south-facing garden
Canna Lily is sun-loving plant that thrives in south-facing garden

This plant’s name may seem simpler than the rest; however, its care routine is slightly more effort.

But if you pay some attention and stick to the basic rules, you will surely be rewarded with Canna lily’s lovely blooms.

This is a sun-loving plant that enjoys full sun, which helps it produce spectacular flowers.

As it matures, the Canna lily plant brings a tropical look to its spot, enhanced by its large banana-like deep green leaves.

In full sunlight, it flourishes from mid-summer till the first frost. They look good in groups, as center plants, as well as on patios.

However, no setting beats south-facing gardens for this plant. Fertilize it every alternate month for optimal growth.

  • Scientific name: Canna
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6 to 6.5
  • Care: low to moderate

Santolina Chamaecyparissus

Santolina chamaecyparissus, with its eye-catching grey or green leaves, will ultimately add an eye-catching factor in a south-facing garden
Santolina chamaecyparissus, with its eye-catching grey or green leaves, will ultimately add an eye-catching factor in a south-facing garden

Bring Santolina chamaecyparissus home today if you’re looking for bright, easy-growing summer plants.

This beauty, also called Cotton Lavender, is an eye-catching shrub with grey or white leaves. Plant it next to dark green plants for a fabulous contrast.

Although this plant likes six hours of sunlight, it also sometimes wants shade and damp conditions.

Keep a close eye on the plant for any signs of over-exposure to the sun, such as brown spots or wilting. If you notice any, temporarily shift the plant to a partially shaded area.

Cotton lavender gives rise to clusters of lovely golden-yellow blooms in the summers that work well as beds and borders. The leaves have a pleasant mild aroma that makes the plant more attractive.

  • Scientific name: Santolina chamaecyparissus
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6 to 7
  • Care: low to moderate

Lavender

Lavender, known to be a stress-relieving plant, can be grown in a south-facing garden
Lavender, known to be a stress-relieving plant, can be grown in a south-facing garden

A plant known for being a stress-reliever is Lavender. Fortunately, this violet-colored beauty thrives in full sun.

It is a lovely herb that is easy on the eyes as well as the mind due to its aromatic fragrance and attractive, lush flowers.

Lavender is pretty easy to grow, as you can water and feed it once and forget about it for several weeks.

Put it in six to eight hours of sunlight for good health. Moreover, plant it in organic soil and use good-quality fertilizers.

  • Scientific name: Lavandula
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6.5 to 8
  • Care: low to moderate

Paeonia Lactiflora

Paeonia lactiflora, aka the garden peony or Chinese peony, is another great plant to grow in your south-facing garden
Paeonia lactiflora, aka the garden peony or Chinese peony, is another great plant to grow in your south-facing garden

Paeonia lactiflora, also called the common garden peony and Chinese peony, is another good choice for south-facing gardens.

This plant is recognized for good fortune, romance, and prosperity; this plant also adds a beautiful look to your garden.

Grow the common garden peony where there is full sun for at least six hours. It gives rise to showy vibrant flowers that are enhanced by dark green glossy foliage.

Apart from their attractive look, the blooms also give off a pleasant smell.

Place them in hallways, walkways, and water decorations for a lovely aesthetic. Also, ensure that they aren’t covered by any nearby dense plants.

  • Scientific name: Paeonia Lactiflora
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 7 to 8
  • Care: low to moderate

Paddle Plant

Paddle plant, a succulent with large, round leaves, is another great choice for south-facing gardens
Paddle plant, a succulent with large, round leaves, is another great choice for south-facing gardens

A bold yet aesthetic choice is the paddle plant, a succulent with large, round leaves. This beauty is often seen filling window sills and tables due to its neat look.

The plant loves bright, indirect sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours daily.

It also likes dry, hot days, so you will have to keep it warm always. A beginner-friendly plant, the paddle plant also survived droughts and numerous mild to serious infections.

  • Scientific name: Kalanchoe
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6.1 to 7.8
  • Care: low to moderate

Lady Palm

Another beginner-friendly plant, Lady palm thrives best in south-facing gardens
Another beginner-friendly plant, Lady palm thrives best in south-facing gardens

A decent, showy plant is the lady palm, which looks lovely in south-facing gardens.

This plant is a good choice for beginners as well as the experienced due to its easy care routine.

  • Scientific name: Rhapis excelsa
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6 to 7
  • Care: low to moderate

String of Pearls

String of pearls loves the indirect sunlight it can get when planted in a south-facing garden
String of pearls loves the indirect sunlight it can get when planted in a south-facing garden

A small but equally attractive plant is the string of pearls. This beauty has a shiny, fancy appearance that can lift up dull corners.

Place it for six to eight hours in indirect sunlight and water it every one to two weeks for healthy growth.

  • Scientific name: Senecio rowleyanus
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 70 degrees Fahrenheit and above
  • pH: 6.6 to 7.5
  • Care: low to moderate

Peperomia

Peperomia grows green leaves with white whirly patterns that thrive in a south-facing garden
Peperomia grows green leaves with white whirly patterns that thrive in a south-facing garden

An interesting plant is peperomia; this has green leaves with white whirly patterns that enhance its look. It grows excellently in south-facing gardens with direct sunlight.

The leaves are drought-resistant and preserve their glossy appearance even in tough conditions.

Make sure you don’t overwater this beauty, and it will give you no trouble.

  • Scientific name: Peperomia obtusifolia
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: fast
  • Temperature: 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6 to 6.6
  • Care: low to moderate

Bulb-Albuca Namaquensis

Bulb-albuca namaquensis is a unique-looking plant that you can grow in your south-facing garden
Bulb-albuca namaquensis is a unique-looking plant that you can grow in your south-facing garden

This plant is as interesting as its name. Though small, the plant has upright stems that give rise to ends that form circles at the ends.

This plant adds that unique vibe to your collection.

As easy to care for beauty, the plant gives off a wonderful vanilla-like scent when fully mature.

  • Scientific name: Albuca spiralis
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6.1 to 6.5
  • Care: low to moderate

Pothos

Pothos, aka Devil's Ivy, is an easy-to-care-for plant that you can grow in your south-facing garden
Pothos, aka Devil’s Ivy, is an easy-to-care-for plant that you can grow in your south-facing garden

No plant collection can be complete with pothos. This is a famous plant with a pretty easy-care routine.

It has traveling vines that have earned it its name of ‘devil’s ivy’. It withstands a wide variety of conditions, including full indirect sun and complete shade.

  • Scientific name: Epipremnum aureum
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6.1 to 6.5
  • Care: low to moderate

Agloenema Chinese Evergreen

Agloenema Chinese evergreen needs more water than the rest of the plants that grow in a south-facing garden
Agloenema Chinese evergreen needs more water than the rest of the plants that grow in a south-facing garden

This is an evergreen plant with a fairly manageable care routine. All it needs is slightly more water than the rest and south-facing gardens for some sunshine, and it grows just fine.

It comes in several colors, such as pink, green, red, and white.

  • Scientific name: Agloenema Silver queen
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: fast
  • Temperature: 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 5.5 to 6.5
  • Care: low to moderate

Jade Plant

Place your Jade plant in an area with indirect sunlight in your south-facing garden
Place your Jade plant in an area with indirect sunlight in your south-facing garden

Add a jade plant to your collection for a sophisticated look. Place this beauty in indirect sunlight and water it every other week for optimal growth.

South-facing, as well as west-facing gardens, work well for this plant. Water it when the soil seems dry.

  • Scientific name: Crassula ovata
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6
  • Care: low to moderate

Chinese Money Plant

Chinese money plant, though it'll thrive in a south-facing garden, doesn't like extreme heat
Chinese money plant, though it’ll thrive in a south-facing garden, doesn’t like extreme heat

Bring home the Chinese money plant for a nice, green look to your house. Also known as Pilea peperomioides, it grows best in south-facing gardens but doesn’t like extreme heat.

A bonus with this one is that you can replant it with the plant’s offshoots sprouting from the base.

  • Scientific name: Pilea peperomioides
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 55 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6 to 7
  • Care: low to moderate

Yucca

Yucca thrives in south-facing gardens as they love the sun
Yucca thrives in south-facing gardens as they love the sun

The only way to make yucca happy is to give it lots of sunlight.

Place it in south-facing gardens for the full sun.

  • Scientific name: Yucca
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 5 to 6
  • Care: low to moderate

Spider Plant

If you're a thin-leaf lover who has a south-facing garden, the Spider plant is your plant of choice
If you’re a thin-leaf lover who has a south-facing garden, the Spider plant is your plant of choice

The Spider plant is for thin-leaf lovers. Place it in a well-lit spot for optimal growth.

  • Scientific name: Chlorophytum comosum
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6.1 to 6.5
  • Care: low to moderate

Air Plant

Air plant, if given enough sunlight and watered properly, will grow well in a south-facing garden
Air plant, if given enough sunlight and watered properly, will grow well in a south-facing garden

Give your air plant a good amount of sunshine and water weekly, and growing it will not be a hassle.

  • Scientific name: Tillandsia
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 5.5 to 6
  • Care: low to moderate

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera thrives in south-facing gardens as it needs moderate to full sunlight
Aloe vera thrives in south-facing gardens as it needs moderate to full sunlight

An absolute favorite of skincare lovers, place the aloe plant in moderate to full sun in south-facing gardens.

  • Scientific name: Aloe barbadensis miller
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 7 to 8.5
  • Care: low to moderate

English Ivy

English ivy, with its long tendrils, can add beauty to your south-facing garden
English ivy, with its long tendrils, can add beauty to your south-facing garden

Let the long tendrils enhance your garden’s look. Place it in south-facing gardens for a bright and fresh plant.

  • Scientific name: Hedera helix
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6.5
  • Care: low to moderate

Dragon Tree

Dragon tree, though a great addition to a south-facing garden, is toxic to pets
Dragon tree, though a great addition to a south-facing garden, is toxic to pets

The Dracaena marginata is a good choice for south-facing gardens. However, pet lovers beware, as this is toxic to pets.

  • Scientific name: Dracaena marginata
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: Slow
  • Temperature: 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6 to 6.5
  • Care: low to moderate

Calathea Ornata

Calathea ornata is another ornamental plant that you can grow in a south-facing garden
Calathea ornata is another ornamental plant that you can grow in a south-facing garden

A true ornamental plant; place this beauty as a side plant to make other plants look brighter.

  • Scientific name: Calathea ornata
  • Light requirements: moderate to high
  • Watering requirements: low to moderate
  • Growth rate: moderate
  • Temperature: 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit
  • pH: 6.5
  • Care: low to moderate