19 Best Plants For a Sun Porch You Can Grow

The best plants for a sun porch you can grow are listed in this article.  You will have a variety of choices that require easy growing and low maintenance.

If you have a small porch, balcony, or patio then you may want to consider planting some shade-loving plants. There are many great varieties of plants that will not only provide privacy and shelter from the sun but also provide color, fragrance, and interesting textures that will make your space more inviting.

The plants we’ve selected here are favorites for their ease of care and appearance. All of them grow quickly and do well in full sun or part shade.

If you want to add some greenery to your home and make it look more inviting then consider planting one or more of the plants below. If you have questions or comments about any of these plants, please leave a comment below.

Best Plants For a Sun Porch

1. Arugula 

This healthy plant can be grown in containers and is one of the best plants for a sun porch as it does well in full or partial sun. It makes a tasty addition to your favorite salads. Arugula thrives in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and benefits from at least six hours of sun.

2. Marigolds

Marigolds thrive in full sunshine and can withstand hot temperatures.  They have beautiful flowers that add a great pop of color to your patio as they can be orange, red, yellow, white, or multi-color. They are easy to grow and are great for attracting butterflies.

3. Lantanas

Lantanas are evergreen shrubs that can be grown in a sunny area of the garden. The flowers are beautiful and can be a mix of red, orange, yellow, blue, white, or pink. They are tough plants that can flower all summer long even when it gets hot.

4. Begonias

Begonia is a popular container plant, but it can grow to be large and should be kept in a good-sized pot you have. They do well in sunny areas or areas with partial shade and need regular watering.

What's the difference between a solarium and a sunroom

5. Alocasia

Alocasia is a type of tropical plant that has a large leaf and will grow up to several feet tall. It does best in shade or morning sun, though darker leaves do tolerate full sun when they become tempered. Keep the soil moist in well-draining potting soil.

6. Cactus

Cacti are very easy to care for. They need full sun and only need to be watered every one to two weeks. They can be grown in containers and there are several different varieties to choose from. They make an attractive addition to any porch.

7. Lavender

Lavender thrives in full sun and makes a great addition to any porch. Its beautiful signature purple flowers are great for attracting butterflies. Not only does lavender smell great but it can also be used in cooking as well.

8. Sedum

Sedum is an easy-to-grow perennial that comes in several attractive varieties. It needs full sun and can grow in poor or sandy soils. It is great for attracting birds and butterflies.

9. Liriope

Liriope is an easy-to-grow herbaceous perennial with white or purple flowers. It will do well in full sun and needs regular watering. Plant it in a sunny or partially sunny spot in your garden or on a patio.

10. Agapanthus

Agapanthus is an easy-to-grow, with attractive green leaves and clusters of flowers. These plants grow best in full sun and should be well-watered. They make a unique addition to your porch.

11. Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a popular flowering plant that comes in a wide range of colors. It requires large amounts of water when blooming and grows well in at least six hours of sun.

12. Peace Lily

The peace lily is an elegant plant that adds a nice touch to your porch. For best results, place your peace lily somewhere where it will not get direct sun.

13. Supertunia Petunia

This beautiful flowering plant grows best in full or partial sun. They are vigorous bloomers, which will make your porch extra beautiful.

14. Canna

Cannas have eye-catching flowers that can be red, orange, yellow, or pink and beautiful leaves. They do best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.

15. Boston ferns

Boston ferns are popular because of their attractive foliage and their ability to withstand low light levels. They do best in a spot where they can get bright, indirect light. Boston ferns grow best in an organically rich, well-drained loamy soil.

16. Passionflower

Passionflower is a perennial vine with unique flowers. It grows best in full sun in a sheltered location, such as against a wall, where it will be protected from wind and weather changes.

17. Fuchsias

Fuchsias like to grow where they can get partial shade with bright, indirect light, such as a partially covered sun porch. Their flowers come in a wide range of colors.

18. Geranium

Geraniums are popular plants because of their beautiful flowers and are one of the best plants for a sun porch. They come in a wide range of colors and have a lovely scent that will freshen up your porch.

19. Orchids

Orchids have beautiful exotic flowers and though they take some work, they make a stunning statement piece. They are often grown indoors but can be grown on porches with some shady spots.

In Conclusion: Best Plants for a Sun Porch

The best plants for a sun porch is as listed above.  In this long list of available plants that do well on a sunny porch, you can’t miss several to grow on your patio and enjoy their beauty.  Growing flowers is therapeutic especially when they get to bloom and surround you with their beautiful colors.

Try them today!

Read more about The Best Hanging Plants For Shaded Porch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep plants alive in a sunroom?

When planting plants in a sunroom, be sure to choose a plant right for the conditions. You will want to make sure your plant receives adequate light and water based on its needs.

Can I use my sunroom as a greenhouse?

Yes! The sunroom can be used as a greenhouse during the winter months. During the summer, we place the door on the north side of the room and allow the sun to enter the room. As the temperature drops, we close the door, but the room stays warmer than the surrounding air. The airflow from the sunroom also helps cool the plants in the adjacent greenhouse.

What's the difference between a solarium and a sunroom?

A solarium is a specific type of sunroom addition that is made all of glass, including the walls and roof. They can be heated or cooled depending on your needs.

How do you keep a sunroom warm for plants?

We put a light bulb on top of a timer so that it will automatically turn on in the morning and off at night. We also put a fan on top of the light bulb to help circulate the warm air inside the room.