Plants for a southern exposure: the complete list

The challenges of an exposure to the south

Depending on the region you live in, the exposure to the south will certainly be the same, but it will not have quite the same consequences.

• Indeed, in a region benefiting from a microclimate, i.e. where the temperature variations from one season to another are not too great, the plants will benefit from sunshine from morning until evening, that is to say of the brightest exposure, but also the warmest that it is possible to have. This phenomenon can be further accentuated near a wall, because it will store heat throughout the day and release it during the night.
• In regions where the temperature variations are more important, exposure to the south is very pleasant during autumn and spring. However, this exposure can become overwhelming in summer. It will therefore be necessary to fight against drought by mulching in order to preserve humidity and thus limit watering needs. Likewise, avoid planting against a south-facing wall.

Plants for southern exposure

So, no mystery, we must opt ​​for plants that appreciate a very sunny exposure. They can be trees, shrubs, etc.

Trees

• TheOlivier : this very popular tree is a symbol of Provence. Nevertheless, easy to grow, it will find its place in your garden since it can withstand temperatures down to about -10 °. Its ornamental silvery green foliage is persistent and will allow you to keep a beautiful decor in your garden or your balcony, even in winter.
• The Florence cypress : thanks to its tolerance to drought, it is also a tree that will thrive in the south. This tree is very graphic since it is quite thin and soars towards the sky. This conifer is easy to maintain. It only needs a well-drained soil in addition to a very sunny location.
• The umbrella pine : it is ideal for sandy soil. Here again, it is a conifer that can withstand temperatures down to -15 °. Evocative of Mediterranean landscapes, it will thrive in full sun and withstand strong winds. It can reach up to 30 m in height.
• The catalpa : very appreciated, this tree will offer you a very pleasant shade in a garden exposed to the south. You will therefore suffer a little less from the heat. It is a very hardy tree that supports temperatures down to -20 °. It is characterized by heart-shaped leaves, and in early summer it adorns itself with small white flowers in the form of clusters.
• Thearbutus : it has a size which is that of a small tree or a large shrub. It has evergreen foliage, but it is best known for its fruiting. Indeed, the arbutus is a fruit tree which gives arbutus. These are small red fruits reminiscent of strawberries. This is why it is also nicknamed the strawberry tree. Quite rustic, it adapts to all kinds of soil.
• The mimosa : this ornamental plant, emblematic of the Côte d’Azur, sports small yellow flowers in the shape of pompoms. Their hatching takes place during the winter season, if it is not too cold. Mimosa can withstand temperatures down to -10 °.

The bushes

• The chalef : it comes in different varieties with silvery, variegated, dark green leaves, etc. Its evergreen foliage makes it a plant frequently used as a hedge. It is a plant that can withstand negative temperatures down to -15 °. It is easy to grow.
• The pyracantha : this thorny shrub is very useful for constituting a defensive barrier. It offers orange, red or yellow berries which, in addition to being decorative, allow birds to feed during the bad season.
• The pittosporum : this evergreen shrub produces pretty little white bell-shaped flowers. It will be reserved for regions in which the climate remains mild in winter since it cannot withstand a temperature below -7 °.
• The buddleia : it allows to obtain a generous bush easily. It is also called Butterfly Tree, because the scent of its flowers is irresistible for these insects which, during their visit, will delight you and this, during all the flowering. The latter is generous and allows you to enjoy superb panicles of colorful flowers. It tolerates different types of soil, drought, etc.
• The spirea : it is a very hardy flowering shrub. The flowering period varies depending on the variety and can occur in spring or summer. In any case, it will not go unnoticed.

Plants

For your garden, you can choose perennials such as:

• thedaylily : a plant that will illuminate your garden with its bright colors. It does not require maintenance.
• the sage : depending on the variety, it benefits from good hardiness. From June to October, it will adorn itself with beautiful clusters of mauve, pink, white or purple flowers.
• the lavender : a must for a southern exposure!
• thewhite anthemis : it is a perennial with daisy flowers that greatly appreciates full sun exposure.
• the perennial geranium : a hardy and hardy plant that can be a very good ground cover or form a bush. Its abundant flowering adapts to different uses.
• the thistles : with their surprising colors and incomparable graphics, they will thrive in sandy soil.
• the santolina : with its yellow flowers, it goes wonderfully with thistles.
• thestonecrop : it is a very easy plant of culture, which, in addition to being rustic, is floriferous.
• the dahlia: another easy to grow plant that multiplies quickly. There are a large number of varieties.
• You can also opt for grasses such as blue fescue, stipas, pennisetums, pampas grass, etc.

And why not plant a few annuals or biennials to bring a touch of novelty according to the seasons? Thus, if you want to create a meadow that will be beneficial to pollinating insects, you can sow poppies, sunflowers, black cumin, cosmos, etc. For borders of flower beds or flower beds, you can favor osteospermums, gazanias. You can also plant sage, poppies, etc.