- The European cranberry bush, or Viburnum opulus, produces white flowers in the spring, with red leaves and berries in the fall. Reaching a height of only 1 foot at maturity, this shrub grows well in zone 3. For warmer locations, try the flowering quince, or Chaenomeles speciosa. This large shrub grows up to 10 feet in height, with white, pink or red spring flowers. For zones 5 through 8, try the boxwood, or Buxus sempervirens, a 4-foot-tall evergreen shrub.
- The wax begonia, botanically known as Begonia semperflorens, offers a variety of leaf colors with pink or red flowers that may be either single or double blossoms. These survive in direct sunlight if provided with ample water, keeping the soil moist at all times. Cockscomb, or Celosia argentea plumosa, is another annual plant that grows best in full sun, with spiked, feather-like flowers that are known for being long-lasting, according to the University of Kentucky.
- Yarrow, or Achillea millefolium, produces ferny foliage in red, pink or yellow. Reaching 1 foot at maturity, it grows in full sun and tolerates drought well. Purple coneflower, or Echinacea purpurea, grows to 2 feet and develops bright pink flowers that last from spring through fall and work well in cut flower arrangements.
- Creeping juniper, a woody evergreen reaching up to 2 feet in height, prefers full sun and shows high tolerance of heat and drought. Most ornamental grasses also grow best in direct sunlight and add more differences in height, color and appearance to a yard.