Trees for sun are ideal for bright, open parts of the garden where plants enjoy long hours of daylight and warm conditions. These sun loving trees bring colour, structure and strong seasonal interest, making them perfect for south facing borders, patios and exposed spaces. Whether you want a statement tree for a pot, a fast growing option for height or something that brings vibrant foliage, sunny gardens offer the widest range of choices.
There are many standout varieties for sunny spots. Olive trees thrive in full sun and bring soft grey green foliage with a Mediterranean feel. Eucalyptus trees grow quickly and offer striking blue grey leaves that look beautiful in bright light. Photinia trees provide glossy evergreen structure with fresh red growth in spring. Callistemon trees produce bold, brush like flowers through summer, while Salix Flamingo trees give colourful new growth that glows in sunshine. If you stock Cotinus, its rich purple or golden foliage is especially vibrant in full sun and makes a strong focal point.
Sun loving trees are well suited to patios and paved areas, as many thrive in containers and enjoy the warmth reflected from walls and hard surfaces. Positioning them in full sun helps enhance leaf colour, encourage strong flowering and keep growth compact and healthy.
These trees pair beautifully with Mediterranean style or low maintenance planting. Try combining them with rosemary, lavender or santolina for a warm, coastal feel, or mix them with grasses, gaura or hardy geraniums for a softer, more natural look. Planting sun loving shrubs and perennials at their base creates a complete, layered display that thrives in the same bright conditions.
