50 Sandy Soil Perennials That Like Sun
If you live in one of the many coastal communities where the soil is dry and sandy, and you find that it is a constant struggle to keep your garden plants alive, maybe you need to try a different approach to sandy soil gardening. Many coastal gardens have soils that are dry and sandy with plants being subjected to extreme heat, humidity, drought, and continuous sea breezes.
Sandy soils have three shortcomings that are essential to sustaining plant life. Sandy soil is made up of coarse, large sand particles that allow water to drain very quickly. After a heavy rainfall, sandy soil does not retain or store much water leaving plants without the constant moisture that many plants need to grow.
Sandy soils lack organic material and clay particles where nutrients are reserved for future use by plant life to sustain itself. The coarse, large sand particles in sandy soil are unable to store nutrients that other soils can. Any added soil amendments alone are washed away in any subsequent watering or rainfall.
The porousness of sandy soil lacks organic material or clay particles is noticeable in plant life that suffers from nutrient deficiencies. Some of the symptoms can be lack of flowering, yellowing foliage, or hindered plant growth.
Last, there is an absence of microorganisms in sandy soil. These microorganisms help plants to rotate and reprocess the many nutrients needed as well as suppress plant diseases. Microorganisms need nutrients to thrive.
To amend sandy soil so that it is more conducive or hospitable to plant life, consider adding organic material such as that from your compost. Adding compost to your sandy soil adds nutrients and helps with water retention so that both plants and microorganisms can survive. Simply add 3 to 5 inches of compost to your perennial beds and mix into the sandy soil 6 to 8 inches deep.
If you do not have a compost at home, consider starting one. A compost is organic matter derived from kitchen and yard waste that has decomposed to dark, crumbly rich soil full of nutrients and microorganisms.
For information on starting your own compost, read my post How to Save Money On Soil by Starting A Compost. You can also add organic Greensand to your garden beds which can help bind sandy soil and aid in increasing the water holding capacity of your soil.
For success with perennials in a sandy soil garden consider plants that are drought tolerant and heat or humidity tolerant. We have gathered a list of 50 Sandy Soil Perennials that Like Sun and grow in sandy soil. Grow perennials successfully by considering some of these beauties. Take a look and let us know what you think.
- Achillea Coronation Gold (Yarrow)
Achillea Coronation Gold or commonly known as Yarrow has grayish green foliage with golden yellow flowers that thrives in hot, dry sunny locations. Achillea Coronation Gold grows in zones 3 to 9, likes full Sun to mostly Sunny areas, grows between 24 to 36 inches tall. Coronation Gold blooms from early to late Summer, grows in normal, sandy, and clay soils, and attracts butterflies. The Coronation Gold is hot dry site tolerant, humidity tolerant, seaside/salt tolerant, and is deer resistant.
2. Achillea King Edward (Yarrow)
Achillea King Edward is a smaller Yarrow reaching only 6 inches tall with yellow blooms in late Spring to mid Summer. The Sun loving King Edward grows in zones 3 to 8, likes normal, clay or sandy soil, is deer resistant, and attracts butterflies. The carpet forming King Edward can be used on a slope or bank, in rock gardens, is hot dry site tolerant, humidity tolerant, seaside and salt tolerant, withstands drought, wind, heat and road salt tolerant.
3. Achillea Pretty Woman (Yarrow)
Achillea Pretty Woman or Yarrow has vibrant red flower clusters and thrives a full Sun or mostly sunny garden location with normal, clay or sandy soil. Pretty Woman Yarrow grows in zones 3 to 9, reaches 22 to 24 inches tall, blooms from mid Summer to mid Fall, and makes a great cut flower. Pretty Woman Yarrow can be used on a slope or bank, attracts butterflies, is deer resistant, hot dry site tolerant, heat and humidity tolerant, seaside and salt tolerant, and provides Winter interest. Pretty Woman has great color that can brighten any garden.
4. Alyssum Gold Dust (Basket of Gold)
Alyssum Gold Dust or Basket of Gold has bright yellow blooms over gray green foliage that appears in early Spring to mid Spring. The Sun loving Gold Dust grows in zones 4 to 8, reaches about 14 tall, likes normal or sandy soil, and when planted in mass creates a stunning effective along borders or garden paths. Alyssum Gold Dust is beneficial for pollinators, is hot dry site tolerant, seaside and salt tolerant, and ideal for use as an edge plant.
5. Asclepias Tuberosa (Butterfly Weed)
Asclepias Tuberosa, also known as Butterfly Weed grows in zones 3 to 9, blooms in intense tangerine orange with yellow clusters that Monarch Butterflies find irresistible. A 2017 Perennial Plant of the Year, Asclepias Tuberosa grows in zones 3 to 9, reaches between 18 to 24 inches tall, blooms from early Summer to Late Summer, likes normal, sandy, clay or acidic soil. The Sun loving Butterfly Weed is native to eastern North America and requires little care once established. Butterfly Weed is beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies and Hummingbirds, is deer resistant, hot dry site tolerant, seaside and salt tolerant. Asclepias do best in sunny locations with sandy soils. The Milkweed is a nectar source for Monarch butterflies and a host plant for them to lay their eggs.
6. Baptisia Lunar Eclipse (False Indigo)
The Sun loving Baptisia Lunar Eclipse or False Indigo has blooms that emerge light lemon transitioning to cream, pale lilac and shades of lavender, purple, and blue during late Spring until early Summer in soil conditions of normal, sandy, or acidic. Lunar Eclipse grows in zones 4 to 9, reaches 3 to 4 feet tall, and has blue green foliage on silver stems. Lunar Eclipse is beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes a great cut flower, is deer resistant, humidity tolerant, seaside and salt tolerant, and provides Winter interest to the garden.
7. Baptisia Carolina Moonlight (False Indigo)
Baptisia Carolina Moonlight or False Indigo has butter yellow flower spires above blue toned clover-like foliage that appear in late Spring to early Summer. The Sun loving Carolina Moonlight grows in zones 3 to 9, reaches 3 to 4 feet tall, and grows in normal, sandy, or acidic soil. Carolina Moonlight makes for a stunning garden presences in the evening, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great cut flowers, deer resistant, humidity tolerant, seaside and salt tolerant, and provides interest in the Winter.
8. Baptisia Lemon Meringue (False Indigo)
Baptisia Lemon Meringue or False Indigo has lemon yellow flowers on striking dark charcoal colored stems that bloom in late Spring to early Summer. The Sun loving Lemon Meringue grows in zones 4 to 9, reaches up to 36 inches tall, and likes normal, acidic, or sandy soils. Baptisia Lemon Meringue is beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great cut flowers, is deer resistant, humidity tolerant, seaside and salt tolerant, and provides Winter interest garden.
9. Baptisia Vanilla Cream (False Indigo)
Baptisia Vanilla Cream or False Indigo has creamy vanilla flowers on 10 inch long spikes of pastel yellow buds on plants that reach 24 to 36 inches tall. The Sun Loving Baptisia Vanilla Cream grows in zones 4 to 9, blooms in late Spring to early Summer, and does well in normal, acidic, or sandy soils. The lupine like Vanilla Cream has blue green foliage, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes fantastic cut flowers, deer resistant, humidity tolerant, seaside and salt tolerant, and provides interest in the Winter garden.
10. Coreopsis Berry Chiffon (Tickseed)
Coreopsis Berry Chiffon or Tickseed has creamy white 2 inch flowers with a raspberry pink eye that blooms in mid Summer to mid Fall. The Sun loving Coreopsis Berry Chiffon grows in zones 4 to 9, grows between 15 to 18 inches tall, and likes normal or sandy soil. The Berry Chiffon is bushy and compact, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great cut flowers, deer resistant, humidity tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, for use in a container garden, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
11. Coreopsis Broad Street (Tickseed)
Coreopsis Broad Street or Tickseed has vermilion red petals with golden orange undersides that bloom from early Summer to early Fall. The Sun loving Coreopsis Broad Street grows in zones 4 to 9, reaches 15 to 18 inches tall, and likes normal or sandy soil. The Broad Street is reliable for winter hardiness, drought and humidity tolerant, adapts well on a slope or bank, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes a beautiful floral bouquet, can be grown in a container, deer resistant, hot dry site tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
12. Coreopsis Buttermilk (Tickseed)
Coreopsis Buttermilk or Tickseed is an upright perennial with blue green foliage and soft creamy yellow flowers that bloom from early Summer until mid Fall. The Sun loving Coreopsis Buttermilk grows in zones 5 to 10, reaches 18 inches tall, and likes normal or sandy soil. Coreopsis Buttermilk can be used for naturalizing on a slope or bank, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer resistant, hot dry site tolerant, humidity tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
13. Coreopsis Enchanted Eve (Tickseed)
Coreopsis Enchanted Eve or Tickseed has golden yellow flowers with pinked edges and splashed with red-orange on 8 to 12 inch tall plants that bloom from early Summer to early Fall. The Sun Loving Coreopsis Enchanted Eve grows in zones 5 to 9, likes normal or sandy soil, and long blooming. Coreopsis Enchanted Eve can be planted on a slope or bank, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer resistant, hot dry site tolerant, humidity tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
14. Coreopsis Crazy Cayenne (Tickseed)
Coreopsis Crazy Cayenne or Tickseed has fiery sunset orange petals with golden yellow tips and undersides that blooms from early Summer to late Summer. The long blooming Coreopsis Crazy Cayenne likes full Sun, grows in zones 3 to 9, grows up to 18 inches tall, and likes normal or sandy soil. Coreopsis Crazy Cayenne can be planted on a slope or bank, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer resistant, hot dry site tolerant, humidity tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
15. Coreopsis Creme Caramel (Tickseed)
Coreopsis Creme Caramel or Tickseed has creamy peach pink blossoms glowing with golden tones that bloom in early Summer to early Fall. A prolific bloomer, Coreopsis Creme Caramel grows in zone 5 to 9, likes full Sun, grows to 18 inches tall, and like normal or sandy soil. Coreopsis Creme Caramel can be planted on a slope or bank, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer resistant, hot dry site tolerant, humidity tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
16. Coreopsis Polaris (Tickseed)
Coreopsis Polaris or Tickseed has snow white blossoms with yellow button centers that bloom from early Summer to early Fall. The Sun loving Coreopsis Polaris grows in zones 5 to 9, grows between 18 to 20 inches tall, and likes either a normal or sandy soil. Coreopsis Polaris can be planted on a slope or bank, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer resistant, hot dry site tolerant, humidity tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
17. Coreopsis Red Elf (Tickseed)
Coreopsis Red Elf or Tickseed has blooms with magenta red silky petals and white centers then turn to velvety red as weather cools down. The Sun loving Coreopsis Red Elf grows in zones 5 to 9, grows up to 12 inches tall, and likes normal or sandy soil. Coreopsis Red Elf can be planted on a slope or bank, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer resistant, hot dry site tolerant, humidity tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant. A great selection if you’d interested in adding deep bold color to your garden!
18. Echinops Ritro (Globe Thistle)
Echinops Ritro or Globe Thistle has blue colored globes with silvery foliage shaped like lances that appear in early to late Summer. The Sun loving Globe Thistle grows in zones 3 to 8, grows 4 feet tall, and likes normal, acidic, or sandy soil. Globe Thistle is beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great floral arrangements, deer resistant, hot dry site tolerant, is seaside and salt tolerant, and provides garden interest in the Winter.
19. Gaillardia Mesa Peach (Mesa Peach Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia Mesa Peach or Mesa Peach Blanket Flower has peachy golden flowers in shades of orange and yellow that thrive in hot dry gardens. The Sun loving native Gaillardia Mesa Peach grows in zones 5 to 9, grows between 16 to 18 inches tall, blooms from late Spring to late Summer, and likes sandy loam soils with gravel mulch. The easy to grow Gaillardia Mesa Peach is beneficial for pollinators, attracts bees and butterflies, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer and rabbit resistant, drought resistant, drought tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, does well in a rock garden or as an alpine plant, and ideal for a small space garden. Mesa Peach Blanket flower does well in a hot, dry garden where poor soil conditions predominate.
20. Geranium Johnson’s Blue (Cranesbill)
Geranium Johnson’s Blue or Cranesbill has large vivid periwinkle blue flowers that appear from late Spring until late Summer. The Geranium Johnson’s Blue grows in zones 4 to 8, likes full Sun or mostly shade, grows to 12 inches tall, and likes normal, sandy, or acidic soil. Cranesbill is beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, deer resistant, shade tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, can be planted in a container, is seaside and salt tolerant, can be used as an edger or groundcover, and delivers seasonal interest into the Fall.
21. Hibiscus Azurri Blue Satin (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus Azurri Blue Satin or Rose of Sharon is a shrub that has huge purple blue blooms with magenta and white centers that bloom from mid Summer to early Fall. The Sun loving Hibiscus Azurri Blue Satin grows in zones 5 to 9, grows between 8 to 12 feet tall, and likes normal, clay, or sandy soil. The easy to grow Hibiscus Azurri Blue Satin attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, can be planted in a container, deer resistant, can be used as a hedge, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
22. Iberis Autumn Beauty (Candytuft)
Iberis Autumn Beauty or Candytuft has pristine white flowers on glossy evergreen plants that bloom twice a year, first in early to late Spring then again in mid to late Fall. The Iberis Autumn Beauty likes full Sun or a half Sun and half shade garden. Candytuft grows in zones 3 to 9, grows 8 to 10 inches tall, and likes either normal or sandy soil. Candytuft looks lovely cascading over a stone wall or as an edging along a garden path or border. Iberis Autumn Beauty is beneficial for pollinators, deer and rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, humidity tolerant, seaside and salt tolerant, evergreen foliage, and works well as a garden edger, border, or garden area with good drainage.
Bearded Iris Sea Power has burst of ocean blue waves of ruffling blooms that bloom in late Spring to early Summer. The Sun loving fragrant Bearded Iris Sea Power grows in zone 3 to 9, grows up to 38 inches tall, and likes clay, sandy or loamy soil. The Bearded Iris Sea Power with gorgeous deep blue flowers is easy to grow and is both deer and rabbit resistant.
Dawn Eternal Bearded Iris has purple falls and yellow standards that bloom in late Spring to late Summer. The Sun loving Dawn Eternal Bearded Iris grows in zone 3 to 9, reaches between 36 to 40 inches tall, and likes clay, sandy, or loamy soil. Dawn Eternal Bearded Iris is easy to grow and is both deer and rabbit resistant.
Bearded Iris Immortality is pure white accented with light yellow beards with delicate ruffles and a sweet fragrance. The Sun loving Bearded Iris Immortality grows in zones 3 to 9, reaches up to 29 inches tall, blooms in late Spring and again in early to mid Fall. Bearded Iris Immortality likes clay, sandy, or loamy soil. Bearded Iris Immortality is easy to grow and is both deer and rabbit resistant.
Rare Find Bearded Iris has creamy, peach and salmon color with ruffled standards that complement the coral orange color. The Sun loving Rare Find Bearded Iris grows in zones 3 to 9, grows up to 37 inches tall, blooms from mid Spring to late Spring, and likes clay, sandy, or loamy soil. Rare Find Bearded Iris is easy to grow, and deer resistant.
27. Lavandula Intermedia Phenomenal (Lavender)
Lavandula Intermedia Phenomenal or Lavender is a fragrant, dense, compact lavender with lavender blooms that appear early Summer to early Fall. The Sun loving Lavandula Intermedia Phenomenal grows in zones 5 to 10, grows between 24 to 36 inches tall, and likes normal or sandy soil. Lavandula Intermedia Phenomenal is an upright perennial that remains round in shape. The Lavender perennial can be planted on a slope or bank, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great floral arrangements, deer resistant, hot dry site tolerant, heat and humidity tolerant, fragrant, evergreen in warmer climates, and can be grown as hedges.
28. Liatris Kobold (Blazing Star)
Liatris Kobold or Blazing Star has pink-purple flower heads from mid Summer to early Fall. The Sun loving Liatris Kobold grows in zones 3 to 9, reaches between 24 to 36 inches tall, and likes either normal, clay, or sandy soil. Liatris Kobold is beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great floral arrangements, hot dry site tolerant, humidity tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and works well as a border or meadow setting.
29. Perovskia Denim ‘n Lace (Russian Sage)
Perovskia Denim ‘n Lace or Russian Sage has bright lilac blue, lacy flowers on an upright perennial that blooms from mid Summer to mid Fall. The Sun loving Russian Sage grows in zones 4 to 9, reaches 28 to 32 inches tall, and likes normal, sandy, or clay soil. The aromatic gray green leaves of Russian Sage is a striking addition to any garden. Russian Sage can be planted on a slope or bank, beneficial for pollinators, deer and rabbit resistant, can be planted in a container, hot dry site tolerant, heat and drought tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
30. Phlox Candy Stripe (Creeping Phlox)
Phlox Candy Stripe or Creeping Phlox has glowing pink flowers with white bands that bloom in late Spring to early Summer. The Sun loving Phlox Candy Stripe grows in zones 3 to 9, grows 4 inches tall, and likes either normal or sandy soil. The evergreen Creeping Phlox can be planted on a slope or bank, attracts butterflies, deer and rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, humidity tolerant, and can be planted on a stone wall or rock garden or as edging in a flower bed. Candy Stripe Phlox looks stunning planted next to tulips or daffodils.
31. Phlox Fireworks (Garden Phlox)
Phlox Fireworks or Garden Phlox has pink and red florets stippled with white making each blossom unique creating dense flower heads from early to late Summer. The Sun loving fragrant Phlox Fireworks grows in zones 4 to 8, reaches 18 to 24 inches tall, and likes normal, sandy, or clay soil. Phlox Fireworks attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, makes great floral bouquets, is fragrant, and blooms for over 4 weeks.
32. Potentilla Monarch’s Velvet (Cinquefoil)
Potentilla Monarch’s Velvet or Cinquefoil has raspberry red flowers of heart shaped petals with a velvet crimson center that bloom in early to late Summer. Potentilla Monarch’s Velvet grows in zones 4 to 8, grows to 24 inches tall, can be planted in full Sun or part Sun and part shade, and likes normal, sandy, or clay soil. Potentilla Monarch’s Velvet is beneficial for pollinators, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer resistant, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
33. Rudbeckia Indian Summer (Gloriosa Daisy)
Rudbeckia Indian Summer or Gloriosa Daisy has long, golden-yellow rays surrounding chocolate black centers that bloom from early Summer to early Fall. The Sun loving Rudbeckia Indian Summer grows in zones 5 to 8, reaches between 36 to 48 inches tall, and likes normal, acidic, sandy, or clay soil. Gloriosa Daisy is beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer and rabbit resistant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
34. Rudbeckia Moroccan Sun (Gloriosa Daisy)
Rudbeckia Moroccan Sun or Gloriosa Daisy has tones of golden yellow, bronze, and marmalade orange in semi-double to full double blossoms that appear from early Summer to early Fall. The Sun loving Rudbeckia Moroccan Sun grows in zones 5 to 8, is about 20 inches tall, and likes either normal, acidic, sandy, or clay soil. Gloriosa Daisy is beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer and rabbit resistant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
35. Rudbeckia Prairie Sun (Gloriosa Daisy)
Tall and robust Rudbeckia Prairie Sun or Gloriosa Daisy has daisy like peachy orange petals that wash to yellow with green centers. The Prairie Sun Rudbeckia blooms from early Summer until early Fall. Sun Lover Rudbeckia Prairie Sun grows in zones 5 to 8, reaches 30 to 36 inches in height, and likes normal, clay, sandy, or acidic soil. Gloriosa Daisy is beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies, makes great floral arrangements, can be planted in a container, deer resistant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
36. Salvia Burgundy Candles (Meadow Sage)
Salvia Burgundy Candles or Meadow Sage has purple tapers with violet overtones with burgundy red buds creating a bicolor effect. The easy to grow Sun Lover Salvia Burgundy Candles grows in zones 4 to 8, can grow between 24 and 28 inches tall, and likes soils that are either normal, sandy or clay. Meadow Sage blooms between early Summer to late Summer and is a heat lover. Burgundy Candles can be planted on a slope or bank, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer and rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
37. Salvia Deep Blue (Meadow Sage)
Salvia Deep Blue or Meadow Sage has lush spikes of deep purple blue that bloom from early to late Summer. Sun loving Salvia Deep Blue grows in zones 4 to 8, about 12 inches in height, and likes either normal, sandy, or clay soil. Long blooming Meadow Sage can be planted on a slope or bank, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer and rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, heat and humidity tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
38. Salvia May Night (Meadow Sage)
Salvia May Night or May Night Meadow Sage has deep purple blue flowers that bloom in late Spring to late Summer. Sun loving Salvia May Night grows in zones 4 to 9, reaches between 18 to 24 inches tall, and likes sandy or normal soil. Easy to grow Meadow Sage is fragrant, attracts butterflies, birds, and hummingbirds, bee friendly, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer and rabbit resistant, clay soil tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, low maintenance, cold hardy, and is drought resistant and waterwise.
39. Salvia Pink Friesland (Meadow Sage)
Salvia Pink Friesland or Meadow Sage has long slender rose pink upright spikes that bloom from early to late Summer. Sun lover Salvia Pink Friesland grows in zone 4 to 8, can grow up to 18 inches tall, and likes soil that is normal or sandy. Versatile Meadow Sage can be planted on a slope or bank, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer and rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
40. Salvia Rose Marvel (Meadow Sage)
Salvia Rose Marvel or Meadow Sage has deep orchid pink flowers with scented foliage that blooms from early to late Summer. Sun loving Salvia Rose Marvel grows in zone 4 to 9, is between 10 and 12 inches in height, and likes soil that is normal, sandy, or clay. Salvia Rose Marvel can be planted on a slope or bank, beneficial for pollinators, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, makes great floral bouquets, can be planted in a container, deer and rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
41. Sedum Blue Pearl (Stonecrop)
Sedum Blue Pearl or Stonecrop has plum foliage with smokey blue overtones with cluster blooms of bright pink flowers in late Summer to early Fall. Sunlover Sedum Blue Pearl grows in zones 4 to 9, reaches between 6 to 8 inches tall, and likes soil that is normal or sandy. Sedum Blue Pearl can be planted on a slope or bank, attracts butterflies, can be planted in a container, rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, drought tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
42. Sedum Brilliant (Stonecrop)
– Sedum Brilliant or Stonecrop
Sedum Brilliant or Stonecrop has brilliant pink flower heads that mature to a rust red that appear from late Summer to mid Fall. Sun loving Sedum Brilliant grow in zones 3 to 10, can grow up to 18 inches tall, and likes soil that is normal, sandy, or clay. Sedum Brilliant can be planted on a slope or bank, attracts butterflies, used for cut flowers, can be planted in a container, rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
43. Sedum Lime Zinger (Stonecrop)
Sedum Lime Zinger or Stonecrop has bright lime green foliage with a crisp ruby red edge with clusters of hot pink flowers appearing from late Summer to mid Fall. Sedum Lime Zinger grows in zones 4 to 9, is 6 inches high, and likes soils that are either normal or sandy. Sun loving Sedum Lime Zinger can be planted on a slope or bank, attracts butterflies, can be planted in a container, rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
44. Sedum Fulda Glow (Stonecrop)
Sedum Fulda Glow or Stonecrop has soft rose red flowers with bronze red leaves blooming early to late Summer. Sedum Fulda Glow grows in zones 3 to 9, is 4 inches tall, and likes either normal or sandy soil. Sun loving low maintenance ground cover, Sedum Fulda Glow can be planted on a slope or bank, attracts butterflies, can be planted in a container, rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
45. Sedum Thunderhead (Stonecrop)
Sun loving Sedum Thunderhead or Stonecrop has rose red flower clusters on gray green foliage blooming in late Summer to early Fall. Sedum Thunderhead grows in zones 4 to 9, can grow up to 30 inches tall, and likes soil that is either normal or sandy. Sedum Thunderhead can be planted on a slope or bank, attracts butterflies, used as cut flowers, can be planted in a container, rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, is seaside and salt tolerant, and provides interest in the Winter garden.
46. Sedum Red Wiggle (Stonecrop)
Sunlover Sedum Red Wiggle or Stonecrop has glowing coral reef with bi-color burgundy red feathery foliage and yellow flowers in early to mid Summer. Sedum Red Wiggle grows in zones 5 to 9, is 3 to 4 inches tall, and likes either normal or sandy soil. Low maintenance Sedum Red Wiggle can be planted on a slope or bank, attracts butterflies, can be planted in a container, deer and rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
47. Veronica Aspire (Speedwell)
Veronica Aspire or Speedwell has deep rose pink flower spikes that bloom between early and late Summer. Aspire Speedwell will thrive in full Sun or a half Sun and half shade garden area. Veronica Aspire grows in zones 4 to 8, is between 6 and 10 inches, and likes either normal, clay, or sandy soil. Veronica Aspire attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, deer and rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, cold hardy, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
48. Veronica Pink Marshmallow (Speedwell)
Veronica Pink Marshmallow or Speedwell has slender upright spires of dark pink petals and soft pink buds with bright green foliage that bloom in early to late Summer. Sun loving Veronica Pink Marshmallow grows in zones 4 to 8, reaches about 18 inches in height, and likes soil that is either normal, sandy, or clay. Veronica Pink Marshmallow attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, makes great floral arrangements, can be planted in a container, deer and rabbit resistant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
49. Veronica Crater Lake Blue (Speedwell)
Veronica Crater Lake Blue or Speedwell has vivid blue flowers with dark green foliage that blooms from mid to late Spring. Veronica Crater Lake Blue grows in zones 4 to 8, grows up to 18 inches in height, and likes soil that is either normal, clay, or sandy. Crater Lake Blue does well in a full Sun or half Sun and half-shade garden location. Veronica Crater Lake Blue attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, can be planted in a container, deer, and rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, blooms for over 4 weeks, and is seaside and salt tolerant.
50. Veronica Icicle (Speedwell)
Veronica Icicle or Speedwell has white florets on 6 inch spikes with light green foliage blooming from early to late Summer. Veronica Icicle grows in zones 4 to 8, can reach up to 26 inches in height, and likes either normal, clay, or sandy soil. Veronica Icicle attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, deer and rabbit resistant, hot dry site tolerant, and is seaside and salt tolerant. Veronica Icicle does well in a full Sun or part Sun and part Shade garden location. Icicle makes a great addition to a Moonlight Garden.
Living in a coastal region has many blessings and challenges. Successful gardening in coastal communities can be achieved by preparing your garden soil, selecting native plants, and plants that are tolerant of drought, extreme heat, humidity, or wind. Be sure to add 2 to 3 inches of mulch to your garden plants to maintain moisture.
The only exception to this rule is for Bearded Irises which need the rhizomes to remain uncovered. Too much moisture can cause the Bearded Iris rhizomes to rot. If you try any of these 50 Sandy Soil Perennials that Like Sun be sure to let us know how you make out.
For information on drought tolerant perennials, see our post 25 Drought Resistant Perennials. For information on shade tolerant perennials, see our post 24 Spectacular Shade Garden Perennials. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us in the comments below. We always are ready to help you out.
