Full Sun Plants for Outdoor Pots in Central Florida

Central Florida, an area stretching from Leesburg to Punta Gorda and Fort Pierce, gets a lot of sun. Container plants should be extremely sun-tolerant to thrive in the year-round heat and intense light. The University of Florida Extension lists plants that adapt well to central Florida's conditions but advises gardeners to consider additional factors, like proximity to coastal salt spray, before selecting patio or terrace plants.

The crown of thorns legend holds that the crown worn by Christ at his crucifixion was made from the plant. It does have multiple thorns jutting out in every direction. The stems are long and dark green. The plant tops out at about 3 feet, although it will stay smaller in a container. Bursts of yellow, red, white and pink bracts covering small white flowers and surrounded by green, pointy leaves grow from the stems. The crown of thorns will flower all year, and it is as comfortable as a cactus in full sun; however, overwatering or a severe temperature change will cause it to drop its leaves. The plant is highly toxic to animals, a consideration if wildlife visit your yard or if you have curious pets.

The natal dwarf plum is a small, spiny evergreen shrub that produces large, white, star-shaped blooms, ovate, leathery green leaves and sharp, forked spines. The blossoms smell like orange blossoms, and their fragrance is strongest at night, almost like a night-blooming jasmine. The fruit is edible and is a red plum-shaped berry that tastes like a cranberry, only sweeter. The natal plum blooms year-round and usually has berries ripening on it, as well. It is drought tolerant, impervious to salt spray, tough enough to withstand strong winds and happy to sit in full sun. The spines are sharp and will scratch and stab you, so wear heavy gloves when pruning; and the entire plant, except the flesh of the fruit, is poisonous, even the seeds.

A bougainvillea makes an exuberant cascading container plant. Sun is no problem. The woody vine is a native of Brazil and adapted readily to Florida's climate. Its clustered bracts of red, purple, orange, fuschia and other shades are striking, and the plants are vigorous bloomers as long as they get at least five hours of full sun a day. More sun is better. The bracts, which are modified leaves, protect and hide the nondescript white flowers of the plant. But it is the color you see, cascading out of its container or hanging pot. Bougainvillea plants like sun, warmth, good-draining soil and regular watering.