What Are the Best Plants for a West-Facing Garden?

What Plants Do Well Facing West?

When choosing plants for your garden, it’s important to consider the amount of sunlight they’ll receive. Plants that face west get full afternoon sun, which can be harsh and drying. However, there are many beautiful and drought-tolerant plants that can thrive in these conditions.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best plants for west-facing gardens, as well as tips for caring for them. We’ll also provide a list of specific plants that you can choose from, so you can create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space that’s perfect for your needs.

The Benefits of West-Facing Gardens

There are a few benefits to having a west-facing garden. First, the afternoon sun provides excellent light for growing vegetables and fruits. Second, the late afternoon sun can help to extend the growing season in cooler climates. Third, west-facing gardens are often less windy than gardens that face other directions, which can be beneficial for plants that are sensitive to wind.

Choosing Plants for a West-Facing Garden

When choosing plants for a west-facing garden, it’s important to select varieties that are tolerant of full sun and drought. Some good options include:

Perennials: Lavender, sage, rosemary, yarrow, coneflower, black-eyed Susan, echinacea, daylily, iris, peony
Annuals: Zinnia, sunflower, marigold, cosmos, petunia, impatiens, geranium
Shrubs: Rose, butterfly bush, hydrangea, crape myrtle, viburnum, lilac
Trees: Oak, maple, elm, birch, sycamore, ash

Caring for Plants in a West-Facing Garden

Plants in a west-facing garden need regular watering, especially during the summer months. Mulching around the plants will help to retain moisture and keep the soil cool. It’s also important to fertilize your plants regularly, as the hot sun can deplete the soil of nutrients.

With a little planning and care, you can create a beautiful and inviting west-facing garden that will provide you with years of enjoyment.

Plant	Description	Growing Tips
Agave	Agaves are succulents that are native to desert regions. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, dry conditions.	Agaves should be planted in full sun and well-drained soil. They can be watered deeply once a month during the summer months, but should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings in the winter.
Cactus	Cacti are succulents that are native to desert regions. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, dry conditions.	Cacti should be planted in full sun and well-drained soil. They can be watered deeply once a month during the summer months, but should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings in the winter.
Lavender	Lavender is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, dry conditions.	Lavender should be planted in full sun and well-drained soil. It can be watered deeply once a week during the summer months, but should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings in the winter.
Olive tree	Olive trees are evergreen trees that are native to the Mediterranean region. They are drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, dry conditions.	Olive trees should be planted in full sun and well-drained soil. They can be watered deeply once a week during the summer months, but should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings in the winter.
Rosemary	Rosemary is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand hot, dry conditions.	Rosemary should be planted in full sun and well-drained soil. It can be watered deeply once a week during the summer months, but should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings in the winter.

If you have a west-facing garden, you know that it can be a challenge to find plants that will thrive in the hot afternoon sun. But don’t despair! There are plenty of beautiful and low-maintenance plants that will do well in full sun, even in the hottest climates.

In this guide, we’ll share our top picks for plants that do well facing west. We’ll cover everything from drought-tolerant plants to pollinator-friendly plants, so you can create a beautiful and inviting garden that’s perfect for your outdoor space.

Plants that do well in full sun

When choosing plants for a west-facing garden, it’s important to select varieties that are tolerant of hot afternoon sun. Some good options include:

Perennials:
Echinacea
Coneflowers
Daylilies
Salvia
Yarrow
Annuals:
Zinnias
Marigolds
Cosmos
Petunias
Verbena
Shrubs:
Roses
Hydrangeas
Lilacs
Crepe myrtles
Azaleas

These plants are all well-suited to the hot, dry conditions of a west-facing garden. They will provide you with beautiful blooms and greenery all summer long, with minimal care.

Plants that tolerate drought

Another important consideration for a west-facing garden is drought tolerance. The afternoon sun can quickly dry out the soil, so it’s important to choose plants that can withstand periods of drought. Some good options include:

Perennials:
Lavender
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Yucca
Annuals:
Gaillardia
Cleome
Portulaca
Senecio
Verbena
Shrubs:
Junipers
Cacti
Agaves
Yuccas
Lavender

These plants are all well-adapted to dry conditions and will thrive in a west-facing garden. They will require little water, and they will provide you with beautiful blooms and greenery all summer long.

Plants that attract pollinators

If you’re looking to attract pollinators to your garden, a west-facing garden is the perfect place to start. The afternoon sun provides the perfect conditions for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to thrive. Some good options for pollinator-friendly plants include:

Perennials:
Asters
Bee balm
Coneflowers
Echinacea
Lavender
Annuals:
Marigolds
Zinnias
Cosmos
Petunias
Verbena
Shrubs:
Roses
Butterfly bushes
Lilacs
Crepe myrtles
Azaleas

These plants all produce nectar and pollen that pollinators love. They will help to create a healthy and thriving ecosystem in your garden.

Plants that provide shade

If you have a west-facing garden, you may also want to consider adding some plants that provide shade. This can be helpful on hot summer days, and it can also help to protect your plants from the harsh afternoon sun. Some good options for shade-providing plants include:

Perennials:
Hostas
Ferns
Astilbe
Brunnera
Heuchera
Annuals:
Impatiens
Begonias
Coleus
Lobelia
Petunias
Shrubs:
Rhododendrons
Azaleas
Camellias
Viburnums
Hydrangeas

These plants will all provide you with beautiful blooms and greenery, and they will help to create a cool and inviting oasis in your west-facing garden.

Plants that are deer resistant

If you have a problem with deer in your area, you may want to consider choosing plants that are deer resistant. Deer are not fond of the taste of certain plants, so they will avoid eating them. Some good options for deer-resistant plants include:

Perennials:
Yarrow
Rosemary
Sage
Lavender
Thyme
Annuals:
Gaillardia
Cleome
Portulaca
Senecio
Verbena
Shrubs:

3. Plants that do well in morning sun

Plants that are early bloomers

Plants that bloom in the early morning hours are well-suited for west-facing gardens. This is because they receive the morning sun, which is less intense than the afternoon sun. Early bloomers include:

Azaleas
Camellias
Daffodils
Hyacinths
Irises
Peonies
Tulips

These plants are all beautiful additions to a west-facing garden, and they will provide you with early-season blooms.

Plants that tolerate wind

West-facing gardens are often windy, so it’s important to choose plants that can tolerate wind. Some plants that tolerate wind well include:

Clematis
Cypress
Juniper
Lavender
Oak
Rosemary
Sage

These plants are all well-suited for windy conditions, and they will add beauty and interest to your west-facing garden.

Plants that are drought tolerant

West-facing gardens can also be dry, so it’s important to choose plants that are drought tolerant. Some plants that are drought tolerant include:

Agave
Cactus
Echeveria
Jade plant
Lavender
Palo verde
Sagebrush

These plants are all able to withstand long periods of drought, and they will add a touch of desert beauty to your west-facing garden.

Plants that are salt tolerant

If your west-facing garden is located near the coast, it may be exposed to salt spray. In this case, it’s important to choose plants that are salt tolerant. Some plants that are salt tolerant include:

Agave
Cactus
Echeveria
Juniper
Lavender
Oak
Palo verde

These plants are all able to withstand the harsh conditions of coastal gardens, and they will add beauty and interest to your space.

4. Plants that do well in afternoon sun

Plants that are heat tolerant

The afternoon sun is the strongest, so it’s important to choose plants that are heat tolerant for a west-facing garden. Some plants that are heat tolerant include:

Agave
Cactus
Clematis
Daylilies
Lavender
Oak
Rosemary
Sage

These plants are all able to withstand the heat of the afternoon sun, and they will add beauty and interest to your garden.

Plants that bloom in the fall

The fall is a beautiful time of year, and there are many plants that bloom in the fall. Some plants that bloom in the fall include:

Asters
Chrysanthemums
Cosmos
Dahlias
Goldenrod
Marigolds
Shasta daisies
Sunflowers

These plants will add a touch of color to your west-facing garden in the fall.

Plants that provide winter interest

Some plants provide winter interest, even when they are not in bloom. Some plants that provide winter interest include:

Berries
Cypress
Holly
Juniper
Magnolia
Oak
Pine
Red twig dogwood

These plants will add structure and interest to your west-facing garden during the winter months.

Plants that are disease resistant

It’s important to choose plants that are resistant to diseases for a west-facing garden. Some plants that are disease resistant include:

Agave
Cactus
Dahlias
Lavender
Oak
Rosemary
Sage
Sunflowers

These plants are all able to withstand the harsh conditions of a west-facing garden, and

What plants do well facing west?

Agave – Agaves are drought-tolerant succulents that can withstand the hot afternoon sun. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and some even produce beautiful flowers.
Cactus – Cacti are another good choice for west-facing gardens. They are also drought-tolerant and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Echinacea – Echinacea is a perennial flowering plant that is native to North America. It is drought-tolerant and attracts butterflies and other pollinators.
Heuchera – Heucheras are also known as coral bells. They are shade-tolerant perennials that come in a variety of colors and leaf shapes.
Lavender – Lavender is a fragrant herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is drought-tolerant and attracts bees and butterflies.
Penstemon – Penstemon is a genus of flowering plants that includes both annuals and perennials. They are drought-tolerant and come in a variety of colors.
Salvia – Salvia is a genus of flowering plants that includes both annuals and perennials. They are drought-tolerant and attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Yarrow – Yarrow is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It is drought-tolerant and attracts butterflies and other pollinators.

How do I care for plants facing west?

Water regularly. Plants facing west will need more water than plants facing east or north, especially during the summer months.
Mulch around the plants. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil and protect the roots from the heat.
Prune the plants regularly. Pruning helps to keep the plants healthy and encourages new growth.
Fertilize the plants regularly. Fertilizing helps to provide the plants with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

What are some other considerations for planting in a west-facing garden?

Choose plants that are tolerant of the hot afternoon sun.
Plant the plants in a location that receives full sun for at least 6 hours a day.
Water the plants regularly, especially during the summer months.
Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture in the soil.
Prune the plants regularly to keep them healthy and encourage new growth.
Fertilize the plants regularly to provide them with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.

there are a variety of plants that do well facing west. These plants include cacti, succulents, and other drought-tolerant plants. When choosing plants for a west-facing garden, it is important to consider the amount of sunlight the area receives and the soil conditions. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and low-maintenance garden that will thrive in a west-facing location.

Author Profile

Arthur Cook

Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.

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