When planning your garden, understanding what to plant on the west side of the house is key to ensuring your plants thrive in the intense afternoon sun.
The west-facing side receives the strongest sunlight during the hottest part of the day, which can challenge some plants but provide an ideal environment for others.
Whether you’re looking to create a vibrant flower bed, grow sun-loving shrubs, or add drought-tolerant plants to your landscape, choosing the right plants can turn your west side into a beautiful, resilient garden.
When You Should Look for Plants That Thrive on the West Side of the House
The west side of your house receives the hottest and most intense sunlight, especially in the afternoon. Unlike the east side, which benefits from cooler morning rays, the west side is exposed to the scorching afternoon sun, which can raise the temperature and create harsh growing conditions for some plants. During summer, this side can receive around 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight, while in winter, this exposure drops to about 3 to 4 hours, depending on where you live.
Asking yourself “What to plant on the west side of the house?” becomes crucial when placing plants on an uncovered balcony, in garden beds along your windows, or in sun-drenched areas. But keep in mind: if you’re positioning plants indoors, directly facing a west-facing window with indirect light, they may need different care. The same applies if your outdoor space is shaded or partially covered, where the intensity of the sunlight is reduced.
What to Plant on the West Side of the House
When planting in areas that are fully exposed to direct sunlight all day long, especially on the west side, it’s important to select plants that can handle both the heat and potentially dry conditions. Below are some ideal options:
- Drought-Tolerant Shrubs and Grasses: For a sun-loving, hardy landscape, opt for plants like lavender, rosemary, or yucca. These plants thrive in hot, dry conditions and require minimal watering.
- Sun-Loving Flowers: If you’re looking for colorful blooms, choose flowers like geraniums, roses, daylilies, or coreopsis. These species flourish in full sun exposure and add vibrant life to your garden.
- Heat-Resistant Trees: Consider trees such as oak, crape myrtle, or redbud for shade. These trees are hardy and can withstand the west-facing heat, creating natural shelter for your other plants.
- Climbing Plants: For vertical interest, look to bougainvillea or trumpet vine, both of which are sun-loving climbers that add beauty and height to any garden.
- Succulents and Cacti: Species like agave, sedum, or the iconic Golden Barrel Cactus are perfect for desert-like conditions, thriving in the dry, sun-soaked environment of the west side.
How to Care for Plants Placed on the West Side of the House
Taking care of plants on the west side of your house can be a bit tricky due to the intense sunlight, but with the right techniques, they can flourish:
- Watering: Always make sure your plants are well-hydrated, especially during the summer. The best time to water is early in the morning, allowing your plants to absorb moisture before the midday heat kicks in. This helps prevent rapid evaporation and keeps the soil cool.
- Mulching: To retain moisture and keep the roots of your plants cool, apply a layer of mulch around the base of each plant. Mulch also helps to prevent weeds and reduce water evaporation from the soil.
- Soil Quality: Plants that thrive in the heat often prefer well-drained soil. Improve your soil by mixing in organic matter or compost, which enhances water retention and nutrients while ensuring proper drainage.
- Shade Protection: Some plants, especially newly planted ones, might need additional protection from the intense afternoon sun. You can use temporary shade structures, or plant taller plants or trees nearby to provide natural shade.
Remember, if your plants are in an area that receives indirect sunlight (such as near a west-facing window but shielded from direct rays), or if you provide them with shade, they will need different care.
Examples Of Plants Suited To This Side Of The House
Here’s a list of plants that can handle the heat and full sun exposure on the west side of your home:
Geraniums:
Native to South Africa, these colorful flowers are sun-loving and thrive in well-drained soil. They need regular watering but are quite drought-tolerant once established.
Roses:
One of the most beloved flowering plants, roses adore full sun and perform best when they get 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. They need well-drained soil and regular watering.
Magnolias:
Known for their large, fragrant blooms, magnolias can thrive in full sun and are a perfect tree for adding elegance to your garden.
Fire Spinner:
This hardy succulent produces a stunning carpet of colorful blooms and thrives in full sun with very little water.
Agave:
These drought-resistant succulents come from hot, arid regions. They need very little water and lots of sunlight to thrive.
Sedum:
Another succulent that is perfect for the west-facing sun, sedum requires minimal water and care, making it ideal for rock gardens.
Baker’s Goldfields:
A bright, yellow-flowering plant that loves full sun and well-drained soil, perfect for dry conditions.
Phlox:
This ground cover plant spreads easily, offering colorful blooms that thrive in the sunlight.
Jasmine:
Known for its sweet-smelling blooms, jasmine loves full sun but benefits from regular watering and well-drained soil.
Golden Barrel Cactus:
This iconic cactus thrives in hot, dry conditions and requires very little water to survive.
Opuntia (Prickly Pear):
This cactus loves full sun and dry conditions, producing vibrant blooms and edible fruits.
Echeveria:
A low-maintenance succulent with rosette-shaped foliage, Echeveria loves bright, direct sunlight and requires minimal water.
Lavender:
A fragrant herb that loves full sun and dry, well-drained soil. Lavender is perfect for adding both scent and beauty to your west-facing garden.
Rosemary:
Known for its culinary uses, rosemary thrives in full sun and dry conditions, requiring minimal water.
Yucca:
A hardy plant that can withstand the intense heat of a west-facing garden. It requires well-drained soil and very little water.
Oak:
An iconic tree that provides natural shade and thrives in full sun.
Crape Myrtle:
Known for its colorful summer blooms, this tree thrives in full sun and adds a touch of elegance to any garden.
Bougainvillea:
A vigorous climbing plant that blooms profusely in full sun, making it a striking addition to your west-facing garden.
Final Thoughts
In summary, knowing what to plant on the west side of the house is all about choosing heat- and sun-tolerant plants that can handle the intensity of the afternoon sun. With options ranging from vibrant flowers like geraniums and roses to drought-tolerant shrubs like lavender and succulents, you can transform your west-facing garden into a lush, beautiful space.
Whether you’re designing a garden with what to plant on the west side of house or looking for ways to maintain a sunny garden, these sun-loving plants are sure to thrive in their environment.
By carefully selecting what to plant on the west side of the house, you’ll enjoy a garden full of life and color, year after year.