35 Best Zone 10A Perennials to Grow in Full Sun

Creating a thriving garden in zone 10a starts with choosing the right perennials that can handle the heat and sun. I’m sharing the best low-maintenance plants that bloom beautifully year-round, making it easy to keep your garden vibrant with minimal effort.

On my blog WM Design House, I may sometimes use affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you purchase via the link. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link. Read my full disclosure policy here.

If you’re looking for the best sun-loving perennials, you’re in the right place! While the perennials I’m sharing here are chosen specifically for zone 10a, many of them thrive in a variety of other hardiness zones. So even if you don’t live in sunny Southern California, you might still find plenty of helpful inspiration.

Every garden is a unique canvas, shaped by its local climate and environment. Selecting the right plants for your specific zone is the key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden filled with year-round beauty.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will help you bring your outdoor space to life!

So, grab your gardening tools and join me for a stroll through my gardens as I share my favorite zone 10a perennials that flourish in the sun.

What is a Climate Zone?

So what exactly is your growing zone and how do you find it? A growing zone (otherwise known as a climate zone or hardiness zone) provides valuable guidance for you as a gardener, helping you identify the growing conditions specific to their region.

If you don’t live in zone 10a or aren’t sure what your hardiness zone is, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a great resource. Their Plant Hardiness Zone Map divides North America into different climate zones based on average winter temperatures. This helps gardeners choose plants best suited to their region’s temperature extremes and growing conditions.

Where is Zone 10a?

In the United States, zone 10a includes regions with mild winters, such as where I live in Southern California. Zone 10a also includes Hawaii, the southern tip of Florida, and parts of coastal Texas and Louisiana.

This USDA zone experiences average annual minimum winter temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for a variety of warm-weather plants.

So, if you’re looking for plants for zone 10a California, you’ll want to choose species that thrive in mild winters, abundant sunshine, and occasional drought conditions.

The 35 Best Perennial Flowers to Grow in Zone 10a

When it comes to perennial flowers in zone 10a, you have a wide range of options to choose from. This sunny climate provides an ideal environment for many vibrant and hardy plants. From the stunning purple blooms of Mexican Sage to the charming Gloriosa Daisy and the delicate petals of Coreopsis, these perennials can bring beauty and color to your zone 10a cottage garden or cut flower garden year after year.

The best part? Many of them thrive in pots or raised beds, so if you enjoy container gardening, you can still grow a stunning variety of sun-loving perennials. With the right soil, proper nutrients, and a little care, you can create a flourishing zone 10a garden, no matter how much space you have!

Blanket Flower

Scientific Name: Gaillardia

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 10

Blanket Flowers are vibrant perennials that brighten up gardens with pretty daisy-like flowers in warm shades of red, orange, and yellow. These hardy perennials can handle full sun and warm temperatures while creating an eye-catching display.

Blue Flax

Scientific Name: Linum lewisii

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 10 (Depending on the variety)

Blue Flax is a beautiful perennial with delicate, sky-blue flowers that gracefully sway in the breeze, bringing beauty and tranquility. This heat-tolerant native plant blooms from spring to mid-summer and is perfect for zone 10a gardening.

Columbine

Scientific Name: Aquilegia

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 10

Columbine flowers are enchanting perennials known for their unique spurred petals, graceful form, and diverse range of colors. This plant will grow in partial shade or full sun and draws butterflies and hummingbirds.

Daylilies

Scientific Name: Hemerocallis

Hardiness Zones: 4 – 10

Daylilies are versatile and resilient perennials that enliven full-sun gardens with their vibrant and diverse blooms. Colors range from yellow and orange to pink and burgundy. These plants do particularly well and provide lasting beauty throughout summer.

Fan Flower

Scientific Name: Scaevola aemula

Hardiness Zones: 10 – 11

Fan Flowers are charming perennial plants that thrive in hot and dry climates. Boasting unique fan-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, and white, these flowers add a fun pop of color and whimsy.

Gloriosa Daisy

Scientific Name: Rudbeckia hirta

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 10

With their bright yellow petals and dark center, Gloriosa Daisies (also commonly known as blackeyed Susans) are happy and hardy perennial flowers that thrive in full sun. With their resilience and eye-catching blooms, they are sure to bring joy and beauty to any garden.

Iris

Scientific Name: Iris germanica

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 10 (Depending on the variety)

A timeless favorite among gardeners, The Iris has elegant, intricate blooms in various colors and patterns. This perennial creates a stunning display and brings a touch of grace and sophistication. In zone 10a, plant bulbs in late winter.

Jeruselum Sage

Scientific Name: Phlomis fruticosa

Hardiness Zones: 8–10 for evergreen growth, 5–7 for deciduous growth 

A striking perennial known for its distinct whorls of golden-yellow flowers and velvety gray-green leaves, Jerusalem Sage adds a Mediterranean charm to the garden. Furthermore, these drought-tolerant evergreens can hold up to hot summers and full sun conditions with ease.

Lupine

Scientific Name: Lupinus perennis L. 

Hardiness Zones: 4 – 10

Known for its tall spikes of vibrant and showy flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, Lupine adds vertical interest to sunny garden beds. Thriving in warm temperatures, lupines make beautiful additions to your gardens, bringing a splash of color and drawing pollinators.

Mexican Heather

Scientific Name: Iris germanica

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 10 (Depending on the variety)

Mexican Heather is a charming perennial known for its small, delicate flowers and compact growth habit. In addition, this is the perfect choice for borders, containers, or ground cover.

Foxglove Beardtongue

Scientific Name: Penstemon

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 10

Penstemon is a resilient perennial that boasts beautiful tubular flowers in various colors. Their slender stems and vibrant blooms add elegance to full sun gardens.

Mexican Sage

Scientific Name: Salvia leucantha

Hardiness Zones: 8 – 10

A stunning perennial, Mexican Sage displays long, velvety purple or white flower spikes. These elegant herbaceous perennials attract pollinators to any autumn garden.

Pincushion

Scientific Name: Scabiosa atropurpurea

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 7 (Depending on the variety)

Pincushion flowers are enchanting perennial blooms that feature a distinct rounded shape with a pincushion-like center surrounded by delicate petals.

Purple Coneflower

Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea

Hardiness Zones: 4 – 10

Purple Coneflowers are hardy perennials that can thrive in zone 10a’s full sun gardens. They attract pollinators with their iconic purple daisy-like flowers and nectar-rich blooms. They also pair well with ornamental grasses and make a beautiful display in a cottage style garden.

Rock Roses

Scientific Name: Cistaceae

Hardiness Zones: 6 – 11 (Depending on the variety)

Rock Roses are resilient and drought-tolerant perennials with vibrant, papery flowers that bloom profusely in full-sun gardens. They also add a bright splash of color and a Mediterranean flair.

Roses

Scientific Name: Rosa rubiginosa

Hardiness Zones: 5 – 10 (Depending on the variety)

Growing roses in Zone 10a presents a rewarding opportunity to cultivate these timeless beauties in a warm and sunny climate. When selecting rose varieties, choose those bred specifically for heat tolerance and disease resistance. Provide roses with well-drained soil, ample sun, and regular water to help them thrive. Furthermore, consider adding mulch and proper pruning techniques to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms throughout the growing season.

Salvia

Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 11

Salvia produces a beautiful array of vibrant flowers and aromatic foliage. Therefore, this makes it a versatile and popular choice for zone 10a gardens. They are deer resistant due to their strong smell so they are a great choice if you live some place where deer are an issue.

Salvia is also drought tolerant making it perfect for my Southern California gardens where we often go long stretches without significant measurable rainfall.

Siberian Wallflower

Scientific Name: Erysimum x allionii cv

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 11

Siberian Wallflower are vibrant and fragrant perennial wildflowers with groups of mauve or orange blooms. These cheerful flowers also bring a beautiful aroma.

Slender Cinquefoil

Scientific Name: Potentilla gracilis

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 10 (Depending on the variety)

Slender Cinquefoil is a delicate herbaceous perennial that thrives in this zone. With groups of charming yellow flowers and feathery, green foliage, this graceful beauty is also an important source of nectar for small pollinators.

Tickseed

Scientific Name: Coreopsis

Hardiness Zones: 2 – 11

If you’re looking for low-maintenance plants for zone 10a, tickseed, also known by it’s scientific name coreopsis, is a fantastic choice. With bright days-like blooms in shades of yellow, gold, and pink, these hardy flowers thrive in full sun, but also tolerate partial shade. The handle heat and drought with ease—making them one of the easiest plants to grow in warm climates.

Verbena

Scientific Name: Verbena officinalis

Hardiness Zones: 7 – 11

A lovely and low-maintenance perennial, verbena flourishes in warmer regions. Clusters of small, vibrant flowers provide a cheery and long-lasting display of color.

This particular purple Verbena is referred to as the Lollipop Verbena.

Yarrow

Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 10

Yarrow will be a great addition if you are looking for hardy plants for your garden. It features bunches of delicate, flat-topped flowers in various colors such as white, yellow, pink, or red. This low-maintenance, versatile perennial attracts pollinators and tolerates various soil and light conditions.

The Best Small Trees and Perennial Shrubs to Grow in Zone 10a

Zone 10a offers various perennial shrubs that thrive in the warm climate and full sun conditions.

Angel’s Trumpet

Scientific Name: Brugmansia

Hardiness Zones: 8 – 10

Angel’s Trumpet is a beautiful and fragrant perennial shrub. This bush is a tropical plant that grows best in warm weather. These shrubs create an exotic atmosphere by producing large, trumpet-shaped flowers that hang gracefully and emit a sweet scent.

Azalea

Scientific Name: Rhododendron sp.

Hardiness Zones: 5 – 10

Azaleas are perennial shrubs that bring color to zone 10a gardens with showy flowers in pink, white, purple, and red. Known for their ability to thrive in acidic soil, azaleas add elegant charm to the garden bed with their vibrant blooms.

Bougainvillea

Scientific Name: Bougainvillea spectabilis

Hardiness Zones: 9 – 11

This colorful shrub boasts vibrant bracts in shades of pink, purple, orange, or red, adding a tropical feel to gardens.

Camellia

Scientific Name: Camellia sinensis

Hardiness Zones: 6 – 10

Camellia is an attractive evergreen shrub that thrives in this zone. By showcasing elegant, waxy blooms in shades of white, pink, or red, these bushes bring sophistication with their glossy foliage and beautiful flowers.

Cape Honeysuckle

Scientific Name: Tecomaria capensis

Hardiness Zones: 9 – 11

Cape Honeysuckle is a versatile, vibrant perennial shrub with dark green foliage and showy blooms. Its tubular orange or red flower clusters attract hummingbirds with its sweet nectar.

Hydrangeas

Scientific Name: Hydrangea spp.

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 10

Hydrangeas are beloved perennial shrubs and a staple for any southern gardener. Known for their large, showy flowers in various colors, such as pink, blue, and white, these summer bloomers add beauty and elegance. In this hardy zone choose a heat-friendly variety and find the right location for them to grow successfully.

Indian Hawthorn

Scientific Name: Rhaphiolepis indica

Hardiness Zones: 8 – 10

This perennial shrub displays groups of white or pink flowers and glossy evergreen leaves. Indian Hawthorn provides interest all year long.

Japanese Mock Orange

Scientific Name: Philadelphus spp.

Hardiness Zones: 3 – 10

With the ability to grow in either full sun or shade, Japanese Mock Orange is a versatile addition. This charming evergreen shrub produces fragrant, creamy white flowers and glossy green foliage and brings a delightful scent.

Lantana

Scientific Name: Lantana camara

Hardiness Zones: 8 – 11

Lantana is a vibrant tropical shrub that thrives in zone 10a. This perennial produces groups of colorful flowers that change hues as they mature. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds while adding a splash of beauty to gardens.

Natal Plum

Scientific Name: Carissa macrocarpa

Hardiness Zones: 9 – 11

A hardy ornamental shrub, the Natal Plum features glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers that transform into edible red fruits.

Orange Jasmine

Scientific Name: Murraya paniculata

Hardiness Zones: 9 – 11

This popular perennial shrub is known for its beautiful and highly fragrant white flowers that resemble tiny orange blossoms. Orange Jasmine is an evergreen plant with glossy dark green leaves that provide interest throughout the year. In addition, it is a great choice for hedges, borders, or as a stand alone plant.

Pavonia

Scientific Name: Pavonia cymbalaria

Hardiness Zones: 9 – 11

Pavonia is a beautiful perennial that is in the Rock Rose family and loves the sun and warm weather. This Hibiscus-like flowers comes in various shades of pink, red, and white.

Pomegranate

Scientific Name: Punica granatum

Hardiness Zones: 8 – 10

This shrub offers attractive red-orange flowers and edible fruit. Pomegranate is a beautiful and functional addition to gardens.

Princess Flower

Scientific Name: Tibouchina urvilleana

Hardiness Zones: 9 – 11

Princess Flower is a showy shrub that thrives in zone 10a gardens and features large, velvety purple flowers. Its blooms create a striking display against its lush green foliage.

What Does a Zone 10a Planting Schedule Look Like?

The planting schedule can be pretty flexible due to the mild and warm climate. Generally, the best time for planting is during the fall and winter months when temperatures are cooler. This allows plants to establish their root systems before the arrival of hotter weather.

However, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of the plants you wish to grow. Some may prefer to be planted in spring or early summer to take advantage of the warmer conditions. When in doubt, contact your local nursery for specific recommendations.

More Gardening Ideas from WM Design House

Wrapping Up

Zone 10a offers a fantastic opportunity for gardeners to grow a wide range of beautiful and resilient perennial plants. With its warm climate and abundant sun, this zone provides the perfect environment for flowers and shrubs.

By selecting the right plants and providing them with proper care, you can create a gorgeous garden that will thrive in the full sun. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and let your creativity bloom.

Happy gardening!

More about me!