beachgirlny

Definitely portaluca. They thrive on sun. My deck is full sun in the afternoons and, boy, does it get hot. That's the only flower I have in the flower boxes. I have had success with petunias in the past because I'd put my leftover ones there, too.

PackMom

I second begonias and vinca. In NC impatiens are planted in more shaded areas or they die a quick death in the Carolina sun.

katliamom

In Colorado (very strong sun here) impatients are also sold as shade plants.

SplashMom

Vinca, petunias, lantana and begonias do well in the hot sun here in Tennessee. I plant impatiens in mostly shaded areas because they don't really do well in the sun. In the fall, I plant pansies so that we'll have some color during the cold months. By mid-May, they're dying and ready to be pulled out.

mathmom

I think geraniums look great, but they have almost as funky a smell as marigolds. I grow nasturtiums outside my back door in a concrete planter - they get some shade, but seem to be pretty forgiving and you can put them in your salad! Apparently if it's too shady they don't put out flowers, so they may be just the ticket.

nicekidsmom

BeachgirlNY: Do you grow your portaluca from seed or do you buy established plants?

WayOutWestMom

Full Sun? All of these are heat-loving and very drought tolerant:

African daisies/gazania (flowers are white, cream, yellow, gold, orange, red, copper, purple. All with dark eyes)

Dianthus (pink, white, purples. Blossoms can single, double, or ruffled)

Ice plant (delsosperma)--which despite it's name is actually a heat-loving succulent perennial. Ice plants are tough buggers--you can even plant directly into gravel and they'll grow. Very easy to propagate by cuttings. Bright hot pink flowers.