Lantana

Perovskia, or Russian sage, is not a true sage, but it has some similarities.  It needs little water, is very tolerant of heat and requires good drainage.  Sprays of purple flowers appear in late spring and summer.

Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker) This plant is often seen at houses dating back to the thirties and forties. It is extremely drought tolerant and very showy.  Colors available are orange, yellow and cream. The leaves are strap-like with flowering stems that vary from eighteen inches to five feet, depending on the variety.

Phlomis, or Jerusalem sage, is not a true sage, but it has similar requirements.  It needs little water, good drainage and is tolerant of heat.  Leaves are woolly and flowers can be either yellow (P. fruticosa) or pink (P. purpurea).  Phlomis generally grows to about four feet tall and wide.

Echinacea, or coneflower, is a tough plant that blooms for a long period in summer and autumn.  Recent breeding has produced flowers of many colors and plants of varying heights.  These plants are suitable for the garden or containers.

Gaura is a lovely, airy plant with either pink or white flowers that vaguely resemble butterflies.  Foliage is usually green, but some newer varieties have reddish foliage.  Plant size varies from about two feet to four feet.  Gaura can self-sow vigorously under the right conditions, but it is so long blooming (late spring to frost) that…

Nepeta, or catmint, is a very useful little plant.  Most varieties get about a foot tall, but ‘Six Hills Giant’ can grow to three feet.  Grey-green leaves and spikes of purple flowers are characteristic.  Bees love Nepeta and deer tend to leave it alone.  N. cataria is catnip, the herb of choice for many cats. …