Coreopsis grandiflora

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.

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. …

Achillea (yarrow) Green or gray ferny foliage and lots of colors to choose from!  White (‘Calistoga’), yellow (‘Sunbeam’ or ‘Moonshine’), crimson red (‘Red Beauty’) and orange red (‘Faust’ and ‘Terra Cotta’). They all endure the hot summers and cold winters. Water needs are low and bloom time long.

The genus of Euphorbia contains about 2000 species, all of which contain a milky sap that is caustic or poisonous.  Needless to say, deer and gophers stay away from these very interesting, useful and attractive plants.  Euphorbia pulcherrima is the poinsettia of Christmas.  What we call the flowers are actually bracts that surround the very…

Tulbaghia, or society garlic, is an evergreen perennial with narrow green or green and white variegated leaves.  Clusters of small lavender flowers top stems that are one to two feet tall.  Provide regular water.  Because of the garlicky odor of the leaves, deer tend to leave it alone.

Centranthus, or Jupiter’s beard, is a great perennial, but be prepared for its rather vigorous self-sowing.  It is very tolerant of most conditions and needs little water.  Flower color ranges from crimson to pink to lilac to white, with a very long bloom period.  Gophers do not seem to like it, perhaps because of its…