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 very stinky roots.
Lantana ‘Miss Huff’ is hardy to ten degrees. Although it dies back in the winter, it returns with a vengeance in early summer and blooms until frost. This plant can reach six to seven feet in one season. It is very bright with yellow, orange and pink flowers that light up the garden for the entire summer. Deer don’t care…
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.
The genus Chrysanthemum provides gardeners with some indispensable plants. Shasta daisy (C. maximum) is a wonderful summer blooming perennial that is available in tall or dwarf forms. Flowers can be single, double or somewhat shaggy. C. hosmariense is a great little plant, growing to about eight inches tall and two feet wide. It has finely…
Calylophus drummondii (Texas primrose) Low and spreading, this plant blooms from late spring through fall. Calylophus becomes a three foot mat of papery, bright yellow flowers. It likes lots of sunshine and demands little water. It is one plant we always attempt to have on hand in the nursery and has become one of our very best…
Hemerocallis (daylily) have arching narrow leaves and lily-like flowers. They are tough plants and reasonably trouble free. A couple of favorites are ‘Stella D’Oro’, a dwarf golden yellow with a longer bloom period than most, and ‘Bitsy’, a repeat bloomer with bright yellow flowers on tall, dark stems about eighteen inches tall. Many flower colors are available including cream, orange,…
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. …