Coreopsis adds a lovely bit of color to the garden. These are tough plants that need little to moderate water and they seem to bloom almost endlessly, especially if deadheaded. They also tend to self-sow, so be prepared for either even more color or a bit of weeding.
Gaillardia is a great perennial for sunny spots. It flowers profusely, loves heat and needs only moderate water. Flower color ranges from yellow to orange and yellow to bicolor (as shown at left) to red. Bloom time lasts from early summer to frost.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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…