Perovskia

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.

The two most popular varieties are ‘Butterfly Blue’ and ‘Pink Mist’. This perennial is possibly the longest blooming of all.  Removing the spent flowers will encourage the plants to bloom even more and keeps them looking nice.   Height is about one foot and the spread approximately eighteen to twenty-four inches.  They prefer moderate to regular water.

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.

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.

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.

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…