Calylophus

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. …