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.
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.
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.
Invasive Plants or Plants for The Lazy Gardener? It all depends on your point of view! All these perennials are hardy and colorful. and some are prolific reseeders. Pictured is Erigeron karvinskianus (Santa Barbara daisy). It will bloom all summer with very little care, but you have to decide if you want it everywhere or if it’s worth it to pull out…
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.
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.
There are so many colors and sizes of penstemon hybrids. Among the favorites are ‘Firebird’ (red), ‘Midnight’ (purple), ‘Garnet’ (fuchsia pink), ‘Thorn’ (white with a pink blush), ‘Apple Blossom’ (pink), ‘Bev Jensen’ (magenta) and ‘Raven’ (darkest purple). A very floriferous variety on a smaller plant is ‘Pike’s Peak Purple’. All these varieties take heat and cold and…