Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acidic
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, fertile, organic
PREFERRED LIGHT:Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: White, pink, purple, or red plumelike flowers; ferny foliage; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer
FAVORITES: Red 'Fanal', purple 'Hyacinth', pink 'Sprits', white 'Bridal Veil'
QUIRKS: Needs consistently moist soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Bee balm, ferns, hostas, iris, lady's mantle
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In light shade and moist soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Slugs and snails, Japanese beetles
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; dig and divide every 3-4 years, in spring or fall
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Nursery plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 1-4 ft (0.3-1.2 m) tall, 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) wide

Astilbe in the Landscape

Plush plumes of color wave above the fernlike foliage of these splendid and extremely cold-hardy perennials. Astilbes are truly majestic when topped by a profusion of white, pink, salmon, lilac.or red feathery blossoms that linger for weeks in summer.

Astilbes are not strictly for shade, although they are often grown there. Where summers are not oppressively hot, you can grow this plant in full sun. Astilbes are ideal for brightening patches under tall trees or walls and fences. A swath of astilbes turns a damp, hard-to-plant area into a showpiece. In shady settings, plant astilbes with hostas. Given a little more sun, astilbes make pretty companions for bee balm, lady's mantle, and irises. Astilbes look gorgeous in containers with ornamental sweet potato vines, dahlias, and licorice plants.

A Carnival of Color

Astilbes offer a broad range of flower colors, and bloom times vary, so you can combine them for an extended period of color. 'Sprite' is a charming pink-flowered miniature, perfect for edging or pots, and hardy enough to overwinter in outdoor pots. The widely available Astilbe x orendsii cultivars bloom in June and July and range from the deep red-flowered 'Fanal' and dark pink 'Gloria Purpurea' to purple 'Hyacinth' and frothy white 'Bridal Veil'. A. chinensis cultivars, such as mauve-flowered 'Finale' and rich rose 'Serenade', usually bloom in August, as do the tall and stately 'Superba' and other A. tacquetii cultivars. Very late-blooming A. chinensis 'Purple Candles' begins in August and continues into September.

Growing Astilbe

Astilbes are no-nonsense, trouble-free plants that will survive for years. The optimal growing site has consistently moist, fertile soil. Dig in a 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) thick layer of organic matter at planting time, and cover the soil around plants with a 2 in (5.1 cm) layer of moisture-retaining compost or leaf mold. To increase flowering in subsequent years, fertilize in spring with an organic or controlled - release fertilizer. After 3 to S years the plants may become crowded. Rejuvenate by lifting the plants and using a knife or sharp shovel to divide the woody bases before replanting.

Astilbes wilt and brown quickly if not watered during drought. They can go dormant and may eventually perish. The first symptom of dissatisfaction is leaf tip browning, but new growth will sprout if supplemental water is forthcoming. When you water, soak the soil deeply, allowing it to dry between waterings. Other than root rot, which occurs when the soil is constantly soggy, astilbes resist disease. Although the plants are virtually pest free, raggedly chewed leaves can reveal the work of night-feeding slugs and snails. Set saucers of beer on the soil to lure and drown these pests. In the eastern part of the country, Japanese beedtles may chew leaves of plants growing in full sun. Spray with the botanical insecticide neem.To avoid future problems with sun-loving beetles, plant in partial shade.

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moderately fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Quick and easy to grow; for beds, edging, pots, and window boxes
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Inco', 'Snowdrift', 'First Lady' American marigolds; 'Janie', 'Sophia' French marigolds; 'Lemon Gem', 'Golden Gem' signet marigold
QUIRKS: Temporarily slops flowering during hot spells
GOOD NEIGHBORS : Campanula, lobelia, euphorbia, flowering tobacco
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sunny locations with ample rainfall
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Grasshoppers (occasionally), spidermites
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) tall, 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) wide

Bulbs are a cinch to grow because Mother Nature does most of the work. Daffodils, tulips, and many others store food reserves from year to year in weighty roots, making them very adaptable. Only true bulbs have a special type of storage root that makes them different from similar-growing plants with underground storage parts called tubers, corms, or rhizomes. But to the gardener these differences are of little consequence. What's important, and more fun, is stocking your landscape with "bulbs" for all seasons.

Bulbs are often grouped according to flowering time. Spring-flowering bulbs are usually very cold hardy and include daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and small species, such as crocus and squill. They are usually planted in the fall, and although they do not show green tips or flower buds until spring, they need a long start because they grow substantial roots during the second half of winter. Summer-flowering bulbs, such as alstroemerias, gladiolus, and cannas are not as tolerant of cold, and many need to be dug and stored indoors over winter in cold areas, or grown as annuals. And just as gardeners in cold climates must dig and store tender bulbs, in warm climates hardy bulbs may not get enough cold to trigger them to bloom. The solution is to chill them in the refrigerator for 6 weeks before planting, and treat them as annuals.

Except for cannas, calla lilies, some irises, and a few others, bulbs grow poorly in wet soil, so choose a site with good soil drainage. Some bulbs are so bumpy or oddly shaped that it's difficult to tell which side is up, but don't worry. Even bulbs planted upside-down send their shoots up and roots down. Many bulbs have a dormant period, so remember to let the leaves yellow and die back naturally to allow time for them to store nutrients for the next year.

Study each entry of this category to find out if a particular bulb will thrive in your garden. Then combine it with other plants having similar needs, and the results will be a personal palette of care-free plants for your garden.

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Trumpet-shaped flowers in many colors; grasslike foliage; for beds, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer
FAVORITES: 'Stella d'Oro', 'Happy Returns', 'Fairy Tale Pink' for repeat bloom
QUIRKS: Flowers last one day, but new ones open dairy
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Artemisia, herbs, roses
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Spider mites, thrips; fungal leaf spot
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live many years; divide crowded clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Nursery plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 2-6 ft (0.6-1.8 m) tall for standards; 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) tall for dwarfs; 2 ft (0.6 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
FUNDAMENTAL: FACTS
ATTRIBUTES: Fast grower with scarlet blooms, edible beans; for fences, trellises, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer
TYPE OF VINE: Tender perennial; climbs by twining
FAVORITES: 'Scarlet Emperor', 'Painted Lady', 'Albus', 'Dwarf Bees'
QUIRKS: May temporarily stop blooming in very hot weather
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Blue-flowered ageralum, while begonia, while sweet alyssum
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun and moderately fertile sail
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Seeds will rot if planted in cold, wet soil
RENEWING PLANTS: Grown as an annual; sow seed in spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Poor; plants vulnerable to rabbits, deer, and woodchucks
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 2-12 ft (0.6-3.7 m); pods to 12 in (30.5 cm)

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained loam
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Profuse flowers in many colors and shapes; for beds, pots, cutting
SEASON OF INTEREST: Midsummer to fall
FAVORITES: Ruffles, Blue Point, and Cut and Come Again for cutting; dwarf Dreamland; Oklahoma, Profusion, and Z. angustifolia for disease resistance
QUIRKS: Grows best in hot, dry weather in midsummer
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Gomphrena, lady's mantle, lavender, verbena
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Well-drained soil that is not high in nitrogen
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Foliar fungal diseases in hot, humid climates
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds, bedding plants
DIMENSIONS: 12-36 in (30.5-91.4 cm) tall, 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Compact plants; blue, pink, red, purple, white flowers; for beds or pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Cooler' and 'Pacifica' for a range of colors
QUIRKS: Grows poorly in cool, damp conditions
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Ageratum, buddleia, marigold, salvia, zinnia
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full sun in warm, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot in cold, wet soil
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants
DIMENSIONS: 6-18 in (15.2-20.2 cm) fall, 8-12 in (20.3-30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE Rich, moist
PREFERRED LIGHT: Full to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Fragrant spikes of white flowers in summer; neat clumps of lacy foliage
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring through fall for foliage; summer to fall for flowers
FAVORITES: C. simplex 'White Pearl'; C. racemosa 'Brunette'; C. ramosa, the species
QUIRKS: C. racemosa flowers have a scent that is more musky than fragrant
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Astilbe, Japanese anemone, ferns, hydrangeas
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Moist soil in shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Rust
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live for decades; rarely needed; if so, divide in early spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: In flower, 3-7 ft (1-2.1 ml tall and 3 ft (1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Pansy-shaped purple, plum, lavender, pink, white, or yellow flowers on compact plant; for beds, edging, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring and summer; winter in frost-free regions
FAVORITES: Duchess series for dwarf form; Happy Faces series for color range; 'Suzie Wong' for yellow-orange flowers
QUIRKS: Needs shelter from hot afternoon sun
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Campanula, Russian sage, dusty miller, snapdragon
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Moist, fertile soil in sun or partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Whiteflies, aphids, spider mites
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 6-12 in (15.2-30.5 cm) tall, 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial to full shade
ATTRIBUTES: Variegated leaves; white or pink flowers; for groundcover
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring through summer; evergreen in mild-winter climates
FAVORITES: White-flowered 'White Nancy'; pink 'Beacon Silver', 'Chequers'; yellow 'Herman's Pride'
QUIRKS: Spreads quickly in moist soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Spring-flowering bulbs, shade-loving perennials
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Under the shelter of tall trees in partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Some species are invasive; wet winter soil causes root rot
RENEWING PLANTS: Colonies persist for many years; divide crowded clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for slugs when plants are grown in damp soil
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 12 in (30.5 cm) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 5 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Heart-shaped leaves and dainty flowers; for beds, woodland gardens
SEASON OF INTEREST: Fall through spring
FAVORITES: C. hederifolium and C. coum
QUIRKS: Needs good soil drainage in summer
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Bugleweed, ferns, hosla, Solomon's seal
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In open woods beneath tall trees
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Cyclamen mites, mice
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives for many years; does not need to be rejuvenated
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Fair; mice can seriously damage young plants
PLANTING DEPTH: 1 in (2.5 cm)
SOURCE: Tubercorms, nursery
DIMENSIONS: 4-6 in (10.2-15.2 cm) tall, spreads up to 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Starry lavender, purple, pink, or white flowers in profusion in the fall
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Purple Dome' for compact habit; A. divaricates for dry shade
QUIRKS: Plants more than 2 ft (0.6 m) tall require support
GOOD NEIGHBORS : Chrysanthemum, golden-rod, rudbeckia, marigold, sneezeweed
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun to part shade in overage soil and a wide range of climates
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Fungal leaf diseases
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives several years; dig and divide every 3-4 years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division
DIMENSIONS: 1-5 ft (0.3-1.5 mj toll, 1-3 ft (0.3-1 mj wide

Early summer is a time of bounty in any garden. A full canopy of leaves on trees and shrubs form lush clouds of green overhead, and sunny beds boast an abundance of beautiful blossoms. The list of early-summer bloomers is a long one. The starlets of the early-summer garden are hardy perennials that spend spring growing new stems and leaves in preparation for a bright flush of flowers.

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 7
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Long-flowering, fringed blue or rose pink flowers; for beds, cutting
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer through fall
FAVORITES: C. dealbata 'Steen-bergii', 'John Coutts' for pink blossoms; C. montana for blue flowers
QUIRKS: Cutting blossoms boosts flower production
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Artemisia, coreopsis, ornamental grasses, rudbeckia, yarrow
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Some species can be invasive in cool climates; wet soil in winter can lead to root rot
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; dig and divide clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 18-28 in (45.7-71.1 cm) tall and plants are equally wide

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Summer and fall foliage, fruits, and woody trunks; for shade, privacy
SEASON OF INTEREST: Year-round
TYPE Of VINE: Woody deciduous perennial; climbs by clinging with tendrils
FAVORITES: Seek locally adapted cultivars
QUIRKS: Aged trunks have a treelike quality
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Bugleweed or ostilbe as a groundcover beneath the vines
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun and fertile, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Fungal leaf spot diseases; Japanese beetles
RENEWING PLANTS: Vines live many years; prune back to the main trunk in early spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer
SOURCE: Bedding plants, cuttings
DIMENSIONS: To 50 ft (15.2 m) long; leaves to 12 in (30.5 cm)

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Felted leaves in silver or green; dense spreading habit; for pots, baskets, window boxes, bedding
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall; all year in frost-free regions
FAVORITES: Helichrysum petiolare for silver leaves; 'Limelight' for chartreuse foliage
QUIRKS: Keep soil moist to prevent wilting
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Brachychome, browallia, larkspur, torenia
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Partial shade; moist, organic soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Humid air can induce rot
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants; difficult but possible to root from cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 10 in (25.4 cm) tall, 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 6 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, humus-rich
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial to full shade
ATTRIBUTES: Glossy evergreen foliage, single or double flowers; for beds, pots, specimens
SEASON OF INTEREST: Year-round; flowers appear in fall, winter, or spring
FAVORITES: C. japonica, C. sasanqua and their cultivars; hardy 'Winter's Charm'
QUIRKS: Blooms in winter
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Azaleas, ferns, hosta, Japanese anemone, primrose, pulmonaria
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Partial shade in warm climates
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Frost damage to the blossoms; scale
PRUNING: Prune off damaged stems, spent flowers
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for squirrels
SOURCE: Nursery plants
DIMENSIONS: C. japonica 20-25 ft (6-7.5m) toil, 8 ft (2.4 m) wide; C. sasanqua 6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 m) tall, 4 ft (1.2 m) wide; flowers to 8 in (20.3 cm)

Every climate has its problems. In northern areas, winter comes early and stays late, much to gardeners' chagrin. This may explain why gardeners in cold climates often create beautiful gardens. They may be the result of long winter nights spent planning and dreaming.

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Foliage in sun, roots in shade
ATTRIBUTES: Blue, purple, red, pink, yellow, or white flowers; tor trellises, thin supports
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring through fall
TYPE OF VINE: Deciduous perennial; climbs by clinging with twining tendrils
FAVORITES: C. x jackmanii, 'Henryi', 'Nelly Moser", 'Betty Corning', C. terniflora
QUIRKS: Grows best with foliage in sun and roots in shade
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Azaleas, hydrangeas, bulbs, evergreen shrubs, roses, small trees
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sunny sites with moist, organically rich soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Clematis wilt, a soil-borne disease that enters plants through injuries
RENEWING PLANTS: Vines live many years; prune in summer or winter, depending on variety
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, cuttings
DIMENSIONS: 6-25 ft (1.8-7.6 m); flowers to 8 in (20.3 cm)

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 5 to 10
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adoptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Spiked leaves, spires of white flowers; for beds or as an accent plant
SEASON OF INTEREST: Year-round; blooms in summer
FAVORITES: 'Garland's Gold', 'Golden Sword; dwarf 'Bright Edge'
QUIRKS: Sharp leaves can injure; wear gloves and goggles when tending plants
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Artemisia, butterfly flower, coreopsis, euphorbia, rudbeckia, sedum
WHERE FT GROWS BEST: Sun, in dry or well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Root rot in soggy soil
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live many years; divide crowded dumps and remove old plants
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: Plants 3 ft (1 m) tall and wide; flower stalks to 6 ft (1.8 m) tall

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
FUNDAMENTAL FACTS
ATTRIBUTES: Clusters of blue, white, or pink flowers; for beds, woodlands, naturalizing
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring
FAVORITES: M. armeniacum 'Blue Spike', M. botryoides 'Album', M. latifolium
QUIRKS: Needs 6 weeks minimum winter chilling; leaves grow from fall to spring
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Daffodils, hyacinths, pansies, peonies, shrubs, trees
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Anywhere except extremely dry sites
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Can be invasive; dig out unwanted plants
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; dig crowded clumps, separate, and replant in fall
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
PLANTING DEPTH: 4 in (10.2 cm)
SOURCE: Bulbs
DIMENSIONS: 6-18 in (15.2-45.7 cm) tall

The sure cure for a gardener's wintertime blues is a vibrant spring garden. Fortunately, blooming is the first thing on the agenda for many plants when they emerge from winter dormancy, so early-spring color is not difficult to create in any type of garden.

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Shade-tolerant vine with lobed leaves and fall color; for covering walls
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to late fall
TYPE OF VINE: Deciduous perennial; climbs with adhesive holdfasts
FAVORITES: Compact 'Lowii; vigorous 'Robusta'; 'Veitchii' for foliage color
QUIRKS: Can attach to almost any surface; very vigorous
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Provides a textured, colorful backdrop for any shade-tolerant plant
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Fertile, moist soil in partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Can cause structural damage to wood surfaces and roofs
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives for years; renewal not necessary
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants
DIMENSIONS: To 60 ft (18.3 m)

Stress escalates in the dog days of late summer for both gardens and gardeners. Even if you live in a climate that luxuriates in cool nights, the days are long and often dry. In much of the country, late-summer days are hot, and nights are sultry. Many areas also suffer from prolonged droughts this time of year. The best plan is to join forces with the season rather than fighting it. So relax your pace in late summer, and enjoy the many care-free plants that grow best when it's hot.

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL PH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained, fertile
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Flowers in worm colors, variegated leaves on some varieties, light fragrance; edible plants; or beds, pots, baskets
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to late fall
FAVORITES: 'Glorious Gleam', 'Moonlight'; 'Alaska' has variegated leaves
QUIRKS: Nick seeds before sowing; do not fertilize
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Annual geraniums, iris, morning glories
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sunny, dry location
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Aphids, otherwise good
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds, bedding plants
DIMENSIONS: 12 in-6 ft (30.5 cm-1.8 m) tall, 12-30 in (30.5-76.2 cm) wide