Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 lo 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Silvery, divided foliage; spikes of lavender flowers; for beds, cutting
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall
FAVORITES: 'Blue Spire', 'Longin', 'Filigran'
QUIRKS: Performs best when subjected to cold winters and hot summers
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Daylilies, garden phlox, ornamental grasses, sedum, veronica, yarrow
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun and well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Prolonged wet soil causes fatal root rot
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; cut back to 12 in (30.5 cm) in early spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Stem cuttings, division
DIMENSIONS: 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) tall, 3 ft (1 m) wide

Russian Sage in the Landscape

There's a time during the hottest part of the summer when most perennials take a breather and stop blooming. That's when Russian sage steps in, just in time to cool down the heat with its frosty gray-green leaves and cool lavender flower spikes. Growing rapidly to 3 ft (1 m) tall or more, Russian sage makes a statement with its foliage early in the season. But it's in midsummer that the willowy stems are crowned with sprays of lavender blooms that can linger for 2 months. Russian sage bursts on the scene just as the flowers of daylilies and other early-summer bloomers recede. And it remains handsome as the flowers of late-blooming perennials, such as Joe Pye weed, sedum, and garden phlox start to open. The fanlike flowering stems, picked when the flowers on the lower third of die spire are opening, provide a wonderful addition to homegrown bouquets.

A single plant of Russian sage spreads out to a girth that can reach 3 ft (1 m) across, so one robust specimen can anchor a corner or light up the back of a border. If you encourage branching by lightly pruning the plant early in summer, Russian sage forms a very broad swath of color.

There are a few named cultivars, such as dainty 'Blue Spire', a strongly upright grower with lacy, finely cut leaves. For a more compact plant with flower spires of a lighter violet color, opt for 'Longin', whose leaves are not as serrated as those of the species. Or, if you prefer a lacier look with baby blue blossoms, try 'Filigran'.

Tough Beauty

Though not technically a sage, Russian sage has many of the same virtues. The soft, gray-green leaves emit a light herbal scent when brushed, and the plant's robust root system helps it withstand long, hot summers and dry spells. Because it rarely wilts in heat, mulching is not necessary.The plant is, however, a bit lax, so site it where it can flop gracefully or set it behind perennials that can help support it. Russian sage is naturally durable and easily weathers cold winters.

Growing Russian Sage

A sunny spot in well-drained soil is all this plant asks. Boggy soil is fatal, leading to a slow death from root rot. Also avoid shady locations, which will cause Russian sage to stretch out, reaching for the sun. Early spring is the best time to set out purchased plants. After their first year in the garden, cut them back to 12 in (30.5 cm) in early spring so that the new season's growth will arise from the roots rather than from old stems. Plants will grow happily for several years in hospitable sites. If plants become overcrowded over time, divide them and replant die divisions.

Once you have one plant, you will probably want a few more. Stem cuttings taken in midspring are easy to root in containers filled with a mixture of sand and damp peat moss kept in partial shade until rooting occurs. You will know that roots have formed, and that the cuttings can be planted in the garden, when new growth begins to show on the stems.

This naturally aromatic plant repels insects and four-footed pests. Diseases are practically unheard of.

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Generally 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acid to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, organic
PREFERRED LIGHT: Full to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Elegant, fine-textured foliage in varied shapes; for groundcover, beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early spring to fall for deciduous species; year-round for evergreens
FAVORITES: Autumn fern, holly fern, Japanese painted fern, maidenhair fern
QUIRKS: New plantings are slow to become established
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Bulbs, hosta, woodland phlox, Solomon's seal, hellebore, pulmonaria
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full to partial shade in fertile, organic, moist soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Can be damaged by drought or fertilizer
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; dig and divide crowded clumps in early spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer browsing fiddleheads in spring
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Low-growing green or bronze foliage rosettes; for edging, pots, beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Evergreen foliage has year-round appeal
FAVORITES: S. tectorum, S. arachnoideum, S. octopodes
QUIRKS: Leaves resist fire; some species were once grown on roofs to retard fire
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Mugo pine, sedums, sun rose
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun to partial shade and gritty soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Excessive moisture and shade can cause rot
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives years; remove damaged plants and flowering stems as needed
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Plant offsets
DIMENSIONS: Less than 4 in (10.2 cm) tall; clumps spread to 12 in (30.5 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade to shade
ATTRIBUTES: Dainty white flowers that bloom very early; for beds, naturalizing
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Ferns, hosta, primrose, vinca minor, woodland phlox, hellebore, crocus
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late winter to early spring
FAVORITES: G. nivalis and cultivars 'Viridiapicis', 'Flore Pleno'; G. elwesii
QUIRKS: Needs 6 weeks minimum winter chilling; grows poorly in hot climates
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Moderate shade in cool climates
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Overcrowded bulbs push out of the soil and fail to bloom
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives for decades; divide and replant overcrowded clumps after flowering
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
PLANTING DEPTH: 3 in (7.6 cm)
SOURCE: Bulbs
DIMENSIONS 3-10 in (7.6-25.4 cm) fall, 1-2 in (2.5-5.1 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acidic
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Shaggy pink, purple, or red flowers; attracts hummingbirds; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early to midsummer
FAVORITES: 'Cambridge Scarlet', 'Marshall's Delight', 'Raspberry Wine'
QUIRKS: Wilts quickly when soil becomes dry
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Astilbe, columbine, cranesbill geranium, dusty miller, impatiens
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Partial shade, moist soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Powdery mildew; prevent by growing resistant varieties and thinning plants
RENEWING PLANTS: Plants live for 3 years; colonies persist longer; divide every 2-3 years
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division, cuttings, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) tall, colonies grow 2 ft (0.6 m) or more wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, moist
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Delicate foliage; dainty, fragrant flowers; for trellises, cut flowers
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to summer
TYPE OF VINE: Tender annual; climbs by clinging with tendrils
FAVORITES: 'Winter Elegance' for hot climates; Old Spice hybrids for fragrance
QUIRKS: Sweet peas expire in hot weather and foil to thrive in dry soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Lobelia, pansies, or sweet alyssum
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Areas with mild winters, cool springs, or consistently cool summer nights
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Heat stress, aphids
RENEWING PLANTS: Reseed each year
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Poor; shoots vulnerable to deer, rabbits, and woodchucks
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: Annual 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m); perennial 10 ft (3 m)

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Tender
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average to poor
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Fast-growing foliage, and trumpet-shaped flowers; for trellises, fences
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer
TYPE OF VINE: Annual or tender perennial; climbs by twining
FAVORITES: 'Heavenly Blue', 'Scarlett O'Hara', 'Pearly Gates', I. alba, I. x imperialis
QUIRKS: Flowers open in the morning and close by mid-afternoon
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Makes a good background for flowering annuals and perennials
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun and well-drained, average to poor soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Beetles; blooms poorly when grown in shade
RENEWING PLANTS: Sow seeds in spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 3-15 ft (1-4.6 m) long

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun lo partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Graceful while, pink, or red flowers; for specimens, hedges, beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to fall
FAVORITES: Bridalwreath, Vanhoutte spirea; S. joponica 'Shibori', 'Goldflame'
QUIRKS: Plants can bounce bock from winter damage, neglect, and overpruning
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Azalea, euonymus, iris, juniper
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Thrives in a range of climates and soils
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Occasionally aphids
PRUNING: Lives for decades; type and time of pruning depends on variety
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Nursery plants
DIMENSIONS: 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 10
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Dramatic foliage and flower plumes; for beds, specimen plants, or pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Year-round
FAVORITES: Maiden grasses, fountain grasses in sun; golden hakone grass in shade
QUIRKS: Most require shearing in early spring
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Black-eyed Susan, blanket flower, garden phlox, rudbeckia, sedum, yarrow
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Varies by type; most grow best in full sun and well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Rust, a disfiguring fungal leaf disease, can occur during humid summers
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide as needed to control the size of clumps
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 1-6 ft (0.3-1.8 m) tall, 1-4 ft (0.3-1.2 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, moist
PREFERRED LIGHT: Full to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Reddish leaves; white, yellow, pink, or purple flowers; for groundcover
SEASON OF INTEREST: Nearly year-round for foliage in mild climates; spring for flowers
FAVORITES: E. alpinum 'Rubrum', E. x perralcbicum 'Frohnleiten
QUIRKS: Flowers usually emerge before leaves
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Astilbe, fern, hosto, Japanese maple, other deciduous trees
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full afternoon shade; fertile, moist soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: None
RENEWING Lives many years; divide PLANTS crowded clumps in late winter
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 6-10 in (15.2-25.4 cm) tall and up to 18 in (45.7 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 5 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Fragrant, drooping flower clusters; tor trellises, arbors
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late spring to early summer
TYPE OF VINE: Hardy woody perennial; climbs by twining around a support
FAVORITES: W. floribunda, W. frutescens, W. sinensis
QUIRKS: Vines on some species twine clockwise, others twine counterclockwise
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Wisteria is best grown as a specimen plant
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun and slightly acid, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Vines can grow out of control or bloom poorly if not pruned regularly
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives for decades; prune back overgrown vines with a saw
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Nursery plants
DIMENSIONS: Vines 30 ft (9.1 m) long; clusters 2 ft (0.6m) long

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 4 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Airy clusters of tiny white or pink biossoms; for cutting, beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Midsummer
FAVORITES: Tall white 'Perfecta'; rose-flowered 'Pink Fairy'; spreading G. repens
QUIRKS: Tall types must be staked while small to keep them upright as they mature
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Oriental poppy, roses, and plants with dark or bold foliage
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun and well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly alkaline
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS:Crown rot in poorly drained soil; fungal leaf diseases in humid heat
RENEWING: If sited well, plants can PLANTS live many years; unlikely to need rejuvenation
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Division, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 6 in-4 ft (15.2 cm-1.2 m) tall, 12-24 in (30.5-61 cm) 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)

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: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Large blue, pink, or white flowers with a unique shape in bud
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early to midsummer
FAVORITES: 'Fuji', 'Mariesii'
QUIRKS: Lax stems require support when heavy with flowers
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Columbine, daylily, iris, lady's mantle, pansy
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Average soil; sun in cool regions, afternoon shade in warm regions
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Occasionally slugs and snails
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years, division seldom necessary
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Young stem cuttings taken from the root in spring and planted
DIMENSIONS: 8-20 in (20.3-50.8 cm) tall, less than 14 in (35.6 cm) wide

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: Freeze tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Pastels flower spires; for flower or herb gardens, fresh cut or dried flowers
SEASON OF INTEREST: Spring to summer, depending on climate
FAVORITES: 'Giant Imperial' for many colors, tan spires; 'Messenger' for early flowers
QUIRKS: Toxic plants and seeds; poor transplant survival
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Alliums, poppies, monkshood, peonies, yarrow
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Moist, fertile, alkaline soil; cool weather
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Powdery mildew, crown rot, root rot
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) toll, 1 ft (0.3 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 10
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral to slightly acid
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average to moist, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Prolific yellow daisies on robust plants; for meadows, beds
FAVORITES: 'Goldsturm', 'Gold-quelle'; R. laciniata; R. triloba
QUIRKS: Sometimes short-lived, but renews itself by self-seeding readily
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Joe Pye weed, ornamental grasses, purple cone-flower, Russian sage
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: In sun and moist, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Powdery mildew in late summer; aphids
RENEWING PLANTS: Individual plants last 2-3 years; divide when flowering diminishes
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer (occasionally)
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) tall or more, 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) wide; varies by species

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 5 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Fertile, moist soil
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES White or pink flowers, divided green foliage; for beds
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late summer to autumn
FAVORITES: 'Honorine Jobert', 'September Charm', A. tomentosa 'Robustissima'
QUIRKS: Spreads quickly when grown in full sun
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Astilbe, cohosh, hosta, hydrangea, spiraea
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Fertile, moist soil in partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Winter damage in areas colder than Zone 5
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives many years; divide clumps in spring and replant immediately
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good except for deer and Japanese beetles
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) tall, 1-3 ft (0.3-1 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Near neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Trumpet-shaped, satiny, white or pink flowers; for beds, hedges, or masses
SEASON OF INTEREST: Summer through fall
FAVORITES: Pink 'Silver Cup'; white 'Mont Blanc'; deep pink 'Ruby Regis'
QUIRKS: Poor survival rate for transplants
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Meadow sage, ornamental grasses, yellow- or white-flowered annuals
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Full sun; well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Rare; hollyhock rust in extremely damp situations; Japanese beetles
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 18-36 in (45.7-91.4 cm) tall, up to 30 in (76.2 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 5 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Acid to nearly neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun to partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Large pink, red, or yellow trumpet-shaped flowers; for beds, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Late summer to early fall
FAVORITES: L. squamigera, L. radiata and L. radiata 'Alba', L. aurea
QUIRKS: Needs 6 weeks minimum winter chilling; may not bloom the first year
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Caladiums, hostas, small ornamental grasses
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sites that are moist in spring and late summer but dry in summer
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Failure to bloom due to overcrowding or extreme summer drought
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives for many years; dig up and divide in early summer
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
PLANTING DEPTH: 6 in (15.2 cm)
SOURCE: Bulbs
DIMENSIONS: 24 in (61 cm) tall, 12-20 in (30.5-50.8 cm) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Frost tolerant
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moderately fertile, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Lacy foliage; white, pink, purple, yellow, or red daisylike flowers; for borders or pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Early summer to fall
FAVORITES: Sonata mix, white and pink flowers; Seashells mix; fiery 'Bright Lights', 'Cosmic Orange' for orange and red flowers; yellow sulfur cosmos
QUIRKS: Grows poorly in damp, overly fertile soil
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Cleome, purple cone-flower, gomphrena, salvia, zinnia
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sunny, modestly fertile, well-drained soil
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Stem or root rot in wet soil; beetles
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Seeds
DIMENSIONS: 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) tall, 1 ft (0.3 m) wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 9
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Neutral
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Moist, well-drained, overage
PREFERRED LIGHT: Partial shade
ATTRIBUTES: Large leaves, airy chartreuse flowers; for beds, herb gardens, pots
SEASON OF INTEREST: Flowers from late spring to early summer; foliage spring to fall
FAVORITES: A. mollis
QUIRKS: Roots grow better when cooled by organic mulch
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Astilbe, catmint, lavender, Siberian iris
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Fertile soil in partial shade
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Slugs and snails
RENEWING PLANTS: Lives several years; divide crowded clumps in early spring
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Good
SOURCE: Bedding plants, division
DIMENSIONS: 2 ft (0.6 m) tall and equally wide

Fundamental Facts

HARDINESS: Zones 3 to 8
PREFERRED SOIL pH: Adaptable
PREFERRED SOIL TYPE: Average, well-drained
PREFERRED LIGHT: Sun
ATTRIBUTES: Long-lasting pastel or red flowers on ferny plants; for beds, cutting, drying
SEASON OF INTEREST: From early summer to frost, with a lull in flower production in midsummer
FAVORITES: Appleblossom', 'Coronation Gold', 'Fireland', 'Moonshine', 'Summer Pastels', The Pearl'
QUIRKS: Wet soil and mulch may lead to stem or root rot
GOOD NEIGHBORS: Balloon flower, campanula, iris, peony.
WHERE IT GROWS BEST: Sun and well-drained soil of average fertility
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Fungal leaf disease or root rot under damp or crowded conditions
RENEWING PLANTS: Individual plants live up to 4 years; divide when clumps cease flowering
CRITTER RESISTANCE: Excellent
SOURCE: Plants, division, seeds
DIMENSIONS: 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) tall, 1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m) wide

Mild winters are the saving grace when you live in a climate where summers are a little too long and often too hot for comfort. In some regions, winter is a season of ample rainfall and cool temperatures that can be enjoyed in the company of numerous garden plants. Although many plants do slip into dormancy where winters are mild, there are plenty of evergreen trees, shrubs, and even perennials, as well as hardy annuals that will keep the garden vibrantly alive with greenery and flowers through the slow season.