Photography courtesy of highcountrygardens.com

Orange Butterfly Bush
(Asclepias tuberosa)
Description:
In summer, produces large, full flower heads in rich golden-orange hues on vigorous plants with deep-green foliage. Grows up to 2 feet tall by 20 inches wide.
 
Best traits:
Attracts monarch butterflies; blooms spring through fall; blossoms are followed by showy ornamental seedpods; low-water-use; recovers quickly after a freeze; cold-tolerant to 30° below.

Growing tips:
Plant in full sun,
in well-draining soil. Does best with supplemental watering.  Prune after frost.

In the garden:
Ideal in dry conditions and alkaline soils. Note: Attracts bees; all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.


Gayfeather
(Liatris punctata)
Description:
Puts forth 1- to 2-foot spikes of lavender-pink flowers on stiff stalks in early to mid-summer. Blossoms open from the top downward.

Best traits:
Showy bloomer; deep-rooted and long-living xeric plant; sun-loving; sows easily; not invasive; attracts butterflies.

Growing tips:
Can be grown in a wide range of soils, including dry clay. Plant in spring in full sun with some afternoon shade. Avoid over-watering, as it is sensitive to soggy soil during winter dormancy. Divide plant when it underperforms.

In the garden:
Makes a nice vertical accent. Pairs well with zinnia, artemisia and coneflower.





White Rain Lily
(Zephyranthes candida)
Description:
Huge white flowers appear on chive-like foliage that grows to 1 foot high and wide. Blooms intermittently from June to early fall, usually after it rains.

Best traits:
Long-blooming; low-maintenance; hardy to zero degrees.

Growing tips:
Tolerates full sun but prefers some shade. Does best with supplemental irrigation in summer. Remove faded blooms. Foliage may die back in hot weather but recovers after it cools down.

In the garden:
Plant in groups to enjoy a parade of showy blossoms. Can be grown as a ground cover under deciduous trees in light shade. Good choice for rock gardens or containers.




English Lavender
(Lavandula angustifolia)
Description:
Lavender- to purple-color flower spikes form on mounds of gray-green or silvery gray foliage. Plants range in height from 15 inches to 2 feet. Blooms in late spring and summer.

Best traits:
Aromatic flowers and foliage; attracts butterflies; hardy; blooms can be dried and used for sachets; resists rabbits.

Growing tips:
Grow in full sun. Prefers well-drained soil and little or no fertilizer. Avoid over-watering, to prevent root rot. To revive, shear back after flowering.

In the garden:
Can be used to create informal hedges, incorporated as edging, or grown in herb beds or containers. Note: Attracts bees.





Blanket Flower
(Gaillardia grandiflora)
Description:
Daisylike flowers with reddish-orange-and-yellow quill-shaped petals (depending on the cultivar) form on low-mounding foliage. Grows to 24 inches high and 30 inches wide.

Best traits:
Flowers all summer long; heat-tolerant; often reseeds itself; makes a good cutting flower; attracts butterflies; resists rabbits.

Growing tips:
Easily grown from seed, blanket flower does well in full sun with some afternoon shade. Thrives in average-to-poor garden soil. Deadheading spent flowers prolongs bloom time.

In the garden:
Good choice for containers, cutting and perennial gardens and grown along borders.