Salvia, a member of the mint family, has nearly 1000 species of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annuals. Its blooms offer long-lasting color and attract butterflies and pollinators. Salvia is typically a rapid grower and tolerates summer heat with graceful, spiky blooms and is available in a variety of colors including blues, purples, pinks, reds, as well as, some whites and yellows.
Alternanthera is delightful foliage plant that is both easy to grow and care for. Although these plants don’t have interesting blooms, they more than make up for it with their striking, jewel-tone foliage. With plenty of varieties to choose from, alternanthera offers a wide range of leaf shapes, sizes, and textures. Outdoors, low-growing varieties are ideal as an edging plant next to sidewalks and pathways. Taller varieties can be mixed into borders where its colorful foliage adds contrasting hues.
Cuphea is a welcome addition to the lineup of warm-season annuals and although the flowers of this plant may be small, they more than make up for size in quantity. This low-maintenance annual blooms from late spring until frost without needing deadheading.
Looking for a low-maintenance perennial for a practically nonstop flower show from summer through fall? Salvia 'Velocity Blue' is a full-proof way to add beautiful, bold, blue tones to your garden throughout spring and summer. This early bloomer adds an element of structure and height to plantings with its bushy, upright habit and unusually large flowers. Best of all, it has excellent heat tolerance for those hot, humid days of summer. This salvia mixes well in a perennial garden and in mixed containers infusing color all summer long.
Few plants supply as much long-lasting, reliable color as lantana. This heat and humidity lover features brightly colored bloom clusters that last through the summer and into fall. Lantana thrives in hot, dry weather and tolerates just about any well-drained soil, growing well even near the beach. And, it’s a magnet for butterflies. This versatile plant has many applications and can be used just about anywhere in garden.
