Whether you garden in the nutrient-poor red clay of the Southeast, the calcium-combined-with-clay caliche of the West or something in between, the common denominator is that clay soil is difficult to grow in. Why? Tiny particles of clay hold tightly together, slowing drainage and limiting the amount of oxygen that can reach plant roots. You’ve seen the results—anemic-looking or rotting plants.

To amend your clay soil or not?

While you can improve clay soil by amending with organic matter, such as compost, it’s not usually a practical solution for a large area. But it might help in a smaller spot, such as around your home’s foundation, where clay has sometimes been brought to the surface and compacted during construction. The old recommendation of tilling in sand will often result in an even harder, denser mess unless you get the proportions just right. Further, simply filling a planting hole with compost creates a small oasis for the roots so they may not venture outside of the hole.

The most successful solution when you want beautiful borders but have a yard full of clay soil is to choose plants that can grow in this sticky situation. Let me introduce you to some clay-tolerant beauties that are up to the challenge.

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9 Tough Perennial Plants for Clay Soil

1. Rough goldenrod (Solidago rugosa)

End your garden season on a high note with the bright yellow blooms of rough goldenrod. Flowers start in late summer, last until frost and are a hub of pollinator activity. The species has arching yellow blooms, but one of its hybrids, ‘Fireworks’ above, is an easy variety to find and has larger 18-inch-long sprays.

While some species of goldenrod are aggressive, rough goldenrod spreads slowly by rhizomes. Clay soil can help keep it in check. Goldenrod is a versatile plant that isn’t bothered by much — even deer leave it alone. And there’s no need to fertilize: Plants grow best in lean soil.

Good to know

In a five-year trial of goldenrod species at the Chicago Botanic Garden, ‘Fireworks’ was a favorite for its heavy blooming and disease resistance.

Type: Perennial 
Blooms: Upright to arching plumes packed with tiny yellow individual blooms in late summer to fall 
Light: Full sun to part shade 
Size: 18 to 36 in. tall and wide 
Cold hardy: USDA zones 4 to 9 
Source:High Country Gardens, 801-769-0300

2. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

If you want long-lasting color and interest in your garden, Russian sage is an excellent choice. Long, billowy stems are covered with velvety gray foliage and tiny lavender to blue blooms that create a cloud of soft color from summer to fall. Flowers last for several weeks, but the colorful calyx remains for months.

Although some plants can reach 5 feet tall, many newer introductions, such as ‘Sage Advice’ are shorter. This hybrid tops out at 3 feet. ‘Lacy Blue’ grows just 18 to 24 inches tall. Russian sage is drought tolerant and quite long-lived once it gets established. Plants grow best in full sun—too much shade and stems will flop. Although this perennial prefers well-drained soil, it easily tolerates heavier clay soil as well. Finally, deer and rabbits won’t bother Russian sage, but pollinators love it.

Type: Perennial 
Blooms: Long spikes of tiny lavender to blue blooms in midsummer to fall 
Light: Full sun
Size: 2 to 5 ft. tall, 2 to 4 ft. wide 
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9
Source:Great Garden Plants, 877-447-4769

3. Ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

It’s easy to take ostrich fern for granted — its elegant fronds have made it a shade-garden staple for generations. It’s virtually care-free, deer and rabbits generally leave it alone and it provides beautiful texture in deep shade. Plants can even grow in full sun if they have plenty of water.

You’ll often see ostrich fern growing in drifts because it spreads by underground rhizomes. Dense clay, especially if it tends to be dry, will often slow the spread. Learn about more types of garden ferns here.

Type: Perennial 
Foliage: Finely dissected upright to arching medium-green fronds 
Light: Part to full shade 
Size: 3 to 6 ft. tall, 5 to 8 ft. wide 
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7
Source:White Flower Farm, 800-503-9624

4. False sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)

Nothing says summer like the daisy-shaped, sunny yellow blooms of false sunflower. All kinds of insect pollinators love its cheery flowers, and birds eat the seeds. While it’s related to the annual types that are mostly grown from seed, false sunflower is a short-lived perennial that easily reseeds. If you’re growing a hybrid, new plants may or may not look like the parent, but it’s easy to pull unwanted seedlings.

False sunflower grows into a bushy upright plant, and the species has green foliage. ‘Prairie Sunset’ has deep purple stems and veins, and its yellow flowers have maroon rings in the centers. Variegated hybrids, such as ‘Loraine Sunshine’, bring colorful flowers and foliage to borders and are easy to find at the garden center. ‘Sunstruck’ above has a compact habit and a deeper flower color. Though false sunflower can grow in part shade, plants flower best in full sun.

Growing tip

Variegated false sunflower occasionally produces stems with solid green leaves that tend to be more vigorous. Cut those off at the crown so they don’t take over.

Type: Perennial 
Blooms: Daisy-shaped yellow blooms in midsummer to fall
Light: Full sun to part shade 
Size: 1 to 6 ft. tall, 1 to 4 ft. wide 
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9 
Source:American Meadows, 802-227-7200

5. Foxglove penstemon (Penstemon digitalis)

There are nearly 300 species of penstemon, the majority of which are native to western North America and Mexico. Most prefer sharp drainage and dry summers, but foxglove penstemon and its hybrids thrive even in humid weather and denser soil. Even better, deer usually give it a pass. This upright perennial is super cold hardy and blooms for about a month from late spring to early summer with small tubular blooms in pink or white. Foxglove penstemon is tolerant of clay soil but doesn’t do well in boggy conditions.

You can sometimes buy the species from specialty native plant growers. It has green leaves and grows up to 5 feet tall, making a flowery addition to the back of the border. Its hybrids tend to be smaller, and some have burgundy foliage. ‘Husker Red’ is an old favorite with white flowers and grows 2 to 3 feet tall. ‘Dark Towers’ (above) is one of its progeny with pink blooms and even darker leaves. It grows 18 to 36 inches tall. Grow plants in full sun for the darkest foliage color.

Good to know

Foxglove penstemon’s small, tubular, nectar-rich blooms are a favorite among bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Type: Perennial 
Blooms: Lavender, pink or white tubular blooms in late spring to early summer 
Light: Full sun 
Size: 2 to 5 ft. tall, 1 to 3 ft. wide 
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8 
Sources:Prairie Moon Nursery, 866-417-8156 (species); Sooner Plant Farm, 918-453-0771 (hybrids)

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6. Goat’s beard (Aruncus dioicus)

When you plant goat’s beard, you need patience — these big plants take their time to get established. But once they reach maturity, you’ll be glad you waited for the 4- to 6-foot-tall stems topped by fluffy white plumes. Consistent moisture is key to good-looking plants, and they can grow in deep shade but won’t have as many flowers as in full sun.

In ideal conditions, plants will reseed. Goat’s beard thrives in humus-rich, well-drained soil and tolerates a mix of clay and loam well but won’t survive dense clay. One thing this perennial doesn’t like is hot, dry conditions.

Type: Perennial 
Blooms: Fluffy white plumes in midspring to early summer 
Light: Part to full shade
Size: 3 to 6 ft. tall, 2 to 4 ft. wide 
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9 
Source:Prairie Nursery, 800-476-9453

7. Siberian iris (Iris sibirica)

Siberian iris blooms are often found in shades of violet, but you can also find flowers in white, yellow, pink or maroon and those with solid petals or various patterns. Care is simple: Plant in spring so the roots have time to get established in a spot with plenty of sun. Too much shade and you won’t have as many of those lovely flowers. Consistent moisture is important for healthy plants, and while Siberian iris plants grow happily in humus-rich soil, they flourish in clay to boggy sites as well.

Keep Siberian iris vigorous by dividing every few years in spring as new growth is taking off. Dig plants out of the ground and split into pieces with your spade, making sure each new division has at least three leaves. Replant at the same level they were growing and water well.

Type: Perennial 
Blooms: White, yellow, violet, blue, pink or maroon blooms in spring
Light: Full sun to part shade 
Size: 24 to 48 in. tall, 18 to 36 in. wide 
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9 
Source: Local garden centers

8. False indigo (Baptisia australis)

When it comes to easy-care, it’s hard to beat false indigo. Plant this native perennial once and you’ll have loads of pealike blooms for years without a lot of effort on your part. You could deadhead, but then you’d miss out on the deep purple seedpods at the end of the season. Several species flower in violet, white or yellow. Newer hybrids have expanded the color palette to more unusual colors (for false indigo), such as pink and burgundy.

And while the species’ long stems sometimes flop, more compact varieties such as ‘Lemon Meringue’ (above) grow to just 3 feet tall and don't have that problem. False indigo has a big taproot that burrows deeply into the soil — even dense clay. As a result, plants are very drought tolerant but also slow to get established and a challenge to divide.

Type: Perennial 
Blooms: Purple, blue, yellow, white, pink, burgundy or bicolor pealike blooms in late spring to early summer 
Light: Full sun to part shade 
Size: 2 to 4 ft. tall and wide
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9 
Source:Sooner Plant Farm, 918-453-0771

9. Woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata)

The lavender-blue blooms of woodland phlox (also called wild sweet William) are a terrific way to brighten up shady borders with clay soil. Its loose clusters of five-petaled tubular blooms have a light fragrance and provide an early source of nectar for passing butterflies and hummingbirds.

Plant one woodland phlox and you’re sure to have more in time — stems root at leaf nodes and flowers self-seed. Once blooming is done, the green leaves provide a trouble-free ground cover. Most often you’ll find the species at garden centers, but there are a few hybrids. Although they’re usually the same height, they vary in flower color. Some easy-to-find varieties include ‘Blue Moon’, with loads of blue-violet blooms a bit larger than the species; ‘May Breeze’, with white flowers; and ‘Cloud of Perfume’, with a sweet fragrance.

Type: Perennial 
Blooms: Lavender to blue or white blooms in spring
Light: Part to full shade 
Size: 8 to 16 in. tall, 8 to 12 in. wide 
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9 
Source:Bluestone Perennials, 800-852-5243

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Eastern pasque flower (Pulsatilla patens)

Type: Perennial
Blooms: Blue-violet to nearly white in early spring
Light: Full sun
Soil: Gritty, alkaline, well-drained
Pests: None serious
Size: 6 to 12 in. tall and wide
Cold Hardiness: USDA zones 3 to 7

Welcome spring with Eastern pasque flower

At the first sign of warm weather, even when there’s still a little snow on the ground, Eastern pasque flower shows its pretty face. The 2- to 4-inch-wide blooms open in shades of blue-violet to nearly white on short stems that stretch as the flowers age. For many bees the pollen from this native perennial is the first food they find after a long winter.

Depending on the temperature, each blossom only lasts a few days. But an established clump usually has enough buds to keep the show going for several weeks. Flowers open on sunny days and close at night or when it’s cloudy. And don’t bother picking them for bouquets — they wilt as soon as you cut them.

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Enjoy unique seedheads

If you look closely at pasque flower plants, you’ll notice the fine coating of fuzz on the leaves and stems. In exposed locations, it helps protect them from cold, harsh spring winds. Wispy seedheads you see in the photo above will break into individual seeds. Some will sprout to grow new plants just like the parent.

Ideal growing conditions for Eastern pasque flower

Eastern pasque flower needs alkaline conditions, so test your soil before you plant. Then use agricultural lime around the plant to adjust the pH. If the soil stays wet, the crown will rot. That’s why this perennial’s perfect in rock gardens or tucked into stones as I’ve done in the garden planting plan below. Soil that contains lots of grit or fine gravel is ideal.

Get flowers off to a good start

When you’re shopping for Eastern pasque flower you may find it under its old botanical name Anemone patens. And whether by mail or at the garden center, odds are you’ll find only small plants or packets of seeds. That’s because a deep taproot makes it tough to transplant.

Set out plants in spring or fall, but sow seeds from summer to early fall. They need a cold period before they grow next spring. Germination is often poor, so be sure to sow more than you need. One last thing you need to know: By summer, this spring bloomer goes dormant and the foliage will disappear. Be sure to mark the spot so you don’t dig it out, and it’ll be back next year.

Spring garden layout with Eastern pasque flower

Dry-stacked stone walls are charming on their own. But fill some of the spaces with gritty soil, tuck in a few plants and when the perennials bloom it’ll be even more striking. After these early perennials finish, all but the Eastern pasque flower will have foliage that looks great nestled between the stones. See the plant list below that corresponds with the lettered illustration shown above.

Plant list

A)Eastern pasque flower (Pulsatilla patens)
Perennial; blue-violet to nearly white in early spring; full sun; 6 to 12 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 7

B)Dwarf iris (Iris ‘Photon’)
Perennial rhizome; bright yellow flowers with a small stroke of orange on the falls in spring; full sun; 8 to 12 in. tall, 6 to 10 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

C)Basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis)
Perennial; bright golden yellow flowers in spring; full sun; 6 to 12 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8

D)Moss phlox (Phlox subulata ‘Candy Stripe’)
Perennial; pink-striped white spring flowers; full sun; 4 to 6 in. tall, 16 to 24 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

E)Hen and chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)
Perennial; gray-green leaf rosettes; full sun; 1 to 3 in. tall, 1 to 5 in. wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

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Epimedium

Epimedium spp. and hybrids

Type: Perennial
Blooms: Pink, white, yellow, red, burgundy, orange or lavender starburst-shaped blooms in early spring
Light: Part to full shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Pests: None serious; deer-resistant
Size: 6 to 24 in. tall, 6 to 36 in. wide
Hardiness: Cold hardy USDA zones 4 to 9

Epimediums kick off spring!

When other perennials haven’t shown the slightest intention of emerging or are just peeking through the soil in spring, epimedium is up and at ’em. Its dainty starburst blooms create a cloud of color that draws you out to the garden even on chilly days. Once the flowers are done, there’s often a second flush of colorful spring leaves as plants begin to form a tidy mound of foliage for summer. Many varieties end the season with a brilliant fall show, and some are evergreen in mild winter areas. Easy to grow, deer resistant and drought tolerant once established, this underappreciated shade perennial has so much to offer!

Epimedium thrives in shady gardens

More than 50 species of epimedium (also called barrenwort) thrive in the woodlands and shaded rocky areas of Asia, Europe and North Africa. Most gardeners grow hybrids or the easy-to-find species available at nurseries — there are lots to choose from. Karen Perkins, retired owner of Garden Vision Epimediums, has cultivated this shade-loving perennial for decades. She says, “I love epimediums for their unique and delicate beauty, toughness and versatility. They’re easy to grow, so they work not only for beginning gardeners but also for collectors of the weird and wonderful.” Though no longer selling plants, Karen maintains her website to share all the information on different varieties and growing tips that she’s compiled over the years.

Enjoy dainty flowers with unique spurs

Epimedium is most known for its spidery blooms with long nectar- filled spurs like those of ‘Pierre’s Purple’ at left. But there are also flowers with short spurs and large sepals, such as ‘Sulphureum’, and a few, such as bell-shaped ‘Lemon Zest’, with almost no spurs at all.

There are lots of flower colors and even bicolor blooms. ‘Flame Thrower’ combines raspberry pink and pale yellow, while ‘Purple Prince’ is deep purple with white spur tips. ‘Arctic Wings’ is solid white.

Epimedium has interesting foliage in different seasons

In spring, epimedium has small leaflets that accompany the flowers, while larger, mature leaves begin to fill in from the crown. By summer, spring coloration fades and plants form a mound of pest- and disease-resistant foliage that doesn’t require pruning to maintain a neat appearance throughout the growing season. Deciduous ‘Pierre’s Purple’ (above) loses its foliage after the first hard frost, but semi-evergreen types stay colorful into early winter, and evergreen ones keep going into spring.

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Meet the epimedium family

Though not as widely known as shade classics such as hosta and impatiens, epimedium deserves more attention. It’s tougher than those charming little blooms might suggest and has a range of interesting flower and foliage colors, sizes and shapes. Although with new varieties coming to the market every year, there’s likely to be a wider selection than ever at your local garden center, you’ll still find even more options through mail-order nurseries. The three sources below have especially broad offerings.

Older varieties and species tend to have small blooms that sit below the leaves, where they’re harder to see. In recent years plant breeders have been working to develop eye-catching colors and larger, longer-lasting blooms that sit high above the foliage. Check out the lineup below to see a selection of epimediums that will look great in your shade garden!

‘Pink Champagne’ (Epimedium hybrid)

Blooms: Soft pink-spurred flower with a raspberry pink cup-shaped center in mid- to late spring
Foliage: Elongated evergreen leaves are speckled purple in spring; clumping
Size: 18 to 24 in. tall, 24 to 36 in. wide
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8

‘Domino’ (Epimedium hybrid)

Blooms: Ivory-spurred flower with a maroon center cup in spring
Foliage: Elongated, spiny evergreen leaves have purple splashes in spring; clumping
Size: 18 to 24 in. tall, 24 to 36 in. wide
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8

‘Sandy Claws’ (Epimedium wushanense)

Blooms: Cream-spurred flower with a yellow cup-shaped center in early spring
Foliage: Elongated, spiny evergreen leaves are deep maroon in spring; spreading
Size: 12 to 16 in. tall, spreading
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8

‘Cranberry Dancer’ (Epimedium hybrid)

Blooms: Cranberry red and yellow-spurred flower with a red center in mid- to late spring
Foliage: Serrated evergreen leaves have a bronzy overlay in spring; clumping
Size: 18 to 24 in. tall, 24 to 36 in. wide
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8

‘Orange Queen’ (Epimedium x warleyense)

(Also sold as ‘Orangekönigin’)

Blooms: Unusual orange flowers in early spring
Foliage: Heart-shaped evergreen leaves blush red in spring; spreading
Size: 8 to 10 in. tall, spreading
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9

‘Sulphureum’ (Epimedium x versicolor)

Blooms: Pale yellow flower center with short sepals and spurs in early spring
Foliage: Heart-shaped semi-evergreen foliage is tinted red in spring and fall; spreading
Size: 8 to 10 in. tall, spreading
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9

‘Dark Beauty’ (Epimedium grandiflorum)

Blooms: White long-spurred flower with rose sepals and center in early spring
Foliage: Heart-shaped deep purple deciduous leaves in spring; clumping
Size: 10 to 12 in. tall, 10 to 18 in. wide
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8

‘Lilafee’ (Epimedium grandiflorum)

Blooms: Purple-spurred flower with white tips and a purple center in mid- to late spring
Foliage: Heart-shaped deciduous leaves are dusky purple in spring; clumping
Size: 12 to 18 in. tall, 9 to 18 in. wide
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8

Epimedium Plant Sources

• Dancing Oaks, dancingoaks.com, 503-838-6058
• Fieldstone Gardens, fieldstonegardens.com
• Sebright Gardens, sebrightgardens.com, 503-463-9615

Whether you have big gaps to fill or just want to test-drive some compact shrubs, this year’s new introductions deliver. Expect plenty of color and even some fragrance! And if you love hydrangeas, be sure to check out the stunning new panicle and bigleaf varieties that are sure to turn heads in your garden beds and borders.

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Autumn Kiss^® azalea (Rhododendron hybrid)

Spring and fall gardens will be outstanding with the 3-inch semidouble bicolor blooms of Autumn Kiss, which is part of the Encore^® reblooming azalea series. There’s a big show of flowers in spring, and more blooms arrive in late summer to fall.

Type: Shrub
Best features: Semidouble bicolor blooms in spring and fall
Light: Full sun to part shade 
Size: 3 to 4 ft. tall and wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 6 to 10 
Introducer:Encore Azalea
Source: Local garden centers

Bellini^® Cherry crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

For gardeners without a lot of room, this new crape myrtle is a great choice, providing loads of red blooms in midsummer to fall. The Bellini series is cold hardy to zone 5. It may die to the ground in harsh winters, but stems will regrow and flower in spring.

Type: Shrub
Best features: Lots of long-lasting red blooms on a compact plant
Light: Part to full shade
Size: 3 to 4 ft. tall and wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 5 to 10
Introducer:Star^® Roses and Plants
Source: Local garden centers

Spring Sizzle^® panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

Earlier to bloom than most panicle hydrangeas, Spring Sizzle has crisp white flowers that mature to deep red even in mild winter areas where they don’t typically get that late-season flush of color. Sturdy red stems keep the flowers up off the ground where you can enjoy them. Dried blooms from Spring Sizzle are especially great for using in dried arrangements or decor, as they keep their gorgeous red hue.

Type: Shrub
Best features: White flowers that mature to deep red in late summer 
Light: Part to full shade
Size: 4 to 6 ft. tall, 4 to 5 ft. wide 
Cold hardy: USDA zones 3 to 8
Introducer:First Editions^® Shrubs & Trees
Source: Local garden centers

Centennial Ruby^™ bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

The ruby red mophead blooms of this new bigleaf hydrangea are real showstoppers! They start in late spring and keep going until early fall. The color deepens as the bloom ages so you have different shades of red on one plant.

Type: Shrub
Best features: Ruby red flowers on a bigleaf hydrangea
Light: Part shade
Size: 3 ft. tall and wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 4 to 9
Introducer:Monrovia^®
Source: Local garden centers

Spice Cowboy^™ Koreanspice viburnum (Viburnum carlesii)

Spice Cowboy takes the fragrant white blooms of Koreanspice viburnum up a notch with 4-inch snowball-like blooms. In fall the foliage turns red, yellow and orange so you get a multiseason show with this stunning shrub.

Type: Shrub
Best features: Large fragrant flowers and beautiful fall foliage
Light: Full sun to part shade
Size: 6 to 10 ft. tall, 4 to 5 ft. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 4 to 8
Introducer:Proven Winners^®
Source:Sooner Plant Farm, 918-453-0771

After checking out the coolest new plants coming in 2026, our editors rounded up their top picks — many we got to grow ourselves with great results. This year’s lineup is loaded with show-stopping annuals and tender perennials that shine in planters, borders, and anywhere you need a pop of color. Tender perennials often get treated like annuals, but if you live where they’re hardy, you get to enjoy them more than one season.

Keep scrolling to meet this standout group of introductions, starting with part-shade favorites including a unique group of pretty new petunias and moving into stunning full-sun options.

Besties^™ Dynamic Bicolor cape daisy (Osteospermum ecklonis)

These cool-season flowers have a beautiful blend of orange, purple and yellow on each bloom. Though the flowering slows a little in summer’s heat, these plants keep going strong and take off again in fall.

Type: Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Best features: Lots of heat-resistant flowers 
Light: Full sun to part shade
Size: 8 to 10 in. tall, 12 to 14 in. wide 
Cold hardy: USDA zones 9 to 11
Introducer:Danziger
Source: Local garden centers

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‘Pink Ribbons’ coleus (Coleus scutellarioides)

Part of the Terrascape series, ‘Pink Ribbons’ thrives even in full sun, though the color is a bit brighter in part shade. Flowers don’t show up until late in the season, so you probably won’t need to deadhead.

Type: Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Best features: Colorful sun-tolerant foliage with late blooms
Light: Full sun to part shade 
Size: 18 to 26 in. tall, 18 to 20 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 10 to 11
Introducer:Kientzler North America
Source: Local garden centers

Venti^™ PinkBurst dahlia (Dahlia pinnata)

You won’t run short of these anemone-shaped flowers in the garden or in your vase. Venti PinkBurst has loads of blooms from late spring to frost. Deadheading keeps plants tidy and encourages more flowers.

Type: Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Best features: Lots of anemone-style blooms
Light: Full sun to part shade
Size: 16 to 18 in. tall, 14 to 16 in. wide 
Cold hardy: USDA zones 8 to 10
Introducer:Selecta One^®
Source: Local garden centers

Learn more about Venti PinkBurst!

Join Senior Editor Sherri for an exclusive tour of Ball Horticulture’s test gardens as she checks out one of their exciting new 2026 introductions — the Venti Pinkburst dahlia from Selecta One! This standout variety delivered nonstop blooms from late spring to first frost in our test garden, featuring fun, frilly flowers with a unique anemone-style center.

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Big EEZE Pink Panther geranium (Pelargonium hybrid)

For big flowers and easy-to-grow plants, this new color in the Big EEZE annual geranium series is a sure bet. Those bright pink blooms keep going even when summer is hot and humid. Deadheading helps tidy up plants and make room for new flowers.

Type: Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Best features: Heat- and humidity-tolerant plants with eye-catching pink flowers
Light: Full sun to part shade 
Size: 12 to 18 in. tall and wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 10 to 11
Introducer: Dümmen Orange^®
Source: Local garden centers

Amazing New Petunia Introductions for 2026

Petunias are a mainstay of container gardens. Here are a few new varieties that you won’t want to miss!

Amazonas^™ Plum Cockatoo (Petunia hybrid)

Type: Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Best features: Ruffled green petals with a deep purple center
Light: Full sun to part shade
Size: 12 to 14 in. tall, 14 to 18 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 10 to 11
Introducer: Danziger
Source: Local garden centers

Supertunia Mini Vista^® Pink Cloud (Petunia hybrid)

Type: Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Best features: Masses of small, 1¼-in. vibrant pink blooms with ruffled petals and super heat tolerance
Light: Full sun to part shade
Size: 6 to 12 in. tall, 18 to 24 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 10 to 11
Introducer: Proven Winners^®
Source: Local garden centers

Main Stage^™ Burgundy Sky (Petunia hybrid)

Type: Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Best features: Large burgundy blooms with a scattering of yellow speckles (hot temperatures result in more solid-colored flowers)
Light: Full sun to part shade
Size: 12 to 16 in. tall, 24 to 36 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 10 to 11
Introducer:Selecta One
Source: Local garden centers

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Full Sun Annuals & Tender Perennials

Linen zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

The warm flaxen tones of this new zinnia have just a hint of pale pink to peach on 4- to 5-inch blooms. This color is easy to work into the garden or in a summer bouquet. As the blooms age, the pink and peach hues intensify. Seeds are easy to start indoors or direct-sow outdoors in spring when all danger of frost has passed.

Type: Annual
Best features: A fascinating new flower color for zinnias; deer-resistant
Light: Full sun
Size: 30 to 40 in. tall, 9 to 12 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones
Introducer & Source:Johnny’s Selected Seeds, 877-564-6697

‘Knight’s Armour’ dahlia (Dahlia hybrid)

Ready for some drama in your late-summer borders? Give 11-inch ‘Knight’s Armour’ a look. These double white “dinnerplate” blooms streaked with red-purple are real head-turners. Every bloom has a different pattern — some may even be solid white.

Type: Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Best features: Dramatic flowers with lots of variety
Light: Full sun
Size: 48 to 60 in. tall, 15 to 18 in. wide 
Cold hardy: USDA zones 8 to 12
Introducer & Source:Swan Island Dahlias, 800-410-6540

PeekABoo Burgundy verbena (Verbena hybrid)

We loved this new color in the PeekABoo series! Large, 3-inch-deep burgundy blooms with a white center keep containers colorful. There are five other colors in the series to try: Red, Pink, Lilac, Lavender and Indigo.

Type: Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Best features: Large 3-in. burgundy blooms; deer-resistant
Light: Full sun
Size: 12 to 15 in. tall and wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 7 to 10
Introducer:Westoff
Source: Local garden centers

‘Tora Red’ painted tongue (Salpiglossis sinuata)

Upright strong-growing plants produce a bouquet of trumpet-shaped blooms etched with burgundy swoops and blushed red with yellow throats. Painted tongue plants perform best when night temperatures are around 60 degrees F and in moist, well-drained soil.

Type: Annual
Best features: Upright, vigorous plants with red-tinted patterned blooms
Light: Full sun
Size: 18 to 24 in. tall, 12 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones
Introducer & Source:Select Seeds, 800-684-0395

Firedup^™ Coral dipladenia (Dipladenia hybrid)

Part of the Sun Parasol^® series, Firedup Coral has a pinwheel flower shape instead of overlapping petals like other dipladenias. Its upright habit fits easily in containers, and the coral-colored flowers with yellow centers provide reliable interest from late spring until frost.

Type: Tender perennial (usually grown as an annual)
Best features: Pinwheel-shaped coral flowers all season
Light: Full sun
Size: 20 to 24 in. tall, 12 to 16 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 10 to 11 
Introducer:Suntory Flowers
Source:Garden Crossings, 616-875-6355

We’ve researched the new plant offerings for 2026 and have found this year’s top picks for new sun perennials are a flowery bunch in a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes. Even better, many of them are deer resistant! You’ll notice that the trend in compact varieties hasn’t slowed down, so whether you have a small garden or are running out of room in a big border, these smaller versions perennials will expand your plant palette. Let’s take a look at some fascinating new plant introductions for 2026.

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‘Sundial’ false sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)

The centers of these golden-yellow blooms glow red when they first emerge, then mature to solid yellow, so each plant has a mix of colorful flowers in mid- to late summer. This color combination really pops against the burgundy foliage of the smokebush (Cotinus coggygria) above.

This drought-tolerant native perennial has an upright habit with rich olive green foliage that takes on a deep purple tone when it first emerges. ‘Sundial’ has excellent resistance to powdery mildew.

Type: Perennial
Best features: Vibrant golden yellow flowers with red centers; deer resistant
Light: Full sun to part shade
Size: 48 to 54 in. tall, 40 to 46 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 3 to 9
Introducer:Walters Gardens, Inc.
Source:Bluestone Perennials, 800-852-5243 

Skyward^™ Light Pink speedwell (Veronica hybrid)

More compact than other veronica varieties, Skyward Light Pink has clusters of spikes starting in late spring, and they keep going through summer, enticing lots of pollinators.

Type: Perennial
Best features: Compact plants covered in lilac blooms; deer resistant  
Light: Full sun to part shade
Size: 14 to 18 in. tall and wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 4 to 9
Introducer:Darwin Perennials^®
Source: Local garden centers

Learn more about Skyward speedwell

Take a closer look at Darwin Perennials new introduction, Skyward Speedwell (Veronica hybrid), on our tour at their test gardens last summer. With its branching spiky blooms, this variety is easy to create long-lasting waves of color for your border or container plantings.

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‘Passion Hearts’ fernleaf bleeding heart (Dicentra hybrid)

This low-growing perennial is tougher than it looks, putting on quite a show near the front of the border. Its ferny blue foliage is topped off with an abundance of heart-shaped bicolor pink blooms in spring, but it doesn’t stop there. Flowers keep coming through summer, even in the heat.

Type: Perennial
Best features: Bicolor blooms from spring to fall; deer resistant
Light: Full sun to part shade
Size: 18 to 24 in. tall, 26 to 28 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 3 to 9
Introducer:Walters Gardens, Inc.
Source:Sooner Plant Farm, 918-453-0771

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Orange Sparkler dianthus (Dianthus hybrid)

Part of the Scent First^® series, this fragrant dianthus has unusual orange blooms with hot pink flecks in spring and makes a great cut flower. It reblooms off and on through summer, with silver-blue foliage to keep the garden interesting when the flowers take a break.

Type: Perennial
Best features: Fragrant blooms in a unique color for dianthus; deer resistant
Light: Full sun
Size: 10 to 12 in. tall and wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 5 to 9
Introducer:PlantHaven International, Inc.
Source: Local garden centers

‘Prairie Princess’ ironweed (Vernonia hybrid)

With its smaller size and sturdy stems, this new ironweed doesn’t splay open like the species. Its upright stems are covered in late-summer to early-fall blooms, making it a late-season pollinator favorite.

Type: Perennial
Best features: Small rosy purple aster-like flowers on compact plants; deer resistant; North American Native
Light: Full sun
Size: 26 to 30 in. tall, 30 to 36 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 4 to 9
Introducer:Proven Winners^®
Source:Garden Crossings, 616-875-6355

‘Violets Are Blue’ delphinium (Delphinium elatum)

The large blue-violet blooms with a white “bee” in the center will turn heads. The biggest flush of flowers is in early summer, but plants rebloom into early fall. Though the stems are sturdy, staking is still a good idea in windy spots.

Type: Perennial
Best features: Dramatic blue-violet blooms on tough plants; deer resistant
Light: Full sun to part shade
Size: 30 to 36 in. tall, 18 to 24 in. wide 
Cold hardy: USDA zones 3 to 7
Introducer:Proven Winners^®
Source:Sooner Plant Farm, 918-453-0771

‘JoJo’ Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium fistulosum)

At 4 feet tall and wide, this new compact Joe-Pye weed is easy to work into just about any garden. The fluffy flowers, made up of tiny individual double blooms, are sterile, so there’s no worry about reseeding.

Type: Perennial
Best features: Compact plants with double blooms that won’t reseed; deer-resistant
Light: Full sun
Size: 3 to 4 ft. tall and wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 4 to 8
Introducer:Plants Nouveau
Source:Sooner Plant Farm, 918-453-0771

‘Opal’ threadleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata)

The sweet little blooms on this threadleaf coreopsis put on a show that changes with the seasons. Flowers start in late spring and keep going until frost, blushing deep pink in cooler weather and having more white in warm temps. The powdery mildew–resistant foliage stayed fresh and green all season in our test garden.

Type: Perennial
Best features: Small, season-changing, white flowers with blushes of pink in cool weather; deer resistant
Light: Full sun
Size: 12 to 14 in. tall and wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 5 to 10
Introducer:Terra Nova^® Nurseries, Inc. 
Source: Local garden centers

‘Golden Needles’ prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)

When you want a spotlight of foliage in the border, this new prairie dropseed does the job. It starts out golden yellow in spring and matures to chartreuse by midsummer. Airy flower stems reach 3 feet tall. You’ll get the best foliage color in full sun.

Type: Perennial
Best features: Showy golden yellow foliage that matures to chartreuse; deer resistant
Light: Full sun
Size: 18 in. tall, 36 in. in bloom, 18 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 3 to 9
Introducer:Intrinsic Perennial Gardens, Inc.
Source: Local garden centers

Red Angelina™ sedum (Sedum hybrid)

Check out this cool new sedum that looks and grows like ‘Angelina’ but has red foliage! The deepest red shows up in spring and fall when temperatures are cooler. Plants develop a bit of green during the hottest part of summer. Yellow flowers open in late spring. Use it as an eye-catching accent near the front of the border to fill in gaps between other taller perennials.

Type: Perennial
Best features: A vigorous ground-cover sedum with deep red foliage 
Light: Full sun
Size: 3 in. tall, 18 in. wide 
Cold hardy: USDA zones 3 to 9
Introducer:Garden Solutions
Source: Local garden centers

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This time of year is great for dreaming and making plans for the upcoming season. Everyone has tried-and-true favorites, but leaving space for a few new plants is always a good idea — you might just find one that performs even better than your old standbys in this batch of new shade perennial introductions.

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Mighty^™ Max Chinese astilbe (Astilbe chinensis)

You can’t miss these dramatic astilbe blooms! Fluffy vibrant pink 9- to 12-inch flowers rise on stems up to 4 feet tall in late spring to early summer. The plants are larger than most varieties too. Give astilbe some shade, and keep the soil moist for healthy-looking plants.

Type: Perennial
Best features: Big flowers on big plants; Deer-resistant
Light: Part to full shade
Size: 36 to 48 in. tall, 40 to 48 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 3 to 8 
Introducer:Growing Colors^™
Source: Local garden centers

‘Chance Encounter’ hosta (Hosta hybrid)

The powdery blue leaves with a wide margin on this new hosta will keep your shade garden interesting all season. The margin starts out apple green and matures to golden yellow with a watermark halo (a light design) where the center and margin meet. ‘Chance Encounter’ has white flowers in early summer.

Type: Perennial
Best features: Color-changing foliage with a unique watermark halo
Light: Part to full shade
Size: 12 to 16 in. tall, 36 to 42 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 3 to 9
Introducer:Proven Winners^®
Source:Great Garden Plants, 877-447-4769

‘Pink Stardust’ heucherella  (Heucherella hybrid)

If you’ve had trouble with rust infecting your heucherella, give ‘Pink Stardust’ a try. This disease-resistant variety has silvery mint green foliage and star-shaped pink flowers. It blooms from late spring through fall with deadheading.

Type: Perennial
Best features: Disease-resistant foliage with lots of pink flowers
Light: Full sun to full shade
Size: 6 in. tall, 14 in. in flower, 12 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 4 to 9
Introducer:Terra Nova^® Nurseries, Inc.
Source: Local garden centers

Summer Haze coral bells (Heuchera hybrid)

The flowers of this new series of coral bells make a big impact in shady borders. Long 22- to 25-inch stems rise over the mounded foliage with larger-than-usual individual flowers that also make good cut flowers. There are three colors in the series: White, Light Pink and Dark Pink.

Type: Perennial
Best features: Compact plants with impressive blooms; Deer-resistant
Light: Part to full shade
Size: 7 to 9 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide
Cold hardy: USDA zones 5 to 9
Introducer:Must Have Perennials^®
Source: Local garden centers

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Which native perennial is the right fit for your garden?

Want to add more native perennial blooms to your pollinator garden this year but not sure which plants to choose? Explore the key differences between black-eyed Susans and purple coneflowers to help you decide which native flowers are best for your garden. Both perennials attract pollinators and wildlife with long-lasting, colorful blooms — so whichever you choose, your garden will benefit!

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

• Blooms: Golden daisylike flowers are 2 to 3 inches across with a brown-purple central disk that later forms seedheads.
• Habit: Upright, clump-forming plants grow 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide.
• Leaves: Oblong, serrated dark-green leaves alternate up the stem. Those at the base of the plant are larger, have a short petiole (stalk that attaches the leaf to the stem) and are hairy when young. Upper leaves are smaller and attached directly to the stem.
• Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.

Black-eyed Susan’s daisylike flowers splash vibrant yellow color across gardens from midsummer to late fall. And if you leave the distinctive brown-purple seedheads to ripen on the plants, birds will enjoy them long after the colors fade. In addition, its evergreen basal leaves provide an attractive ground cover through the winter. If all of these great qualities aren’t enough to recommend it, this North American native perennial is also deer resistant!

Where black-eyed Susan works best in the garden

Standing 2 to 3 feet tall, black-eyed Susan is perfect for the front or middle of a perennial bed or pollinator garden border. Plants grow best in full sun in dry to medium, well-drained soil and are cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.

How to grow black-eyed Susan

Black-eyed Susan spreads by underground rhizomes or self-seeding, forming large clumps over time. Deadheading encourages continuous blooming throughout the season and can prevent unwanted seedlings. Divide clumps every three to four years in spring to keep plants healthy and vigorous. Black-eyed Susan endures hot, humid summers and is drought tolerant once established, and it doesn’t require fertilizer to put on a show. A little compost at planting time should provide enough nutrients for it to thrive.

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Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

• Blooms: Purple-pink daisylike flowers are up to 5 inches across. Spiny central dark cones are covered in tubular “disk flowers,” which contain the pollen and nectar. After pollination, disk flowers develop seeds.
• Habit: Multistemmed, upright, clump-forming plants grow 12 to 60 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.
• Leaves: Coarse, serrated dark-green leaves are large at the base of the plant and get smaller as they alternate up the stem.
• Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.

Purple coneflower blooms start appearing in early summer and usually finish by midfall. The distinctive, often drooping pink-purple petals surround a spiky dark-orange center. If you love this bloom shape, try one of the many hybrids available in a variety of colors that include red, orange, green, white and yellow. Many gardeners find both purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan to be deer resistant.

Where purple coneflower works best in the garden

The species grows 2 to 4 feet tall, and cultivars extend the range to 1 to 5 feet. This means that there are options for the front, middle or back of a border. Wherever you put it, bees and butterflies will enjoy the pollen and nectar.

Coneflower growing tips

Purple coneflower thrives in USDA zones 3 to 8 in full sun. Unlike black-eyed Susan, it also will grow in part shade, although plants may bloom a bit less and grow a little taller there. Plants grow best in well-drained soil but also tolerate dry and rocky planting sites. Purple coneflower is also drought tolerant once established and doesn’t require extra fertilizer. Deadhead early-season flowers to encourage reblooming and to help prevent unwanted seedlings, but if you’d like to feed the birds in winter, leave the late-season flowers in place so the seeds can ripen for our feathered friends.

Which native perennial do you choose — Black-eyed Susan or purple coneflower?

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Best ways to use late-season salvias in your garden design

Salvias are some of the toughest plants you can grow. They tolerate clay soil, drought, high heat and humidity — and deer don’t eat them. If you’re after low-maintenance, long-blooming color, salvias are hard to beat.

Some salvias send up flower spikes above neat mounds of foliage, while others have a looser, billowy look. Their growth habits play a big role in how you use them in your garden design, so let’s take a closer look at both styles.

Plant late-season salvias in mass

Take a look at the mealycup sage (Salvia farinacea) in the photo above and see how the flowers rise so uniformly above the dense foliage. Bunching multiples of these plants together creates an attractive and well-behaved mass of color. Because mealycup sages and the long-blooming anise-scented sages are generally larger than most other bedding plants, often around 1 to 3 feet tall and wide, they’re a perfect candidate for filling large spaces. You can get more bang for your buck and cover a lot of ground by using only four or five plants.

Add salvia to garden borders

Depending on your space, they are best planted in the middle or back of the border, becoming a good backdrop for low-growing annuals. Their spikes of flowers add excitement and draw attention upward. If they’re in the middle of the border, the eyes keep moving to what’s beyond. Both mealycup and anise-scented sages (Salvia guaranitica) bloom from summer and into fall, but will look much smaller at the beginning of the season. Give them space when you plant them in spring or summer so that they don’t get cramped and crowded.

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Salvia brings long-blooming color to containers

Not only do they work well planted in numbers, but one or two plants make an impact in containers. In small pots the bright blooming spikes of a larger variety could be the thriller, or focal point. Or use their upright blooms as an exciting filler in a bigger container — angle them slightly outward when planting so the flower spikes don’t get tangled up or lost in the midst of the thriller and other filler plants. Scarlet sage (Salvia splendens) and Skyscraper salvia work really well as filler plants.

But you’ll see in the windowbox in the photo above that scarlet sage can actually take the cake in a planting by the time fall rolls around. Pinch back the coleus in summer to give the sage room to take off. Soon it will be a stunning focal point and give the windowbox a whole new appearance for the change of seasons. Keep in mind that most sages grown as annuals are only available for purchase in the spring and summer, so plan ahead if you intend to use a certain kind as an important part of your garden in the fall.

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Make a statement in the garden with late-season salvias

Mexican bush sage (Salvia leucantha) (above) and Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) (below) are two species that put on a show for only one season: the fall. The shorter days stimulate their blooms. Because of this, they aren’t always available for purchase in colder zones with early frosts because just as their blooms are getting started, they sometimes get nipped.

But their massive size and dramatic appearance give them an irreplaceable spot in the fall garden. They grow up to 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide and have loose habits with long flower spikes that are more likely to curve and dangle. Because they put on one big fantastic show, rather than blooming consistently all season, use only one to three plants and work them throughout your garden as statements.

Combine salvia with classic fall perennials

It’s not a surprise that late-blooming sages look good with other perennial fall favorites. A collection of round, compact garden mums (Chrysanthemum hybrids) planted around the base of Mexican bush sage or pineapple sage gives these salvias more form and contrasts impressively with their looseness.

Combine late-season sages with maiden grasses (Miscanthus sinensis) so flowers and seedheads mix and mingle or with feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora), whose dense foliage is a backdrop for the blooms. Arkansas amsonia (Amsonia hubrichtii) will provide pretty blue blooms in late spring while sages are still getting started, and then can play a supporting role in fall as the foliage turns an attractive yellow. Or annuals with colorful maroon or purple foliage, such as coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides), offer color in seasons before the salvias bloom.

Ironweed ‘Southern Cross’ (Vernonia hybrid)

Type: Perennial
Blooms: Purple flowers in late summer to early fall
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained but adaptable to dry or rocky soil
Pests: Powdery mildew, rust
Size: 30 to 36 in. tall and wide
Hardiness: Cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

Attract wildlife with this cultivar of native vernonia

Grow ‘Southern Cross’ ironweed and in early to late fall you’ll enjoy its beautiful masses of fringed, bright purple flower clusters. And you’re not the only one: Bees and butterflies swarm the blooming plants for nectar, while deer and rabbits tend to pass it by. Once flowers fade, the spent blooms look attractive all winter. Be prepared to see more birds, who happily eat the seeds.

‘Southern Cross’ is a naturally occurring hybrid of native Vernonia species. At 3 feet tall with slightly wider leaves and a more compact habit than other ironweeds, it fits perfectly in a cottage garden or mini meadow without looking weedy. In fact, the fine-textured, lance-shaped foliage lends an airy look to a border, even when it’s not in bloom.

Pair late-blooming perennials with ironweed

Create a spectacular autumn floral display by combining ‘Southern Cross’ ironweed with other summer- to fall-blooming partners. Its purple flowers complement warm reds, oranges and yellows. Choose wildlife-friendly companion plants that attract bees, beneficial wasps, butterflies and birds, and watch the border come alive with color and movement.

Tips for growing ‘Southern Cross’ ironweed

• Grow ‘Southern Cross’ in full sun to achieve the best flowering and sturdiest plants.
  
• It’s clay-tolerant and once established, will also adapt to drought.
  
• Ironweed prefers lean soil, so there is no need to fertilize.
  
• To prevent powdery mildew and rust, don’t overcrowd this plant. Air movement between plants helps keep fungal diseases from getting established.
  
• Deadhead the plant to prevent possible reseeding, though ‘Southern Cross’ is less likely to have viable seed than the species.
  

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Plant a fall feast for pollinators

Create a spectacular autumn floral display by combining ‘Southern Cross’ ironweed with other summer- to fall-blooming partners. This plant combination provides nectar sources in autumn for migrating butterflies and other insects.

Growing conditions for this fall garden border with ironweed

The plants in this fall-peaking combination grow best in full sun. They'll tolerate dry conditions but will thrive with an inch of water per week during the hottest part of the summer.

Plant care tips

• Leave spent ‘Southern Cross’ ironweed flowers on the plant. This cultivar is not likely to reseed in the garden, but does provide a food source for birds. Cut stems back in early spring.
• Tall sedum flowers dry brown and can stay standing all winter, providing color and interest. Shear off the dried stems in early spring as new growth emerges.
• Zinnia blooms all summer until frost. Deadhead faded flowers only if you want to tidy up the plant. Pull up zinnia plants after a hard frost and compost them.
  

A) Ironweed (Vernonia‘Southern Cross’)
Perennial; purple flowers in late summer to early fall; full sun to part shade; 30 to 36 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9

B) Tall sedum (Hylotelephium telephium ‘Purple Emperor’)
Perennial; pink flower clusters from midsummer to fall; purple-black foliage by summer; full sun; 12 to 15 in. tall and wide; cold hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9

C) Zinnia (Zinnia marylandica Zahara^™ Yellow)
Annual; yellow flowers from late spring to frost; full sun; 12 to 18 in. tall and wide

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