African daisy (Arctotisspp.) is a tough annual native to South Africa. These plants have silvery gray foliage that perfectly sets off their colorful flowers. Bill Holt. The blooms can last a long time in mild climates. The plants are hardy in Zones 9-11. Where to Plant African Daisy African daisieswork well in containersand borders. Credit: Denny Schrock They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. When deciding where to plant African daisy, remember its flowers close up at night....

Grass-like foliage and white flowers almost all season long make this sturdy plant a great groundcover for warm climates. Call on vigorously growing African iris to add color and texture to tough landscaping areas. This plant from South Africa stands up to heat, drought, and neglect. African iris is also a dependable addition to any rock or woodland garden. Dig a furrow about two inches deep and 6 inches wide....

This species boasts some of the largest blooms in the marigold family. African marigolds have long been planted aseasy-to-grow annualsrequiring little maintenance. Even without the blooms, they have attractive deep green foliage. Credit: Laurie Dickson Where to Plant African Marigold African marigoldsgrow in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 11. These large pom-pom blooms are perfect for garden beds, path edges, and containersespecially where sunlight is plentiful. Choose an area that is sunny and protected from strong winds with well-draining, fertile soil....

Agapanthus adds the perfect splash of blue to the landscape during summer and fall. Agapanthus has strappy green leaves that add texture to beds, borders, and containers. Many varieties have foliage that is small and grasslike. Credit: Karlis Grants Other varieties have larger, straplike foliage (much like daylilies). Several varieties of agapanthus are available with green variegated foliage with a cream or white stripe down the edge. Agapanthus blossoms appear in clusters at the tips of blooming stems....

Add color and attract pollinators with a lovely, aromatic mint relative that blooms throughout summer into fall. Agastacheis a group of hard-working perennials, most of which are heat and drought-tolerant. They are showy and long-blooming plants with spikes of flowers atop tall, herbaceous stalks. Credit: Marty Baldwin Their foliage is also fragrant, with scents of licorice and mint. There are more than 30 species in the agastache group, most native to North America....

Plant the annual ageratum for its stunning purplish-blue blooms that appear all season long until frost. Ageratum is a classic garden annual and one of thebest annuals for cutting. It also offers a rare color in the flower world: blue, perfect for patriotic plantings. Tom McWilliam. Ageratum can also be found in several shades of pink, purple, and white. No matter the color, these blooms are very popular with pollinators....

This low-maintenance flowering groundcover comes in a wide variety of foliage colors and forms a thick carpet. As spring transitions into summer. ajuga is covered in little spikes of bright blue, purple, pink, or white blossoms. Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova Ajuga is a vigorous grower whose rosettes send out plenty of wandering stolons. The common name, carpetweed, however, is misleading. BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova Where to Plant Ajuga Ajuga is hardy inUSDA Zones 310....

Akebiais a large deciduousperennial vinethat can be grown in either sun or shade. In spring, this plant shows off delicate purple or white flowers that smell of chocolate. Give akebia asturdy supportit grows large and heavy at maturity and may crush small structures. If springtime flowers are pollinated, akebia may produce edible, sausage-shape fruits. The vine usually needs a different variety planted nearby to produce fruit. Though edible, the fruit is not particularly tasty....

Learn to grow blooms that look like they were plucked right out of a Dr. Seuss book. These perennial plants have a lot to offer as additions to your spring and fall garden. The hardiness varies with the species and cultivar; most alliums are hardy in Zones 4-9. Mark Kane. Allium is toxic to pets.Some species, likeAllium giganteum,are also toxic to humans. Where to Plant Allium For the most blooms, plant alliums infull sun....

Enjoy these flavorful berries from your own garden, all summer long. Alpine strawberries(Fragaria vesca)also called wild or woodland strawberriesare big bursts of flavor in tiny packages. Best of all, theyre easy to grow in a suitable site. Credit: Peter Krumhardt They need a location with rich, well-draining soil. Before planting, add compost and a slow-release organic fertilizer to the soil. Space the plants 12 to 18 inches apart. Credit:Rob Cardillo...

These long-lasting cut flowers come in an abundance of colors. Edward Gohlich The cut flower of all cut flowers, alstroemeria is a staple flower formixed bouquets. The flowers of the alstroemeria are so interesting and diverse that they are often likened to orchid flowers. Credit:Edward Gohlich There is a huge variety of color combinations to choose from. including multicolored varieties with brushstrokes of color. The center three petals on these beautiful blooms feature streaks and speckles that are almost reminiscent of whiskers....

This perennial plant with bottlebrush-like flowers Is a great addition to a native garden. It is listed as a threatened or endangered species in nine U.S. States. The upright, tall, bottlebrush-like flower spikes are white or pale green and appear from August through October. Credit:Marty Baldwin The foliage turns reddish-yellow in the fall, contrasting beautifully with the flower spikes. Burnet can also be used to fill in open spaces at the base of taller perennials....

You’ll be cracking your own hazelnuts in no time. American hazelnuts (Corylus americana) are tree-like shrubs that produce an abundance of sweet, easy-to-crack nuts. The American hazelnut is deciduous and produces unusual-looking flowers before the leaves emerge in spring. Credit:PhoThoughts / Getty Images Both male and female flowers appear on each shrub. Male flowers appear in elongated clusters called catkins, similar to those ofbirch trees. The female flowers that produce the edible nuts are much less noticeable and mostly hidden by the buds....