From ground cover to tall flowers, there is a variety of this summer bloomer for every perennial border. Phloxis one of those dependable summer flowers any largesunny flowerbedor border shouldn’t be without. There are several different kinds of phlox. Credit: Marty Baldwin Garden and meadow phlox produce large panicles of fragrant flowers in a wide assortment of colors. They also add height, heft, and charm to a border. Tall garden phlox should be planted in full sun, whereas woodland phlox needspartial shadeto thrive....

Quiet ponds and wetlands are ideal growing spots for low-maintenance and easy-to-growpickerel weed(Pontederia cordata). The 6-inch-long flowers, which bloom from the bottom up, decorate the plant nonstop from summer through fall. Pickerel weed is pretty, but it is also practical. Credit: Lynn Karlin Whats more, pickerel weed is an emergent plant. These stems and leaves provide necessary shelter for fish and other aquatic animals. Before planting, loosen the soil in the area you wish to plant and soak your pickerel weed....

Drought-tolerant and heat-resistant pigeon peas are an easy-to-grow staple food, and they attract pollinators too. Pigeon peas can beused just like corn, and they are usually easier to grow andrequire less waterand fertilizer. Pigeon peas are also spectacular pollinator plants, making them awelcome addition to pollinator gardens. Credit:lynnebeclu / Getty Images For best results, start the seeds in potting soil. Use peat pots, which can be planted in the garden along with your seedlings....

These long-blooming perennials and in some cases, annuals have long been prized for their old-fashioned charm and versatility. They get their name from their interesting flowers that resemble little pincushions. For the most dramatic effect, plant them en masse to see the blooms dancing in the garden. Colorful Combinations The pincushion plant is a lovely perennial and makes a great companion to manygarden plants. Pincushion flowers grow best inwell-drained soilsand are reasonably tolerant of drought....

Plant pines in a location where they thrive, and you’ll enjoy decades of year-round color. Pines (Pinusspp.) These hardworking evergreens are particular about their growing environment. Select a species native to your region. A longleaf pine is native to the South and thrives in the heat there. Check with your local extension service or garden center to learn more about pines native to your area. Plant your tree in a sunny spot with well-draining soil....

The unusual-looking flowers resemble their namesake fruit. There are more than 10 species ofEucomiswith new hybrids becoming available every year. Above the flowers at the top of the flower spike sits a pineapple-like tuft of small leaves. Credit: Denny Schrock The leaves are wide and strappy. Count on pineapple lily to bloom for six weeks or more in summer. After the bloom, the flowers turn into showy seed capsules. Credit: Denny Schrock...

Pineapple sage is a flashy herb thats a must-have in pollinator gardens and herb beds. Denny Schrock Pineapple sage is a warm-weather-loving plant thats native to Mexico and Guatemala. Pineapple Sage Care Tips Pineapple sage is a late bloomer, but its worth the wait. Credit:Denny Schrock However, pineapple sage can also tolerate some light afternoon shade, particularly in the hottest weather. The plant grows well in average humidity of 40-50 percent....

Add an unusual, delicious fruit to the garden with blueberry Pink Lemonade. In spring,Pink Lemonade blueberryblooms with small, bell-shaped, pinkish-to-white flowers. It generally produces one larger first crop and then more fruit continuously until about October. Credit: Kritsada Panichgul Ready-to-harvest clusters may still be green on the undersides. This cultivar also makes a great container plant if you don’t have acidic soil. Blueberries benefit from cross-pollination, so grow Pink Lemonade blueberries along with other blueberry varieties for the best crops....

While technically called drupes, pistachio nuts have been a favorite food for thousands of years. While it’s possible, you probably wouldn’t want to because of the variability of the resulting tree. Aside from giving youpistachio nuts, the trees themselves are also attractive and fit well in the home landscape. Credit:GomezDavid / Getty Images Fortunately, only one male is necessary for upwards of eight female trees. Regions in the United States with a Mediterranean climate such as California are best for growing pistachios....

These carnivorous plants trap and kill insects by luring them into their trumpet-shaped pitchers. The insects tumble down into the pitcher, where they are trapped. Eventually, the insects die, and their nutrients are absorbed by the plant for nourishment through special cells. Wetland destruction and poaching have led to a dramatic decimation of pitcher plants in their native habitats. The plants grow from rhizomes and bloom for two to three weeks in the spring....

With its pretty foliage, plectranthus works well in the garden and as houseplants. Many plectranthus species are popular foliage plants, including coleus, Swedish ivy, and Cuban oregano. While some smell pleasant, others have a pungent scent when their foliage is crushed. Jeff McNamara. With many plectranthus plants, foliage takes center stage, adding texture to the garden space. An excellent and fast-growing bedding plant, plectranthus foliage adds color when flowering plants may not be in bloom....

This fast-growing, towering perennial has feathery flower clusters and large, scalloped leaves. This tall perennial combines a bold garden presence with delicate beauty. Feathery, creamy white flower clusters top this long-lived perennial for weeks beginning in midsummer. As they age, the flowers turn tawny brown with hints of pink. Count on the airy flower clusters to decorate the plant until the first frost. Flowers are complemented by large, scalloped leaves that resemble massive geranium foliage....

But its not just about the fruit. Pomegranates are suchattractive flowering shrubsthat theyre often grown solely as ornamentals or for landscaping. Some produce beautiful flowers for months. Credit:Ed Gohlich Others produce smaller, decorative berries (great for wreaths and flower arrangements). Dwarf options extend their use to smaller spots, pots, hedges, and evenbonsai. Ed Gohlich Because they usually dont require much care, pomegranates are ideal for beginners and hands-off gardeners. Credit:Denny Schrock...