These tough, flowering, drought-tolerant perennials will hold their own when summer heat and drought kick in.
Their beautiful blooms will keep on coming even through a spell of dry weather.
Most also attract pollinators butaren’t favorites of deer and rabbits.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Yarrow
Yarrow tolerates heat like a champ, and this easy-growingdrought-tolerant perennialis also a great cut flower.
Plus, deer, rabbits, andmost other pests won’t touch it.
Since yarrow can quickly proliferate through self-seeding, it’s a good choice for container planting.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Its flamboyant flowers are usually marked with bright shades of red and yellow.
Most varieties of blanket flowers offer excellent hardiness andnonstop bloomsthat attract pollinators.
Choose nursery-grown plants for quick blooms since planting from seeds can take two years for flowers to appear.
Credit: David Speer
Grow your garden withstem cuttingsfrom your existing blooms for budget-friendly blooms.
Thisdrought-tolerant perennialattracts tons of hummingbirds and also makes apretty cut flower.
Agastache has a sweet, herbal aroma, so they’re perfect for herb and butterfly gardens.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Plant them along the edges to deter hungry deer and rabbits.
Taller varieties are great for the back of the border.
Plus, it’s a drought-resistant perennial.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Because of its velvety leaf texture, bush sage isn’t eaten by deer.
What’s not to love?
This drought-resistant perennial plant is also a favorite of pollinators and will helpattract butterfliesand hummingbirds to your garden.
Credit: Jerry Pavia
Cut the stems back when they turn brown, and meadow sage may rebloom.
Plant in groups of three or more to get the best effect of meadow sage.
The best types to grow in gardens are English lavender, lavendin, and French lavender.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Its interesting blooms are perfect for drying and use in dried-flower projects and other crafts.
Plus, it’s a cinch to grow with littlewatering.
Grow globe thistle withcomplementary yellowcoreopsis or yarrow, or create a monochromatic look by pairing it with purple coneflower.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Or, if you leave them in the garden, they’ll attract scores of butterflies.
These sun-loving blooms will grow well in containers.
It’s not just a one-season wonder, though.
In autumn, its foliage turns brilliant shades of goldenough torival many treeswhen they put on their fall finery.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Randall Schieber
Credit: Stephen Cridland
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Credit: Denny Schrock
