Geranium
Geraniumsare many gardeners' go-to annual.
For optimal performance, water andfertilizeregularly.
Sedum
A versatile group of outdoor plants,sedumsrange from short groundcovers to midsize clumping plants.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
This perennial tolerates a spectrum of light conditions from dappled sun to part sun.
Coloration includes pure green, yellow-green variegation, blue-gray, and more.
Pollinators also love the tiny flowers.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Several varieties, including ‘Wine & Roses’ and the ‘Sonic Bloom’ collections, have rebloom abilities.
This outdoor plant thrives in full or partial sun and blooms in spring and summer.
Mint
Mintis a rugged perennial herb ideal for the beginner gardener.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Verbena
Verbenais a plant that stuns with height and color all summer long.
The ‘Imagination,’ a perennial variety, is particularly hardyit survives in the hottest, driest conditions.
For intense color, look for the variety ‘Blackie,’ which has deep purple foliage.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Coleus
Another outdoor plant that thrives in shady conditions iscoleus.
These annuals are known for their showy foliage, which comes in plain green and wild reds.
Overwinter coleus by bringing it indoors, enjoying the annual as a colorful houseplant during cold months.
Credit: Greg Ryan
Scaevola also adds color to a yard as a groundcover planting, and it’s drought-tolerant.
Typically after a single planting, these perennials return for years to come.
There are dozens of cultivars with different colors, patterns, and heights.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Select a few for a pretty variety within your garden.
Pentas
If you’re looking for outdoor plants to attract butterflies, choosepentas.
The clusters of star-shaped blooms come in shades of pink, red, and white.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
Plant this annual in your garden or containersthey’ll thrive either way.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Oakleaf hydrangeais a hardy shrub with cone-shaped clusters of delicate white flowers.
Dianthus
Dianthusis a signature cottage garden plant.
Credit: Denny Schrock
It thrives in cool temperatures, making spring and fall its most showy seasons.
The darling pink flowers have a fringed look that boasts beauty in the garden and bouquets, but beware.
Coreopsis
Don’t let the sunny flowers ofcoreopsisfool youthis plant is as tough as it is low-maintenance.
Credit: Rob Cardillo Photography
It loves ample full sun for maximum blooms, though it tolerates light shade too.
Coreopsis is a fantastic choice for beds, borders, and containers with well-draining soil.
The plant grows well in prairies and other environments with gravelly or sandy soil.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Salvia
Gardeners looking for easy-to-grow plants with long-lasting blooms will adoresalvia.
Most varieties are drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, and their abundance of nectar attracts charming pollinators like hummingbirds.
Also known as carpetweed and bugleweed, ajuga spreads vigorously for dense groundcover in shady areas.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
The hardy plant is a perennial, which makes it even more appealing to gardeners who prefer low-maintenance selections.
Beautiful as it is, do be aware that caladium is toxic to humans and pets.
The metallic Myanmar native isn’t fussy, growing well in both northern and southern climates.
Credit: Cynthia Haynes
It’s often grown as aheat-tolerant annualbut can be overwintered indoors as well.
Agave
Ed Gohlich
Agave is an excellent choice for gardeners in desert climates or with drought-prone backyards.
There are many varieties of the low-water succulent, and quite a few offer variegated foliage.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Some even boastsilver foliagefor a unique glowing effect within the landscape.
Sea Thrift
Low-growingsea thriftis a charming addition to any garden, but especially those with sandy soil.
Lobelia
Lobeliais a dainty delight in shady backyards.
With delicate purple-blue flowers, the plant adds a beautiful pop of color to any garden plot or planter.
The shaggy, round plants love moist, shady conditions and are quite tough despite their delicate-looking leaves.
Come fall, the arching fronds turn a coppery color for unique visual interest for nearly the entire year.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
North Carolina State University Extension.
North Carolina State University Extension.
North Carolina State University Extension.
Coreopsis Grandiflora ‘Heliot’.Credit: Photo Courtesy of Fleuroselect. Used with Permission.
North Carolina State University Extension.
Credit: Matthew Benson
Credit: Kindra Clineff
Credit: Justin Hancock
Credit:Nora Carol Photography / Getty Images
Credit:Lowe’s
Credit:Ed Gohlich
Credit: Justin Hancock
Japanese forest grass, hakonechloa.Credit: Flickr member Megan E. Hansen
