TOP 10 PERENNIALS TO REVIVE SUMMER WEARY GARDENS

Toad Lily
(Tricyrtus hirta)Although petite (about the size of a walnut), the orchid-like blooms of this Asian beauty are plentiful, nestled atop the plant?s graceful stems. Plant it near the front of borders or in containers where you can more easily admire the white, mauve or yellow blooms. Favorite varieties include ?Miyazaki?, with its arching stems of purple-speckled flowers, and ?White Towers?, which sports pure white blooms.USDA zones: 4 to 9 (find your zone)
Light requirement: Full to partial shade (requires more shade in Southern areas)
Water requirement: Plant performs best in humus-rich soil that retains moisture. Tolerates wet soil.
Mature size: 1 foot to 3 feet

Jay Sifford Garden Design

Russian Sage

(Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Tall, shrubby Russian sage is a versatile, drought-tolerant and super-low-maintenance stunner that will bloom up to 15 weeks even in hot, sunny sites. It?s especially nice planted beside pathways where its fragrant flowers can be appreciated. Or use it to bring height, color and texture to a late-summer border. Great companion plantings include daylily, salvia, dianthus, Japanese anemone, boltonia, orange coneflower and sedum.
USDA zones: 4 to 9
Water requirement: Drought tolerant
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 3 to 5 feet

Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

Blanket Flower
(Gaillardia x grandiflora)Named for its resemblance to the vivid woven blankets of the American Southwest, this flower cloaks the garden in yellow, burgundy or rich red from midsummer into fall. Blanket flower prefers fertile, well-drained soil, but it will tolerate poor, dry soil once established. Deadhead to keep the flowers coming. The dwarf, compact ?Goblin? cultivar is a favorite with its showy flowers and incredible bloom time. ?Burgundy? is another excellent choice that stands 2 to 3 feet tall with deep red flowers.USDA zones: 3 to 10
Water requirement: Drought tolerant
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 1 foot to 3 feet