Coneflowers

Coneflowers are hardy native plants that grow well in relatively lean soil and can tolerate a range of growing conditions as long as they receive plenty of sun. In North America, there are nine native varieties of coneflowers, including the ever-popular purple coneflower and the yellow-bloomed prairie coneflower. Aside from these natives, there are lots of other hybrids to experiment with, including plants with orange, pink, red, and white petals.

Astilbe

Astilbe are attractive, spreading plants that add texture and interest to flower beds with their jagged leaves and tall spires of foamy flowers. Some growers plant astilbe in garden borders for extra color, but these plants can also be grown as weed-suppressing groundcovers. Just keep in mind that astilbe grows best in part shade and needs more water in full sun locations.

Sedums

Sedums come in different shapes and sizes, but they all produce fleshy, succulent leaves that help these plants withstand drought and summer planting. Tall ‘Autumn Joy’ sedums are especially prized for their large, fall-blooming flowers that often persist on the plant through winter; shorter, ground-covering sedums are ideal for small gardens and containers.

Lavender

Lavender is typically grown for its highly fragrant leaves, but these plants also attract pollinators and some varieties are edible, too. Like other Mediterranean herbs, lavender prefers full sun and relatively sandy soil, and it doesn’t do well in soggy locations. These plants can be fussy if they’re planted right before fall frosts, but they bounce back quickly when they're planted in spring or summer and watered well.

Asters

Like goldenrod, asters bloom later in the season and produce dainty, daisy-like flowers in eye-catching shades of pink, purple, white, and blue. With over 170 species of asters to choose from, you're sure to find a variety that’s perfect for your garden. Although most asters prefer full sun and well-draining soil, some varieties can tolerate soggier conditions and even some shade.

Catmint

Not to be confused with catnip, catmint is a long-blooming perennial plant with silvery-green leaves, purple flowers, and a fine fragrance that can perfume gardens and repel pests. Whether you plant it in spring, summer, or fall, catmint adapts readily to most soil types and grows well in sun or part shade.

Liatris

Liatris, or blazing star, plants have frilly, pinkish-purple flowers that come in a range of shapes, and slender, grass-like leaves that add interesting texture to any bed you plant them in. These perennials can be grown either from corms or nursery-started plants, and their nectar-filled flowers are magnets for pollinators.