Fire-resistant plant profiles: Perennials

Achillea species

Fernlike foliage in shades of green to gray. Long blooming and drought tolerant. Make nice cut or dried flowers. Native variety is A. millefolium (common yarrow), but this variety will spread, so it’s not recommended in the home ignition zone. Seed-propagated varieties will reseed easily and can become invasive. Cultivars that will not reseed include ‘Coronation Gold’, ‘Moonshine’ and ‘Red Velvet’.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 6–36 inches

Spread: 12–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Flowers: white, red, yellow or pink

Bloom time: May–September

Agastache species

A tall border perennial with grayish-green, mint-scented leaves. Produces beautiful, fragrant, tubular flowers. Blooms later in summer. Several varieties available; some are more cold hardy than others. Attracts hummingbirds. Dwarf varieties available.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to birds, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 24–30 inches

Spread: 15–18 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Flowers: Orange, pink, rose, blue

Bloom time: June–August

Allium cernuum

Native to North America. Easily grown, spreads by seeds and bulblets. Soil must be well drained, as this onion naturally grows in rocky soils. All parts of the plant are edible.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 12–18 inches

Spread: 3–6 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Flowers: pink/purple, white

Bloom time: June–August

Allium cristophii

Ornamental onion with 10-inch-diameter globe-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer. Foliage is small compared to other allium varieties. Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in fall. Can be used for dried or cut flowers. Remove spent blooms after they fade to prevent reseeding.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to butterflies
• Deer-resistant

Height: 12–24 inches

Spread: 6–18 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 5–8

Flowers: pink, purple

Bloom time: May-June

Allium ‘Globemaster’

A tall, showy perennial bulb featuring a 10-inch-round violet flowerhead. Remove spent flower when it fades. Can be used for both dried and cut flowers. Plant bulbs in late fall. This is a sterile variety that will not self-seed.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to butterflies and birds
• Deer-resistant

Height: 15–20 inches

Spread: 10–15 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Flowers: purple

Bloom time: June–August

Allium karataviense ‘Ivory Queen’

A short ornamental onion variety with ivory flowers. Plant bulbs in well-drained soil in fall. Works well in container gardens or rock gardens. Easy to grow. Remove spent blooms. Attracts hummingbirds.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to butterflies and birds
• Deer-resistant

Height: 7–10 inches

Spread: 8–12 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 5–9

Flowers: white/light pink

Bloom time: May–June

Allium schoenoprasum

A popular culinary herb with grasslike foliage and showy, globe-shaped, pink or purple flowers. Cut flowers back when done blooming to prevent spread.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attracts butterflies
• Deer-resistant

Height: 12–24 inches

Spread: 20–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Flowers: pink, purple

Bloom time: June–August

Aquilegia species

Dainty perennial with a spurred, trumpet-shaped flower. Foliage is grayish-green and shaped like a shamrock. Deadhead to encourage prolonged blooming. Partial shade for improved drought tolerance. Short lived but will reseed. A. formosa (western columbine) has a red and yellow bloom. Many cultivated varieties available. Attracts hummingbirds.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to butterflies and birds
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available.

Height: 10–36 inches

Spread: 10–12 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–8

Flowers: multiple colors

Bloom time: May–July

Armeria maritima

Clump-forming perennial with grasslike foliage. Flowers rise up above the mound with pink or white pom-pom-type flowers. Good for use in rock gardens.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available.

Height: 6–10 inches

Spread: 8–12 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Flowers: bright pink or white

Bloom time: May–June

Asclepias tuberosa

A showy, fragrant orange blooming perennially that tolerates dry, rocky soil. Pollinator-friendly plant that is a food source for monarch butterfly larvae. Attracts hummingbirds. Late to emerge in spring.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 1–2.5 feet

Spread: 1–1.5 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 3-9

Flowers: yellow/orange

Bloom time: June–August

Baptisia hybrid

Not to be confused with Amorpha fruticosa (false indigo bush), which is known to be invasive. A long-lived perennial with pealike flowers, a rounded growth habit (more shrublike) and interesting foliage. Used to make dye. Do not overwater. Host plant for the larvae of some butterfly species. Cultivars with blue, white or yellow flowers.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 3–4 feet / spread: 3–4 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 3–9

Flowers: dark blue, yellow, white

Bloom time: May–June

Bergenia cordifolia

Large, glossy, green leaves in summer that change to burgundy in fall. Bell-shaped flowers rise up on a spike.

• Moderate water use
• Full shade
• Deer-resistant

Height: 12–14 inches

Spread: 12–18 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–8

Flowers: pink, white, bell-shaped

Bloom time: May–June

Calochortus species

A delicate, tuliplike bulb native to the Western U.S. “Mariposa” is the Spanish word for butterfly and there are many species. Has a slender stem and narrow, bladelike, sparse foliage. One of the more popular species is C. nuttallii (Sego lily).

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to pollinators
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 4–20 inches

Spread: 1–3 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–7

Flowers: Purple, lavender, white

Bloom time: July–August

Carex species

These tidy, clump-forming, grasslike plants are semi-evergreen and work well in rock gardens or as edging. Foliage is flat in shades of green or variegated. Also does well in shade. Flowers are not showy. Avoid planting invasive species C. pendula (hanging sedge) and C. divulsa (grassland sedge).

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Deer-resistant

Height: 12–18 inches

Spread: 10–12 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–9

Coreopsis species

Either a short-lived or long-lived perennial, depending upon variety. Produces single and double daisylike flowers in various colors. Green foliage and wiry stems. Popular varieties include ‘Moonbeam’, ‘Zagreb’ and ‘Sunburst’.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to butterflies
• Deer-resistant

Height: 10–24 inches

Spread: 12–18 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–9

Flowers: golden yellow, light yellow, pink or red

Bloom time: June–October

Delphinium varieties

Popular for tall, upright growth habit and beautiful spiked flowers in various shades. Works well in a perennial border.

• Low water use
• Full sun to part shade
• Attractive to butterflies and birds
• Deer-resistant

Height: 1–7 feet

Spread: 1–3 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 3–7

Flowers: blue, purple, white
or pink

Bloom time: June–September

Dianthus species

Green or grayish-green foliage covered with blooms. Clump­-forming growth habit. Some varieties are fragrant. Cultivars include ‘Firewitch’ and ‘Tiny Rubies’. Nice addition to rock gardens.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to butterflies
• Deer-resistant

Height: 2–12 inches

Spread: 6–16 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–9

Flowers: pink, white, red or yellow

Bloom time: May–August

Dicentra formosa

A great shade-loving, native perennial with fernlike or showy foliage and spectacular, heart-shaped flowers. Attracts hummingbirds. D. spectabilis (bleeding heart) and D. eximia ‘Alba’ (fringed bleeding heart, white flowers) are also popular in gardens. Remove brown spent foliage once done blooming.

• Low water use
• Full shade
• Attractive to butterflies and birds
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 6-12 inches

Spread: 12–36 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Flowers: pink

Bloom time: March–May

Echinacea purpurea

A popular perennial herb with large, daisylike flowers in various colors. Late blooming. Makes a good cut or dried flower. Provides color in late season. Some varieties are more cold-hardy than others.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 2–3 feet

Spread: 1.5–2 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 3–8

Flowers: purple, pink or white

Bloom time: July–September

Epilobium canum (syn. Zauschneria)

A showy, scarlet-blooming perennial with silvery gray foliage also known as Hummingbird flower. Provides mid- to late-summer color in the landscape. May self-seed. Less hardy in colder climates.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to butterflies and birds
• Deer-resistant

Height: 4–18 inches

Spread: 2–3 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 8-10

Flowers: red

Bloom time: July–September

Erigeron linearis

A native of several Western states, this low-growing perennial has narrow leaves and golden, daisylike flowers in summer. Works well in dry areas and rock gardens.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 2-12 inches

Spread: 24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 5–8

Flowers: white, yellow

Bloom time: May–July

Gaillardia varieties

Grayish-green foliage and daisylike flowers in various colors. Very drought tolerant. May be short-lived. Long-blooming perennial; keep deadheaded for continuous bloom. Fuzzy, round seedheads follow flowering.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to butterflies
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 8–36 inches

Spread: 12–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–10

Flowers: red petals tipped in gold, all gold or burgundy, with reddish-brown centers

Bloom time: June–September

Geranium cinereum or Geranium striatum

Dwarf, semi-evergreen with gray-green foliage, a mounding growth habit and attractive blooms in summer. Works well as a groundcover or in rock gardens. Avoid planting invasive species G. lucidum (shiny leaf geranium), G. robertianum (herb Robert), G. dissectum (cutleaf geranium), G. columbinum (longstalk cranesbill) and G. molle (dovefoot geranium).

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Deer-resistant

Height: 4–6 inches

Spread: 10–12 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–9

Flowers: pinks, white, magenta

Bloom time: June–July

Geum triflorum

This low-maintenance prairie wildflower blooms with spring, nodding pink flowers, feathery green leaves and unique pink feathery seedheads. Works well as a ground cover.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to butterflies
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 3–4 inches

Spread: 6-12 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–6

Flowers: pink

Bloom time: May–June

Helianthemum nummularium

A moundlike growth habit with gray-green foliage and delicate flowers. Prefers dry, more alkaline soils. Works well in rock gardens.

• Low water use
• Full sun

Height: 8–12 inches

Spread: 12–16 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–7

Flowers: red, pink, yellow, orange or multicolored

Bloom time: June–August

Hemerocallis species

A popular perennial that works well in borders or mass plantings. Long, wide, grasslike foliage with mounding growth habit. Large flowers bloom for one day, die and are replaced by new blooms the following day. Many flower colors available. Better flower presentation with additional moisture. Blossoms are edible.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to butterflies
• Deer-resistant

Height: 1–4 feet

Spread: 1–3 feet

USDA hardiness zones: 3–9

Flowers: white, yellow, pink, red, gold or mixed colors

Bloom time: July–August

Heuchera sanguinea

A showy perennial with dark green, maroon, reddish or gold foliage with scalloped edges. Flower stalks rise above the foliage and produce delicate blooms. Performs best in light shade. Best with east-facing exposure. Several native and many cultivated varieties available. Attracts hummingbirds.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to birds

Height: 12–20 inches

Spread: 12–15 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–8

Flowers: red, white or pink

Bloom time: June–September

Hosta species

A shade perennial with attractive foliage in various shades of green to bluish-green. Flower stalk rises above the leaves with a fragrant, bell-shaped flower. Many cultivars available.

• Moderate water use
• Full shade
• Attractive to bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators

Height: 6–36 inches

Spread: 20–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–8

Flowers: purple, lavender or white

Bloom time: July–August

Hylotelephium herbstfreude

Previously known as Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’. One of the easiest, more drought-tolerant perennials to grow in a garden. Fleshy, gray-green foliage and rounded, tall growth habit. Provides winter interest.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to butterflies
• Deer-resistant

Height: 18–24 inches

Spread: 18–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–10

Flower color: pink

Bloom time: August–September

Iberis sempervirens

Spreading, mounding growth habit with dark green foliage. Produces a profusion of white flowers in early spring. Several varieties available, including the more cold-tolerant cultivar ‘Whiteout’. Prune lightly after flowering.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators

Height: 6–12 inches

Spread: 10–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–9

Flowers: white

Bloom time: May-June

Iris hybrids

Bluish-green, swordlike leaves. Large, sophisticated, fragrant flowers in every shade (often bicolor). Lift and divide individual clumps every three to four years to keep maintained. Makes a nice cut flower. Requires less water after bloom.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun
• Deer-resistant

Height: 16–30 inches

Spread: 14–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–10

Flowers: multi-colored

Bloom time: May–June

Kniphofia uvaria

Stiff, bluish-green, tufted, grasslike foliage. Unique flower clusters rise on spikes above the foliage. Attracts hummingbirds. Avoid planting west of the Cascades in Oregon.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to birds
• Deer-resistant

Height: 12–48 inches

Spread: 24–36 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–9

Flowers: orange, yellow, white or green; often multicolored

Bloom time: June–August

Lavandula species

Known for its attractive purple bloom, popular fragrance and dried flowers. Although it contains scented oils, this plant is slow to ignite if kept sufficiently watered and well-maintained. Has gray-green foliage. English and French lavender more hardy than Spanish varieties.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 12–24 inches

Spread: 24–28 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Flowers: purple, white, lavender; spikelike

Bloom time: July–August

Leucanthemum x superbum

Not to be confused with L. vulgare (oxeye daisy), which can be invasive. This is a nice late-summer-blooming perennial that requires little care and is drought tolerant. Makes a nice cut flower.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to butterflies and birds

Height: 12–36 inches

Spread: 12–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–9

Flowers: white

Bloom time: July–August

L. x longipetala or L. cotyledon

Western native with dark-green-leaved rosettes. Flower clusters rise above foliage. Easy to grow and drought tolerant. Good choice for rock gardens. Needs good drainage around crown and prefers some light shade. Native and cultivated varieties available. L. x longipetala (long-petaled lewisia) is more cold-hardy than L. cotyledon (Siskyou lewisia).

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Deer resistant
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 6–12 inches

Spread: 6–10 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–9

Flowers: pink, magenta, peach

Bloom time: April-June

Liatris sp.

A tall border perennial with spikelike blooms atop leafy, grasslike foliage. Cultivars include ‘Kobold’. Makes good cut flowers.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 12–36 inches

Spread: 8–15 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–8

Flowers: purple, pink, white

Bloom time: July–September

Lilium spp.

A showy fragrant flowering bulb in a variety of colors. Makes for good cut flowers. Prefer to have some shade at their base. ‘Stargazer’ is a popular variety.

• Low water use
• Full sun]
• Attractive to bees and butterflies and other pollinators

Height: 28–36 inches

Spread: 12–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–9

Flowers: multi-colored

Bloom time: June–August

Linum perenne

A native, self-sowing wildflower with delicate leaves and stems. Excellent in mass plantings or meadows. Remove spent blossoms to promote longer blooming, prevent reseeding and keep tidy.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to bees and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 12–20 inches

Spread: 12–14 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 2–8

Flowers: light blue or white

Bloom time: May–June

Lonicera species

Use a metal trellis and isolate plant from others. Attractive, fast-growing vines with fragrant, trumpet-shape flowers. Can be used for covering a fence or trellis in the intermediate zone. Attracts hummingbirds. Popular varieties include ‘Goldflame’, ‘Dropmore’ and ‘Major Wheeler’. Avoid planting invasive L. japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) west of the Cascades in Oregon.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Spread: 10+ feet

USDA hardiness zones: 4–9

Flowers: white, red, orange or yellow

Bloom time: July–September

Lupinus varieties

A tall, border perennial with dark green foliage and showy flowers. May need staking. May need to manage for aphids and powdery mildew. Native species in the Pacific Northwest.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 18–48 inches

Spread: 24–26 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–6

Flowers: multiple colors including blue, yellow, pink

Bloom time: May–July

Oenothera species

A long-bloming pernnial with a low-growing, trailing or more upright growth habit. Cup-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, white or pink. Good in rock gardens. Avoid planting potentially invasive species O. glazioviana (redsepal evening primrose).

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Deer-resistant

Height: 6–12 inches

Spread: 12–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–7

Flowers: lemon yellow, white or pink

Bloom time: June–October

Opuntia spp.

A large group of succulent plants in many shapes and sizes, often covered with spines. Winter-hardy cactus. Good for use in rock gardens. Select more cold-hardy varieties for the Pacific Northwest.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to butterflies
• Deer-resistant

Height: 3–48 inches

Spread: 3–48 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–9

Flowers: Purple, pink, red, yellow, white

Bloom time: May–July

Papaver orientale

An ornamental perennial with large, papery, cup-shaped flowers. Interesting capsule-type seedpods follow flowering.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Deer-resistant

Height: 24–36 inches

Spread: 12–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–7

Flowers: orange, white, red, pink or purple with dark centers

Bloom time: June–July

Penstemon species

Excellent perennial for a dry garden. Available in several varieties and flower colors. Great specimen plant. There are large numbers of native and cultivated species. Attracts hummingbirds. Some are deer-resistant but not all.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to butterflies and birds
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 4–48 inches

Spread: 6–36 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–8

Flowers: pink, purple, blue, red or white

Bloom time: June–August

Phlox paniculata varieties

Tall, upright-blooming perennial in various flower colors and dark green foliage. Flowers are fragrant and make good cut flowers. Select powdery mildew resistant varieties such as ‘David’ (white blossoms). Attracts hummingbirds.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators

Height: 24–36 inches

Spread: 12–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4-8

Flowers: multiple colors

Bloom time: July–August

Polemonium spp.

Fragrant, cobalt blue flowers in late spring/early summer. This perennial thrives in part shade and prefers morning sun. Rapidly spreading groundcover in some parts of the country but not invasive in the Pacific Northwest.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 12-18 inches

Spread: 16–18 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3-8

Flowers: blue

Bloom time: April–June

Polygonatum commutatum

Grown primarily for its attractive architectural form and foliage. Produces white hanging bell-shaped flowers that provide nectar and pollen for bees. Attracts hummingbirds.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Attractive to birds, bees and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 36–42 inches

Spread: 24–36 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–9

Flowers: white

Bloom time: May to June

Pulsatilla patens

The leaves and stems are unique in that they are covered with long silky hairs. One of the earliest spring-blooming flowers with a purple bloom and unique fluffy seed head. Some varieties of pasque flower are deer-resistant but not all.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to bees and other pollinators

Height: 8–12 inches

Spread: 6–10 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–7

Flowers: purple

Bloom time: March–April

Ratibida columnifera

Tall, upright flowers with lacy, green foliage. Petals grow downward away from the tall center flower disk. Biennial. Remove spent flowers to prolong blooming. Seeds are a food source for some songbirds.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 18–24 inches

Spread: 12–18 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Flowers: yellow or red, with distinct tall center

Bloom time: July–October

Rudbeckia fulgida or Rudbeckia hirta

This attractive late-season perennial is low maintenance, easy to grow, and makes for good cut flowers. R. fulgida is perennial and R. hirta is biennial.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to butterflies and birds
• Deer-resistant

Height: 18-24 inches

Spread: 24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–9

Flowers: golden yellow, with a black center

Bloom time: June–September

Salvia sylvestris

Formal, spiky perennial. Deadhead to encourage a second bloom. ‘Caradonna’ has dark purple stems. Cultivars that should not reseed include ‘East Friesland’, ‘May Night’, ‘Marcus’ and ‘Blue Hill’. Native S. dorrii (purple sage) has a more shrublike form and attracts hummingbirds. Avoid planting invasive species S. aethiopis (Mediterranean sage), S. sclarea (clary sage) and S. pratensis (meadow sage).

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant
• Native species and cultivars available

Height: 18–28 inches

Spread: 20–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–8

Flowers: purple

Bloom time: June–August

Saxifraga x arendsii

Also called mossy rockfoil. Unique, finely dissected, bright-green foliage with dainty flowers rising above the tufts. Nice addition in a rock or alpine garden. Foliage is semi-evergreen. Several cultivars available.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Deer-resistant

Height: 3-8 inches

Spread: 3–12 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–7

Flowers: pink, red, white

Bloom time: May–June

Scutellaria species

Low-growing groundcover with a nice, mounding growth habit. Works well in a rock garden and in containers. Has a long bloom time. Varieties include ‘Dark Violet’, and ‘Smoky Hills’. There are some native varieties. Some are deer-resistant.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant
• Native species and cultivars available.

Height: 6–10 inches

Spread: 10–15 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 5–8

Flowers: purple, yellow, pink

Bloom time: May–September

Solidago spp.

Showy blossoms in late summer. Food source for bees and butterflies. A note of interest: Solidago species do not cause allergies, as some may think, and are likely confused with ragweed. Select lower-growing species for a fire-wise landscape such as ‘Little Lemon’ (10–12 inches). Other nice selections include ‘Golden Fleece’ and ‘Fireworks’. Some native varieties include S. canadensis (Canadian goldenrod) and S. multiradiata (Rocky Mountain goldenrod).

• Moderate water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 28–32 inches

Spread: 18–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–8

Flowers: Yellow

Bloom time: July–September

Sphaeralcea munroana

A Western native with unique orange blossoms and silver-green foliage. Often will bloom twice in one season. Low maintenance and grows in most soil types.

• Low water use
• Full sun
• Attractive to bees and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 36–42 inches

Spread: 20–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–9

Flowers: orange

Bloom time: June–August

Stachys byzantina

Grown for its soft, silvery-gray leaves and spikes of lavender-pink flowers. Foliage provides contrast in the landscape. Varieties include ‘Helen Von Stein’, which has a big leaf, and ‘Silver Carpet’, which has a low growth habit and is nonblooming, so it will not reseed.

• Low water use
• Full sun to partial shade
• Deer-resistant

Height: 12–15 inches

Spread: 12–36 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4-8

Flowers: Lavender-pink

Bloom time: May-July

Symphyotrichum species

A tall perennial with ray-type flowers in shades of blue, purple, red, pink and white. Adds color to the late summer garden. New England varieties are popular. Native species is Douglas aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum), which may self-seed.

• Moderate water use
• Full sun to part shade
• Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant
• Native species or cultivars available

Height: 2–3 feet

Spread: 1–2 feet

USDA hardiness zone: 3–8

Flowers: multiple colors

Bloom time: August–October

Thalictrum fendleri

A Western native (at 5,000 feet or above) with delicate, bluish-green, fernlike foliage related to columbine. Performs best in morning sun and afternoon shade. Low maintenance. Unique, pendantlike flowers with green, white or purplish sepals.

• Low water use
• Full shade
• Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators
• Native species and cultivars available

Height: 12–24 inches

Spread: 20–24 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 3–9

Flowers: white, green, purple

Bloom time: March-June

Tradescantia occidentalis

A unique perennial with continuous bloom and grasslike foliage. Allow leaves to die back to the ground after it is done blooming, then remove them. Plant may self-sow. Can look unkept midseason.

• Low water use
• Full sun to part shade
• Attractive to bees and other pollinators
• Deer-resistant

Height: 12–24 inches

Spread: 10–12 inches

USDA hardiness zones: 4–9

Flowers: blue to purplish

Bloom time: June–July