DENVER — You're missing out if you're not growing these great plants.
Hardy hibiscus really is tough and easy to grow. The flowers are huge. The variety shown is 'Starry, Starry Night' and has pale pink flowers with darker centers held above mahogany leaves.
Rudbeckia laciniata is a native of the tall grass prairies. It can grow over six feet tall and displays big gold flowers. If kept deadheaded, this member of the black-eyed Susan family will keep blooming through fall.
Tall garden phlox blooms in pretty shades of pink, lavender, coral or white. The flowers have a mild, sweet scent. It's very easy to grow and long-lived.
Tropical salvias may be pink, red, blue or purple. No matter the color, they are hummingbird magnets. Because they're not hardy, I grow them in pots and bring them indoors in fall. They're not houseplants but will survive in a cool, sunny spot.
More Proctor's Garden
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