A Drought-Resistant Flower

• The dainty cup-shaped cupflower blooms a long time. Its blossoms appear in spring and last through the fall. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10, but gardeners living farther north can also plant it as an annual. The cupflower consists of a mound that produces colorful white and purplish flowers. Problems with pests and disease are minimal, and the plant is drought resistant. Even though it prefers full sun, the cupflower's blooms do not fade when exposed to long periods of intense sunlight. Different varieties of the plant reach different heights ranging from 6 to 18 inches.
  
  

A Plant for Borders

• Bees love the golden yellow color of the Achillea, also known as the yarrow plant. This hardy perennial has a cultivar named Coronation Gold that won an "Award of Garden Merit" by Britain's Royal Horticultural Society, the BBC reports. It is a traditional border plant, and it makes a good ground plant for island beds as well. Its flowers consist of small beads that rest upon tall, green stems. It has a long blooming period from June to September, and it is not invasive. The yarrow grows best in full sun and makes a great cutting plant.
  
  

A Treat for Hummingbirds

• The nasturtium plant draws hummingbirds who visit to drink its nectar. This South American native has large, multicolored blossoms that may remind you of peaches. These blossoms come in many colors such as crimson, yellow and pink. The plant's leaves are also large and reach diameters of up to 5 inches. Nasturtiums are so easy to grow that children can manage them. Grow the plants in light, sandy soil and give them full sun or partial shade. Regular watering helps them healthy, and they handle drought conditions moderately well.
  
  

A Shade-Loving Favorite

• "Hostas are easy-care perennials," notes Don Janssen of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. Also known as plantation lilies, these hardy garden favorites add a stately shade of green or blue to any environment. A hosta has large, oval leaves that rest upon a clump that forms the plant's foundation. With hundreds of varieties available, there is probably one that fits your landscaping needs. Hostas also produce colorful spring flowers during the summer. Some flowers may be fragrant. Hosta plants need plenty of moisture and grow best in partial shade.