The coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) provides cheerful pink, white or purple daisy like flowers that start in midsummer. Hardiness and dimensions differ somewhat by species, but coneflowers usually prosper in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 through 9, and most achieve from 2 to 3-feet high and 1 1/2 to 3-feet broad. Butterflies are attracted by the nectar of the coneflower, and in the conclusion of the the summer season, its seed heads provide food for birds. The greatest companion crops with this perennial that is charming are sun- . Don’t confuse echinacea with rudbeckia — both are occasionally generally called coneflower, but rudbeckia is most frequently known as black-eyed Susan.

Bee Balm

Bee balm (Monarda spp.) is comparable in dimensions to the echinacea plant and also starts blooming in early to midsummer. Both fragrant foliage and its flowers exude a powerful minty scent. Bee balm’s tightly clustered extended-tubed blooms entice bees along with hummingbirds and butterflies. Just like the coneflower, bee balm makes an excellent cut flower topic. Popular bee balm cultivars contain Raspberry Wine – blooms, and Blue Stocking, with big violet- flowers. Bee balm is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9.

Tickseed

Tickseed (Coreopsis grandiflora) is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. This plant’s common name comes from its small black seeds, relished by smaller birds like finches. Tickseeds increase from 1 to 3-feet high and so are planted in the very front of the border. Tickseed’s dainty, finely cut foliage provides a helpful distinction to the coarser leaves of the coneflower. Interesting types contain Sun-Ray, with flowers that are double, and Early Sun Rise, with semi-double 2 inch flowers featuring darker heart disks and rays. At just one foot-high, Infant Sunlight is a dwarf choice with blooms of bright -yellow. As long as it’s kept deadheaded, flowers will be continually produced by a tickseed.

Sedum Autumn Joy

The pinkish blooms of Autumn Joy sedum (Sedum “Autumn Joy”) are one of the highlights of the fall garden, yet this plant’s desirable foliage contributes elegance and curiosity through the summer months too. Hardy sedum is just another perennial which is drought -resistant and unfussy about soil. In a mature height of 18 to 24-inches, the rounded type and fleshy leaves of Autumn Joy sedum produce a stylish foil when planted before the taller and much more narrow coneflower. Once its buds open, the sedum becomes a magnet for bees and butter flies.

Blazing Star

Blazing star (Liatris spicata), also also referred to as gayfeather, is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. Its 3- to 5-foot tall purple flowers rise from grasslike foliage and are of good use for offering a vertical accent in the backyard. The slender blooms seem from mid- to late-summer, and are beloved by flower arrangers and butterflies a like. Star buds have the routine of opening from your most effective of the stem.