Chaste Tree – This heat-lover blooms with fragrant purple flowers that resemble lilacs in color and shape. White and pink flowering varieties are also available. Fast growing up to 20 plus feet.
Crepe Myrtle – Take your pick of bloom colors – pink, red, lavender or white-on this hot-climate favorite that flowers in August. Foliage changes to brilliant color in fall before dropping. Heights vary.
Butterfly Bush – Aptly names, this fast-growing shrub fills a garden corner with color, fragrance and of course, butterflies. New varieties offer colors ranging from deep purple to white, as well as variegated foliage. Prune to shape.
Autumn Sage – The compact plants to 4 feet high send up stems lined with dainty flowers in shades of red, pink and white. Native to Mexico, autumn sage likes full sun (part shade in hottest areas).
Germander Sage – Tiny, brilliant cobalt blue flowers and silvery gray leaves make this a star year round. A Mexico native that stays under 2 feet tall. Stunning in the front of borders.
Globe Daisy – Powder-puff flowers and blue-dotted petals with deep blue centers bloom in the heat of summer through fall. Dark green leaves are evergreen. 1 to 2 feet tall.
Bulbine – The non stop bloomer bears petite spikes of lemon yellow flowers above fleshy bright green leaves. South African native forms clumps about a foot high and 2 to 3 feet wide. Likes dry well-drained soil.
