GENE B. BUSSELL

Heat-Loving Flowers
There are plenty of easy blooms that are happy in hot weather and will give you just what you want--color. 'Knock Out' rose (pictured above) is one of the best. This shrub produces multitudes of cherry red blooms from spring through fall. For a big show, plant three or five en masse. Tip: Save money by buying this plant in a smaller 1-gallon size; it grows fast.

Want some other options? Lantana is a favorite and looks great in flowerbeds and containers. Choose from a range of colors that include white, pink, purple, yellow, and orange. Accent the petals with colorful foliage. Heat-loving purple heart (Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea') and chartreuse 'Cuban Gold' duranta are some bright choices to consider.

Low-growing Profusion Hybrid zinnias provide an ample show of color with blooms in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and white. Look for some of the great new purple coneflower hybrids including yellow-blooming 'Sunrise' and orange-flowering 'Sunset.' Complement these choices with 'Goldsturm' yellow coneflower to create a warm welcome for friends and family. Verbenas, such as rose-colored 'Saint Paul' and 'Homestead Purple,' are also reliable favorites and love to be in the sunshine--just like you.