A plant pro reveals his top 5 picks.
Colorful Gerbera Daisies
Why do these bright and cheery daisies land a spot at the top of the list? According to Justin Hancock, they're "perfect for cutting in vases and adding tons of cheer to the front yard." Better yet, they'll bloom in all types of weather. "Some varieties can be a little fussy, but Garvinea varieties bloom nonstop in all types of weather (whether it’s 40 or 100 degrees)."
Beautiful, Flowering Mandevilla
Mandevilla is our favorite type of outdoor plant: the type you can just plant and then forget about. "It blooms nonstop, with trumpet-shaped flowers of red, pink, or white, and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Mandevilla holds up to heat and drought, plus deer and rabbits don’t eat it," says Hancock. If you have a fence or trellis in the front yard, opt for the climbing variety, or if not, choose the mounding variety that typically stays under 15 inches tall.
Hardy Hosta
If your yard is surrounded by large trees, consider hosta, a tried-and-true favorite for shaded spots. There are hundreds or varieties available, so search around for one that fits your home's style. "Miniature varieties grow only a few inches across; giant types can grow to 6 feet tall and wide at maturity. Look for varieties with blue, chartreuse, or green leaves, often variegated with white or gold," recommends Hancock.
Vibrant Blooming Pentas
"Pentas is a tropical perennial grown as an annual in most areas. Thanks to its tropical roots, it continues blooming nonstop, even as the mercury soars and humidity makes going outside uncomfortable." Basically, it's the ultimate plant when you want to enjoy blooms even during the hottest days of summer. And good news for those who live in areas that never experience frost: this option will bloom all year long.
Hardy, Dramatic Hibiscus
If you're looking for big, dramatic (up to 12-inch-wide!) blooms, you've met your match. Hanock suggests looking for perennial hibiscus varieties in shades of red, pink, or white. "It loves heat, tolerates drought, and doesn’t mind wet soil, either," making it the ideal plant for a hot and dry climate.
