Salvia

Salvia nemorosa and hybrids
Zones 4–8Full sunDeer resistant
Purple salvia flower spikes blooming in a sunny perennial garden bed.

Perennial salvia blooms from late spring into fall in full sun and well-drained soil in zones 4 to 8, as long as you cut it back after each flush. Here is how to plant, prune and divide it, and the best varieties to grow.

Sedum

Sedum and Hylotelephium spp.
Zones 3–9Full sunDeer resistant
A dense mat of 'Angelina' sedum with bright chartreuse, needle-like leaves on trailing stems

Sedum thrives in full sun and lean, well-drained soil in zones 3 to 9, with late-season flowers for pollinators. Here is how to plant and care for it, the difference between upright and creeping types, and the best varieties to grow.