Top Plants for Summer Color

These are a staple of Mediterranean-style garden. These statuesque mint family members bear tall stems (up to about 4 feet in height) set with widely-spaced, hooded yellow flowers on roughly spherical inflorescences. The thick, typically furry or hairy, grayish-green leaves can range from lance-shaped to narrow heart-shaped; the velvet coating helps preserve moisture. They pair well with red hot poker (Kniphofia ‘Bressingham Comet’) and creeping rosemary, both aesthetically and in their requirements: well-drained soils and full sun.

This floribunda rose bears red blossoms.

The sunny hues of this Mediterranean perennial complement the violet-blue spikes of catmint (Nepeta).

A vigorous white rose, it blooms in huge clusters.

Calamagrostis x acutiflora has a vertical growth habit and showy seed heads.

The bronzy red Japanese barberry colors up best in full sun.

A cluster from the Strombergs’ vineyards shows the seeded, pearl-size grapes in various stages of ripeness.

Like the rest of the sunflower family, these bright yellow summer flowers bloom all season long on little water.

A pretty, midsize (2 ft.) grass explodes with showy pink to white plumes.

Dense summer flowers cluster on sturdy stems rising above bright green leaves. Blooms start out blush-colored, aging to coppery pink, then rust as weather cools. Pretty beside asters.

Yellow foliage distinguishes this heathlike shrub with tiny pink flowers.

Deep violet-blue summer flowers cluster atop plants that grow 3 to 4 ft. tall.

Rustic fountains help make Mediterranean-style plantings look at home among California's golden hills. Because water is a precious resource, using it respectfully in the garden is a tradition. Something lavish would have been out of character in this drought-tolerant landscape.

'Paprika' yarrow and 'Walker's Low' catmint edge a secluded seating area. Every drop of rain that falls in this thirsty part of the country ought to go in the land. That’s one reason gravel, vs. non-permeable paving, was used throughout the garden.

Fine-textured plants such as grasses reflect the sun brilliantly. Because they are used extensively in this garden, the whole landscape seems to dance with light. The garden acknowledges that blond is the natural color of summer in California. The tawny flower plumes of Calamagrostis x acutiflora (feather reed grass) match the amber hues of the hills.

In a hot climate, planted pots are hard to maintain, but empty ones look great.

The best way to enjoy the sun is from a shaded location. These mature oaks shelter outdoor living areas. Swing seating under an oak is inviting on warm days.