Zonal geraniums deliver reliable color from late winter through the heat of summer without demanding much in return. These compact plants pack enough bloom power to fill a bed or brighten a porch by themselves, and they'll keep flowering even when the thermometer climbs.

Deadhead spent flowers to push out more, and water when the soil dries out—that's really all they ask. Full sun suits them best, though they'll tolerate afternoon shade during our hottest stretches.