Phenomenal lavender throws up fat spikes of purple flowers all season long—a workhorse that doesn't quit from spring straight through fall frost. Plant it in full sun with decent drainage and you're done fussing; it handles our heat and dry spells like they're nothing.

Cut it back hard in late winter to keep it bushy and vigorous. Bees and butterflies show up immediately, and you'll have armfuls for drying.