Gaillardia Spintop Mango blooms from late spring straight through summer heat, throwing out warm orange-red flowers on sturdy stems. Once established, it needs almost nothing—no fussing, no fertilizer—and handles Alabama's clay and dry spells with equal ease.

Plant in full sun and average soil. The flowers attract butterflies and hold up well in a vase. Cut it back in fall and it'll return bigger the next year.