Bonanza Flame marigolds reach about 12 inches tall and wide, making them stocky enough to hold their own in a bed or container without flopping over when the Alabama heat turns up. The flowers are a warm blend of red and orange, doubling back on themselves in full petals.

Plant these in February or March and you'll have color all the way through fall. They ask only for basic soil and sun—no fussing, no fertilizer habit, just regular water during dry spells.