Verbena fills bare ground and containers with low, spreading color through the heat—it actually thrives when most things wilt. You'll get clusters of small blooms that run from May through frost if you deadhead spent flowers now and then.

Plant it in full sun and don't baby it with water once it's established. One gallon-size plant will sprawl wide and cover ground, making it a practical filler between shrubs or a reliable edge for beds.