2. Cardinal flower

The perennial cardinal flower produces long stalks of flowers that grow as much as four feet tall. While the most common variety is the one with scarlet red blooms, rose and white cultivars are also available.

These nectar-rich plants with their delicately shaped blooms aren’t just visually pleasing; they are also a food source for hummingbirds. It’s best to grow them at the rear of perennial garden beds. If you live in a colder climate, you should consider adding mulch to help moisten the soil and prevent frost heaving.

Cardinal flowers don’t require division. They freely self-seed and often colonize permanently in the garden. However, they are relatively short-lived perennials.