Best Summer Flowers - Sunset.com

Photo by Thomas J. Story

Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa)

Tall stems of these Mediterranean natives are set with widely-spaced, hooded yellow flowers.

Moisture-conserving thick, typically furry or hairy leaves are lance-shaped. Pretty planted with lavender and red hot poker (Kniphofia ‘Bressingham Comet’).

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Thomas J. Story

'Hot Cocoa' rose

This floribunda rose bears red blossoms.

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'Moonshine' yarrow

The sunny hues of this Mediterranean perennial complement the violet-blue spikes of catmint (Nepeta).

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Thomas J. Story

'Sally Holmes' rose

A vigorous white rose, it blooms in huge clusters.

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Thomas J. Story

Feather reed grass

Calamagrostis x acutiflora has a vertical growth habit and showy seed heads.

Thomas J. Story

Berberis thunbergii 'Rose Glow'

The bronzy red Japanese barberry colors up best in full sun.

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Cabernet Sauvignon grapes

A cluster from the Strombergs’ vineyards shows the seeded, pearl-size grapes in various stages of ripeness.

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Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunray'

Like the rest of the sunflower family, this bright yellow perennial blooms all summer on little water.

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Pennisetum orientale

A pretty, midsize (2 ft.) grass explodes with showy pink to white plumes.

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Photo by Thomas J. Story

Sedum telephium

Dense flower clusters on sturdy stems rise above bright green leaves. Blooms start out blush-colored, aging to coppery pink, then rust as weather cools.

Plants reach 1-to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Pretty beside asters.

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Thomas J. Story

Coleonema pulchrum 'Sunset Gold' Yellow

Yellow foliage distinguishes this heathlike shrub with tiny pink flowers.

Thomas J. Story

Aster cordifolius 'Little Carlow'

Deep violet-blue flowers cluster atop plants that grow 3 to 4 ft. tall.

Thomas J. Story

Small-scale water features

Rustic fountains help make Mediterranean-style plantings look at home among California's golden hills.

Because water is a precious resource, using it respectfully in the garden is a tradition. Something lavish would have been out of character in this drought-tolerant landscape.

Thomas J. Story

Permeable hardscape

Every drop of rain that falls in this thirsty part of the country ought to go in the land. That’s one reason gravel, vs. non-permeable paving, was used throughout the garden.

Thomas J. Story

Low-water shimmer

Shimmer Fine-textured plants such as grasses reflect the sun brilliantly. Because they are used extensively in this garden, the whole landscape seems to dance with light.

Summer blondness The garden acknowledges that blond is the natural color of summer in California. The tawny flower plumes of Calamagrostis x acutiflora (feather reed grass) match the amber hues of the hills.

Drought-tolerant plants Most of the plants in the Strombergs’ garden are moderate water users, even the shrub roses.

Thomas J. Story

Empty containers

In a hot climate, planted pots are hard to maintain, but empty ones look great.

Thomas J. Story

Shade

The best way to enjoy the sun is from a shaded location. These mature oaks shelter outdoor living areas.

Swing seating under an oak is inviting on warm days.

Top plants for summer color

Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa)

'Hot Cocoa' rose

'Moonshine' yarrow

'Sally Holmes' rose

Feather reed grass

Berberis thunbergii 'Rose Glow'

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes

Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunray'

Pennisetum orientale

Sedum telephium

Coleonema pulchrum 'Sunset Gold' Yellow

Aster cordifolius 'Little Carlow'

Small-scale water features

Permeable hardscape

Low-water shimmer

Empty containers

Shade