Native to Peru, Heliotropium arborescens (Heliotrope) is a tender perennial shrub in its native habitat but is usually grown as a summer bedding annual in most areas. Blooming from summer to fall, this old-fashioned favorite produces showy rounded clusters, up to 4 in. across (10 cm), of tiny violet, purple, blue, or white flowers with a sweet delicate fragrance. Equally handsome is the foliage of prominently veined, oval, dark green leaves. Perfect for borders and containers or as a houseplant. A single Heliotrope can live for years on a patio in a large container.

Pelargonium peltatum 'Cascade Sofie' (Ivy Geranium) is a compact, trailing, evergreen perennial with fleshy, deep green, ivy-shaped leaves on long lax stems. Single flowers adorned with 5 pink petals appear from spring through fall. Providing a summer of lush flowering, Ivy Geranium is a great addition to hanging baskets, window boxes, and raised beds where it will cascade gracefully down, creating a waterfall effect. Heat-loving and low care.

Grown for its striking foliage, Jacobaea maritima or Senecio cineraria (Dusty Miller), is a bushy perennial or subshrub with silvery, finely textured, dissected leaves, sometimes with a lace-like appearance. Attractive throughout the growing season, the leaves are covered with fine matted hairs, giving them a felted or woolly, silver or white appearance. After the first year, it will produce clustered heads of small, daisy-like, cream to yellow flowers, which are not particularly ornamental. Some cultivars do not flower and many gardeners prefer to remove the flowers as they can detract from the foliage. Striking in the night garden, Dusty Miller is a versatile foliage plant that is perfect to soften color contrasts in the garden, and tone down bright, hot colors.