Galtonia candicans (Summer hyacinth, Spire lily)

(1 user review)

The drumstick allium has egg-shaped flowers in summer that start off green, then bloom and develop to pink and then clover red-purple. These plants are attractive in a bed or border, especially peeking up through other plants, such as roses, so that their nondescript foliage is hidden. Their vertical presence and eye-catching flower shape are valuable additions to the garden, and they naturalize freely.

This purple-leaved hybrid has Crinum bulbispermum in its blood, which gives it extra cold hardiness that you don't get with many purple-leaved crinums. It sends up 2-foot-long leaves in spring (it will stay evergreen in frost-free climates). Although not as upright as phormiums, 'Sangria' crinum serves as a superb substitute. Grow it for the foliage alone or for the stunning pink spring flowers.

(1 user review)

This bulbous perennial has striking reddish purple, strap-like leaves and foot-long purple flowers that resemble pineapples in late summer. Grow in a sunny border, container, or greenhouse. Plants used outdoors may be overwintered in a frost-free location. The species is native to South Africa.

This beardless, crestless iris produces blooms in midspring that are the color of terra cotta. Quick growing, with long, swordlike foliage, this plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and works well in beds and borders.