1. Sapphire Surf™ Bluebeard

Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Blauer Splatz’

Zones: 5–9

Size: 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun; average, well-drained soil

Native Range: Mongolia, China, and Japan

Sapphire Surf™ bluebeard shines with rich blue blossoms that cover the plant from head to toe in late summer through fall, putting on a show when the rest of the garden is winding down. Plant masses of this low-maintenance shrub, and pollinators (butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds) will enjoy them almost as much as you. Bluebeard provides a hardy alternative to rows of lavender (Lavandula spp. and cvs., Zones 4–9) used to line walkways—and it also has aromatic foliage. This shrub resists deer and rabbit browsing and is drought tolerant once established. The compact habit is perfect for containers too.

2. Funshine® Abelia

Abelia x grandiflora ‘Minacara1’

Zones: 6–9

Size: 2 to 3 feet…