No-fuss Flower picks

These good-looking perennials can weather whatever our Midwestern climate delivers. Best of all, they come back year after year with almost no attention on your part.

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Purple Coneflower

The pink flowers of purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) bloom from June through August* atop plants that range in height from 16 inches to 4 feet, depending on the variety. One of our favorites, "Kim's Knee-High," tops out at 16-20 inches, and doesn't flop over in the wind and rain. While most varieties serve up purple flowers, white-bloomed varieties are also available.

*Note: Bloom times mentioned in this collection are for Zone 5 (Chicago). Flowering may be earlier in warmer zones, later in cooler zones.