Add a fiery touch to the late spring border with Lupinus 'Red Rum,' a colorful variety from Westcountry Nurseries in Devon, England. Plant it in drifts and let the large, well-filled spires of showy red flowers mingle with Iris, Alliums, and other sun-loving perennials. PP 18,709

We love growing Lupines for their spikes of tall, colorful summer flowers. This North American native variety thrives and reseeds in sandy soils that do not have a lot of nutrients. Try planting it with Little Bluestem which likes the same growing conditions. If you have rich garden soil, this species is unlikely to overwinter but may leave seedlings for next year as long as spent flowers are not deadheaded after bloom. Once established, Lupines are deer-resistant, and will attract pollinators in late spring and early summer.