Vigorous stalwarts Plants that stand up to our fickle weather and triumph over pests and diseases are always welcome in the garden. This season, look for Astilbe 'Visions in Red'. More drought- tolerant than most astilbes, this sturdy, compact plant features plumes of purple-red flowers. Another perennial that survives the heat and droughts of summers, Polemonium 'Snow and Sapphires' makes a good substitute for the somewhat sulky 'Brise d'Anjou' and features the same variegated foliage and fragrant, sky blue flowers.
Hardy enough to grow as far north as Noranda, the Saskatchewan-bred Penstemon 'Pink Chablis' is one tough beauty. Tolerant of heavy clay soil, the coral-pink flower spikes of 'Pink Chablis' rebloom from June until September if the spent flowers are removed.
Chosen as Perennial Plant of the Year for 2002, Phlox 'David' (Paniculata Group) withstands that scourge of many phloxes - mildew. Steady on its feet, 'David' stands straight and tall in the border, growing to 102 centimetres (40 inches) with billows of white blossoms that bloom from late summer until early autumn.
Great foliage, lots of flowers and robust plants - what more could a gardener want?
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