South African natives form fountain-like clumps of star-shaped leaves. In summer, the clumps give rise to bare stems ending in spherical clusters of funnel-shaped flowers, each like a burst of blue fireworks. Evergreen. Prosper in full sun or light shade where summers are mild; need some afternoon shade in hottest areas. Best in loamy soil, but will grow in heavy soils. Full sun or partial shade. Little to regular water. Zones 6-9, 12-24, H1, H2.

Native to Europe, western Asia. Dark green, 1 – 2-in.-long leaves form rosettes to 8 in. wide. Pink, rose, red or white flowers are borne on 3 – 6 in. stems in spring and early summer; deadhead to prolong bloom. Longer lived where summers are cool. Propagate by division. Light shade in hottest climates. Regular water. Zones 1-9, 14-24.

Russell hybrids are the classic lupines. Leaves are divided into many leaflets that spread out like the fingers of a hand. Sweet pea-shaped flowers are borne in dense spikes at the ends of the stems in white, cream, yellow, pink, red, orange, blue, purple or bicolors. Need good air circulation. Regular water. Zones A1-A3, 1-7, 14-17.

Old-fashioned garden flowers from southeastern Europe. To 1 ½ – 2 ½ ft. tall, 1 ½ ft. wide, with attractive, silky white foliage and magenta to crimson flowers a little less than an inch across. Very tollerant to adverse soils. Prefers afternoon shade in hot climates. Zones 1-9, 14-24. Winter hardy to zone 4.