1. Verbena
![453601791 verbena](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/453601791-copy.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
This new flowering hybrid resists fungus (which can weaken the plant and cause the leaves to shrivel). And, happily, it’s self-cleaning.
2. New Guinea Impatiens
![73504142 new-guinea-impatiens](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/73504142-copy.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
This variety of impatiens, with its showy flowers, is uniquely versatile. It can handle some sun, unlike the more commonly found species, which like only shade. Also self-cleaning.
3. Geranium
![548559311 pink-sticky-geranium](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/548559311-copy.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
It’s a mainstay of window boxes everywhere, and here’s why: This flower comes in dozens of colors and flourishes in many climates. Pelargonium zonale is particularly vigorous. To care for it, simply deadhead and pinch back as needed.
4. Euphorbia
![153345991 euphorbia](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/153345991-copy.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
With masses of tiny flowers, Euphorbia hypericifolia is pretty and self-cleaning. And deer will steer clear of it (they don’t like the taste).
5. Purple Fountain Grass
![157503153 purple-fountain-grass](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/157503153-copy.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
A gracefully arching ornamental grass with fuzzy, rose-colored seed heads, ‘Rebrum’ can withstand just about anything, including high humidity and wind. It’s pest- and disease-free, too.
6. Coleus
![155588618 coleus](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/155588618-copy.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
Prized for its bold, variegated foliage, this two-tone stunner is easy to grow and thrives in summer. It comes in a slew of gorgeous colors. To care for it, deadhead and pinch back as needed.
7. Calibrachoa
![531623069 calibrachoa](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/531623069-copy.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
This cascading beauty, covered in small flowers, makes a great hanging plant. It’s self-cleaning and resistant to disease.
8. Sweet-potato Vine
![130793979 sweet-potato-vine](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/130793979-copy.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
This ornamental plant grows extremely quickly. It won’t climb walls or trellises, but it will trail beautifully over pots. Lush, dramatic colors include deep purple, bronze, and lime green.
9. Begonia
![490631163 begonia](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/490631163-copy.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
Unlike other begonias, which need to be in the shade, Begonia boliviensis fares well in full sun or partial shade. And it rewards you with a profuse shower of tubular, orange red flowers. It benefits from an occasional pinching back.
10. Lantana
![123535354 lantana](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/123535354-copy.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
This self-cleaning plant has flower petals with multiple colors (like confetti). The strong fragrance of the leaves deters deer, and hot days stimulate it to produce more blossoms, which attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
This article originally appeared on RealSimple.com.
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