Colorful flowers held on spikes - the "dragon" will open and close its mouth when you squeeze the sides of the flower. Available in a wide range of colors and sizes. Likes the cool weather of spring and fall, and great as a bedding plant.

Vertical flower spikes on a heat-tolerant annual

Eight varieties of deer-resistant annuals, such as alyssum, nasturtium, snapdragon, lavender, lupine, hollyhock, foxglove, black-eyed susan and cosmos.

Pink gumballs float above clumps of foliage

Deer won't go for the silvery-haired leaves covered in soft spines, but bees delight in the early feeding provided by the starry blue flowers. If you prefer a tidier growth habit, try zinnias. Photo credits: Jim Eklund/ARS

Inky dark foliage with glossy black fruits