Brilliant plumes of the cardinal flowers will last from July through October. They prefer moist soil, so will likely need more water during dry periods. Cardinal flowers can grow to 3 feet tall, so be sure to design your garden with this flower behind your smaller plants. They provide a very good nectar source for many varieties of butterflies, and bloom from May through October. This species is the most widely grown by home gardeners, and has very showy flower heads.
Coneflowers prefer light shade to full sun with average moisture.
Use this flower as a tall border, perhaps behind a lower border of impatiens or phlox. The vibrant flowers of this species are also seen throughout Missouri. There are often many flowering stems on older plants, providing an excellent source of nectar for many species of butterflies. These are only a few of the lovely wildflowers native to the Ozark region. Since some perennials can be planted in the fall, make a trip to your local greenhouse or garden center.