Golden yarrow is a real over achiever. If the flower heads are cut before the pollen develops, the yellow color will remain as a dried flower indoors for a year or so. Coreopsis is draped in lacy green leaves. Her fine features are topped with yellow or pink daisies. She looks best in crowds of her own kind.
Red valerian is a stately three feet tall and a real sun lover.
Her small pink, red or white flowers are borne in large clusters. She does need a good haircut after initial flowering to coax her to continue to show off. Black-eyed Susan is always a showstopper in summer with her sunny yellow flowers. She is vigorous, well flowered and quite the brazen show off. Look for 'Goldsturm' for her bright yellow flowers, dark green leaves and compact form at 24 inches tall.