This beardless, crestless iris produces blooms in midspring that are the color of terra cotta. Quick growing, with long, swordlike foliage, this plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and works well in beds and borders.

Often used by florists, 'Star Gazer' lily has bright crimson flowers with purple spots and dark edges. These lilies grow to about 3 feet tall, so they generally don't need staking.

From fleshy leaves arise bell-shaped, purplish blue, sometimes almost black, flowers. Flower heads appear two-toned due to paler crowns, which are sterile flowers. Grape hyacinth is good for naturalizing in gardens or lawns, for forcing or growing in container displays, and for rock gardens.

This purple-leaved hybrid has Crinum bulbispermum in its blood, which gives it extra cold hardiness that you don't get with many purple-leaved crinums. It sends up 2-foot-long leaves in spring (it will stay evergreen in frost-free climates). Although not as upright as phormiums, 'Sangria' crinum serves as a superb substitute. Grow it for the foliage alone or for the stunning pink spring flowers.