8/99-24 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information contact: Christine Kelleher, 800-232-9557, Ext. 512 or Gary Doerr, 916-716-1889 This is the first in a periodic series of articles by respected garden writers throughout North America. You can expect others on topics of similar interest on a timely basis. Feel free to use this in it's entirety or in part, with or without Stephanie Cohen's byline. Ms. Cohen is Adjunct Professor at Temple University, Dept. of Landscape Architecture & Horticulture, Ambler Campus, 20 years; Mid-Atlantic representative of the Perennial Plant Association; and her articles have been featured in leading consumer and gardening publications.

Here on the drought-stricken East Coast this has been the summer of high heat, intense humidity, and almost no rain. In my dreams I have visions of giant plant cemeteries being created for the summer of '99. As I write, I have the distinct feeling…whoops, another plant bit the dust!

Over the course of time, gardeners everywhere experience growing in drought conditions. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman recently noted that drought is the natural disaster we are least prepared to deal with. In the gardening world, the best preparation is to select drought-tolerant plants.

In mid August, with no relief in sight, what can possibly be still standing, let alone flowering? Almost by accident, Blooms of Bressingham has discovered some drought tolerant plants in its trial garden in southeastern Pennsylvania. Down the road from the Blooms trial site, my garden has a number of plants surviving and performing as well through the drought of the century in our area.

Geranium 'Rozanne,' a new variety to be introduced next spring, is one of these and boasts outstanding traits when it comes to new Geranium varieties. This hardy Crane's Bill has large violet-blue flowers and produces copious blooms from June to October. It grows well in a variety of sites and, surprisingly and amazingly, it is quite drought tolerant (USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8; AHS Heat Zones 12-2). 'Rozanne' is free-flowering and spreads to about 2 feet on an 18-inch tall plant, so it is great for hanging baskets or as a ground cover. As an added dimension, marbled deep green foliage changes to reddish bronze article_archives.htmln full sun or light shade in hotter areas.

Of course, Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are tough contenders in tough situations, even though they prefer a moist soil. All of the wonderful Lovely Lady series Daylilies, such as 'Lady Eva,' violet with a yellow throat, 'Miss Mary Mary,' small with yellow-gold flowers, and 'Miss Victoria,' lemon yellow with a chartreuse throat and fragrant blooms, produce brightly colored flowers and rebloom in most zones. Daylilies are known for their durability, ease of maintenance and survivability.

Other contenders for the heat, not Rocky, are Heliopsis helianthoides 'Bressingham Doubloon,' a majestic, double-flowered False Sunflower, and Heliopsis 'Loraine Sunshine,' a single yellow daisy with unique green and white foliage. These plants are as good as an Energizer Bunny because they keep on going and are tough, native prairie plants with deep roots. Aster 'Violet Queen' is flowering beautifully in the heat as well, with masses of striking deep violet-blue flowers and bright yellow eyes. Helenium 'Coppelia' is another plant you cannot do without when temperatures soar. 'Coppelia' is a late summer-blooming daisy having glorious coppery-orange daisy flowers with dark centers. Another great hot plant is Coreopsis verticillata 'Golden Gain.' Only 18-inches tall with very small golden daisy flowers, it is a remarkable plant. There is no browning on this sturdy plant. Once deadheaded it will continue to flower into autumn.

Every good garden needs the best blooming plants, not only for the dog days of summer, but for every gardening day of the year. Plan to include some of these heat tolerant plants in your garden next year.

Blooms of Bressingham perennials are tested for garden performance at 15 university trial sites and botanic gardens throughout North America over a three-year period.

Visit www.bobna.com for trial locations in your area.