Image: Silver Hills Seeds and Books Babiana patula is another little cool-season gem from South Africa’s Western Cape, where it grows in open landscapes that are dry in summer. Its cute little flowers bring a touch of Southern Hemisphere magic to your garden just when everything else is taking a break.

Give it a sunny spot and well-drained soil, or grow it in a pot with drainage holes so you can move it around and keep its toes dry. Heavy clay? A raised bed or container with a bit of grit will do the trick. Water while it’s growing and flowering, then let it enjoy a dry summer rest—no fuss, no summer spa package required. It’s a lovely choice if you’re after something unusual and cheerful for a sunny border, rock garden, or patio pot. Flower Color: Purple/Yellow Bloomtime: Spring Height: <1 foot Width: <1 foot Exposure: Sun Soil Type: Good Drainage Cold Tolerance: 28-32f  Irrigation requirements: Winter only - Summer dormant