8 Plants Snobs Hate — But You'll Love to Grow

Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus) lines California freeways, so some dismiss it as common. But in colder climates, its rich blue blooms are prized. "Familiarity breeds contempt" — yet many ubiquitous plants are tough, beautiful, and deservedly popular. Here are eight to reconsider.

Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus)

13 of 20 homes on my block have it — but look closer: sturdy foliage clumps topped with big blue globes from early summer to fall. Native to South Africa, grown in Europe since 1600s, tougher than it looks. Use en masse, as ground cover, accent, or in pots. New compact varieties: 'Baby Pete' (deep blue).

Zones 8–11, moderate+ water, sun/part shade, 18 in tall/wide, flowers 2+ ft.

Junipers (Beyond the Infamous 'Tam')

Don't judge all junipers by the overplanted, disease-prone 'Tam'. New cultivars offer handsome forest looks, easy care, pest resistance. 'Blue Pacific' shore juniper: blue-green, ground-hugging, spreads in dry spots. 'Blue Star' juniper: bonsai-like mound, bluish foliage complements purple/red plants.

Monrovia

'Blue Star': Zones 4–8, light water once established, full sun, 2–3 ft tall, 4 ft wide.

Dahlias — Especially Dark-Foliaged Types

Thousands of types, but many sprawl and need staking. Newer dark-foliaged dahlias are more compact with stronger stems, ideal for cutting. 'Bishop of Llandaff': near-black leaves, scarlet flowers. 'Mystic Spirit': purplish foliage, apricot flowers — stylish mod look.

'Mystic Spirit': Zones 8–11 (summer annual elsewhere), moderate water, sun, 2–3 ft. Great for containers/borders. Plant tubers after frost; rich, well-drained soil; deadhead; dig tubers in fall in cold climates.

Dwarf Yedda Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis umbellata 'Minor')

India hawthorn was the 60s/70s ranch-house default. This compact evergreen shrub (RHS Award of Garden Merit) has glossy leaves, white spring flowers, easy care in Southeast/California. Use as background, tall ground cover, walkway liner, or foundation plant.

Zones 7–11, moderate water, part shade–full sun, 6–8 ft tall/wide. Water regularly until established; prune after spring bloom.

Bird-of-Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Precious cut flower elsewhere; grows like a weed in mild climates. Plant one near a window or in a pot — cut flowers for midwinter cheer, even Christmas.

Zones 9–11, light-moderate water, full sun/part shade, 5–6 ft tall/wide. Protect from frost in borderline climates; water/feed for lush look.

Valerian / Jupiter's Beard (Centranthus ruber)

Old-fashioned perennial with spring-to-fall bloom (usually red, also pink/white). Thrives in neglected gardens, around stonework. White form shown. Plant at rustic edges among annuals/perennials/shrubs where its wild look and self-seeding matter less.

Zones 3–9, light water once established, full sun/part shade, 2–3 ft tall/wide. Water regularly first season; cut old stems to prevent seeding; divide clumps every few years.

Cape Plumbago (Plumbago auriculata)

Another freeway sprawler that's actually rugged. With attention (water, feed), bright green foliage and baby-blue flowers shine. In Hawaii, blooms go into leis. Fast, big, dependable as background or slope cover; try clipped hedge or pot for close-up flowers spring–fall.

Monrovia

Zones 9–11, light water, full sun/light shade, 6+ ft tall/wider. Prune/shear late winter/early spring.

Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)

Breeders have transformed this mass-planting staple: taller, sun-tolerant, wildly colorful leaves. Perennial in mild climates, grown as summer annual elsewhere. Fills shady spots left by downy-mildew-ravaged impatiens. Series: Florida Sun, Solar, Sunlover. Names like 'Pistachio Nightmare', 'Black Dragon', 'Dipt in Wine'. Shown: 'Florida Gold' (pointillistic).

Annual in most zones, moderate+ water, part/full shade (Sun Coleus takes more light), 8 in–3+ ft tall/wide. Water/fertilize regularly; pinch stem tips for bushiness; remove flowers; watch for mildew.