Question
Can you recommend some hard-to-kill perennials that bloom from spring to fall? I am planting them on a sloped berm on Long Island, NY.  I'm looking for as much long-lasting color as possible.

Answer
Hi Terri,
Thanx for your question.  One thing that comes to mind is the butterfly bush.  There are certain types of trailing roses that will bloom most of the summer.  Look for the classical type and not the hybrids.  The trailing roses tend to be very hardy.  You local nursery may even have some wild roses which might be nice and these can come in yellow, white, pink or crimson.  Four o'clock's are not perennial in New York but they reseed very well and they are so beautiful.  Their botannical names is Mirabilis jalapa and they bloom in pinks, whites, yellows and reds and will bloom from early summer to frost.  I hope this helps.
Tom