Lemon Thyme

• Known scientifically as Thymus x citriodorus, lemon thyme is an herbaceous perennial plant that is cultivated for its ovate, lemon-scented leaves and small, tubular lilac blossoms that cover the plant in the summertime. Lemon thyme thrives in full sun locations with dry or very well-drained soil, making it an excellent selection for rock gardens. The Missouri Botanical Garden recommends cutting lemon thyme's stems back, as needed, to control its size or remove spent flowers and foliage. The leaves can be harvested as a culinary herb throughout the growing season, if desired.
  
  

Starburst Delosperma

• Starburst delosperma, also known as Delosperma floribundum "Starburst," is an herbaceous flowering succulent that performs well in rock gardens. These striking perennials feature fleshy green leaves and bright purple and white flowers that bloom prolifically from spring through summer. The leaves are covered with translucent, ice-like flakes, which is how starburst delosperma got its other common name, the ice plant. Starburst delosperma is heat- and drought-tolerant and actually performs best when planted in full sun locations with dry, sandy soil.
  
  

Basket-of-Gold

• Aurinia saxatilis, or basket-of-gold, is a low-growing, spreading herbaceous perennial with gray-green, spatulate basal leaves and cascading bright yellow blossoms that grace the plant in the spring. Basket-of-gold's love for full sun and sandy, well-draining soil make it perfect for planting in a rock garden near a swimming pool. Though basket-of-gold requires very little special care to thrive, cutting the plants back by half after flowering helps to keep basket-of-gold looking its best.
  
  

Maiden Pink

• Though horticulturists know the plant as Dianthus deltoides, most gardeners call this charming herbaceous perennial by its common name, maiden pink. These low-growing, clump-forming garden beauties feature dark green leaves and pink, red or white blossoms that bloom late spring through summer. Maiden pink insists on full sunlight and dry, or extremely well-draining, soil to produce its characteristic blossoms. Remove spent blossoms after flowering to stimulate a second flush of blooms.