Try replacing those plants you started in the late spring. It might be hard to find annuals in the nursery this time of year, but if you can find lantana, buy it! Lantana is a perennial shrub in warmer growing zones, but is a beautiful annual in the Midwest. It is a slow starter but finishes strong. It loves the hot, dry weather and will stay a vibrant green with colorful blooms until the first frost. So replace those tired looking plants in your pots with some colorful lantana.