I also would suggest (had to think about what I have)
Josephs Coat or Amaranthus......
GEORGEOUS -not a perennial, but BEAUTIFUL colors.....I've had no luck with Delphinium, Lupine, or groan - Ranunculus. I love Zinnias, and the area is ripe for them, but my yard is not.
I do have callas, and zinserbanger and would LOVE to have some Datura's again. OMG I LOVE Daturas. I had a HUGE one growing on the side of the house, but when I found out that kids could get high from the seeds I pulled it out (in tears) figuring Dude would profit from it (if it ain't pimpin puppies ya know?)
I have my best luck with Day lillies and Whirling Butterflies, Butterfly bushes were ALL OVER until I had a mole and that little stinker ate nearly everything I worked years to plant. Odd years I worked the garden, even years I worked perennials.
I grew the BEST tomatos from seed this year and got some funk and only saved ONE plant but it's been a producer - now to figure out how to save seeds....the right way......
Oh and the mole? We had a come to Jesus meeting and I sprayed Castor Oil all over the yard - it's been 6 months and NO mole. I hope he stays gone. Between the Castor oil and the "dragon slayer" (our cat) I'm hoping they got the hint they are unwanted. I have 2 pandora vines....haven't done a thing in three years. But this year my Passion flowers are CRAZY....if you want one of those? I can dig one up and pack it well enough maybe it would survive...? They look so prehistoric to me....I love them.
I have cast iron plants, Camelias, and my favorite called a black and blue plant - can't remember the name....but it gets black and blue flowers on the same stalk. That and I have a GIGANTIC russian sage - it's georgeous. I love her.
I would like to try some of that english Garden stuff that is red - it's all over the countryside in England and apparently does well here. That and I want to try pineapple sage. Oh I love plants....
My grass was the object of my attention this year and it paid off - my front yard looks like it has astroturff on it - and it's plush and green and nearly weed free. I finally got left alone to care for the lawn MY way -
Mow differnt directions ,mow high to kill weeds, water in the AM to promote root growth, fertilize 2 x in the Spring, Spray with Gardners tonic - it worked but took forever to see results.....the listerine, amonia, dish detergent recipe - it's okay but I'm going to stick with SCotts.
Good luck -