Flower suggestions?

I'm not a big fan of flowers(I'd rather have lots o' green!). Most just don't do it for me, but occasionally I come across one I fall in love with that I'll buy and grow will great effort. I've been growing sparaxis tricolor for a few years now, and I love them, but they always die down during summer.<br><br> One of mine. I almost feared I had no white ones left, but I managed to get a few to pop up this year. Definitely my favorite color of the 3 I have. <br> <img src="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r26/PrinceSushi/Junk/Untitled-1.png"; alt="http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r26/PrinceSushi/Junk/Untitled-1.png"; class="bb-image" /><br><br> I highly recommend sparaxis tricolor if anyone is interested. Very strong. Even if the leaves and flowers dry out, the bulb is extremely tolerant, so it will grow back with some water and good temperatures.<br><br> Anyways I'd like some kind of interesting flowering plant that can be planted in the ground and tolerate hot weather(possibly low water). Must also be safe around pets. Would also prefer it to be a perennial(otherwise I would have gotten sunflowers~) Any suggestions? If you don't have anything to suggest, then whats you favorite flower or what flower(s) you are growing at the moment?