Black-eyed Susans are very easy to grow.  This summer I saw several growing out of the cracked cement of an overpass!  Susans are drought resistant and heat tolerant, attracts butterflies and are native to North Carolina.  They need to be planted in full sun.  They require no special nutrients and are great for arrangements.

The flowers look a bit like daisies.  They make great cut flowers, are deer resistant, and multiply easily.  The only problem I have ever had with them is powdery mildew because of our ridiculous humidity, but this can be minimized with thinning plants for optimal air circulation.

"May Knight" salvia is a great companion plant!