Gaillardia "Oranges and Lemons" is one I like for those hot areas. They are also a little cheaper than the coneflower introductions with orange colors.

The classic orange annual is the Marigold. Available EVERYWHERE and dirt cheap. There is also butterfly weed, but that is a bit taller. It is also an annual.

Jen

In addition to those mentioned, shorter zinnias ('Profusion' series or the species Z. angustifolia) both come in orange, do well either in pots or in the ground, and bloom their heads off till frost. Lantana would also fit the bill, or, if she really wants to scream "ORANGE," one of the shorter Mexican sunflowers (Tithonia).

Steven