Effective
Fall 2011
Here
are the 40 plus varieties of plants that we have currently available. We are propagating other varieties, so
please call for availability. We are located in a residential area; please
email us tarweed@tarweednativeplants.com or call Joanne at 626.705.8993 to arrange for an appointment
and for our location.
Abutilon palmerii: (Indian Mallow)
Plant Type: Shrub
Light: Sun
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant
Bloom Season: Spring/Summer
Natural Habitat: Southwestern United States & Northern
Mexico
Garden Usage: Desert landscapes, beautiful shrub in almost
any garden.
PalmerÕs Indian mallow has beautiful velvety heart-shaped light green leaves and produces long stalks of bright orange flowers during the spring and summer. This plant grows quickly, can take full hot sun, and dry conditions. It grows approximately 3Õ to 5Õ in diameter and 4Õ to 6Õ tall.
Achillea ÔMoonshineÕ (Moonshine
Yarrow):
Plant
Type: Perennial
Light: Full
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Summer
Natural Habitat: Garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Borders, cut flowers, hummingbirds
Moonshine yarrow is a hybrid that grows 18Ó x 24Ó wide. It is a wonderful garden perennial that
is highly adaptable in its soil and water needs. The distinctive silver-gray foliage is a fine backdrop
for the lemon-yellow flower clusters that keep coming all summer. Makes
excellent cut and dried flowers. Cut
back in the winter to keep the plant tidy.
Achillea
roseum
(Rosy yarrow) & Achillea millefolium
(Common 
yarrow)
Plant Type: Semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Occasional to moderate
Bloom Season: Late spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Many plant communities, especially grasslands below 11,000 feet
Garden Usage: Attracts butterflies, birds, bees for habitat garden, meadow garden, perennial border
Rosy yarrow has feather-like leaves, which are aromatic and soft to the touch. Midsummer blooming perennial with rosy pink flowers in flat heads 5" across. Showy, tough and drought-tolerant. Lacy low-growing foliage. Rosy yarrow requires on a sunny site and modest water for success in most California gardens. It a perennial border, it offers bright spring and summer flowers that serve well in both fresh and dried arrangements. Mixed with other perennials, such as purple needle grass, dune sedge, or blue-eyed grass, it can form the foundation of a meadow garden. Yarrow also makes a good addition to a habitat garden; it foliage provides winter forage for birds, and its spring flowers attract butterflies and bees. It requires little maintenance and deadheading will lengthen the flowering season.
Aquilegia
formosa
(Western columbine):
Plant Type: Semi-evergreen perennial
Light: Sun to shade
Soil: Adaptable; heavy and rich preferred
Water: Moderate to regular
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Moist places in woodlands below 9000 feet
Garden Usage: Mixed borders, shady corners of garden, containers, attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
Western columbine is a long-lived perennial in favorable sites. They are widely grown and appreciated for their brightly colored flowers, rosettes of delicately divided leaves, and ability to attract hummingbirds. The hummingbirds help to pollinate the plant. Western columbine grows easily in most gardens. It requires ample water to thrive, but generally will not survive in soggy or waterlogged soils. Plants may reach 2 to 4 feet in height and are 1 to 2 feet across. Western columbine is a beautiful companion for other partial-shade-loving plants, including coffeeberry, giant chain fern, island alum root, Douglas iris, hummingbird sage, and currants.
Arctostaphylos stanfordiana
bakeri 'Louis Edmonds' - Louis Edmunds Manzanita
Plant
Type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable, well-drained preferred
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Period: Late spring
Natural Habitat: Garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Focal point or informal screen
This manzanita is favored by many native plant gardeners and features a unique, dark purple-mahogany bark on its elegant trunk and branches. The sage gray leaves are highlighted with the numerous clusters of clear pink flowers. Louis Edmonds manzanita has a distinctively upright growth habit 8 - 10 feet tall. Use it as a focal point in the garden, or as an informal screen with toyon and sugar bush. Prune this manzanita to highlight the beautiful bark.
Arctostaphylos ÔEmerald CarpetÕ (Emerald
Carpet manzanita)
Plant
Type: Groundcover shrub
Light: Partial to full sun
Soil: prefers acid soil
Water: Occasional once established
Bloom Season: Spring
Natural Habitat: Northern coastal, garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Groundcover, borders, hummingbird garden
Emerald Carpet
manzanita, a hybrid between Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and Arctostaphylos
nummularia, is a prostrate groundcover that has shiny dark green leaves, reddish
stems, and tiny clusters of pure white flowers. As its name implies, it is a wonderful evergreen
groundcover.
Arctostaphylos densiflora ÔHoward McMinnÕ (Howard
McMinn manzanita)
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom season: Spring
Natural habitat: Chaparral, coastal bluffs, garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Large shrub, screen
Howard McMinn Manzanita is a large shrub which can grow to
8Õ but can easily be kept pruned to 5Õ. The clean, fine textured foliage of
Howard McMinn Manzanita combines or contrasts with nearly any plant; an
excellent pairing places it near Saint CatherineÕs lace. It will tolerate summer watering and
can take heavy clay soils. This is
an especially handsome shrub.
Plants naturally open up as they age and reveal the striking, twisted
branching habit associated with manzanitas. It blooms in the spring and is one of the last manzanitas to
bloom with white to pale pink blossoms.
Arctostaphylos
uva-ursi 'Woods Compact'
Plant Type: Groundcover shrub
Light: Partial to full sun
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Occasional once established
Bloom Season: Spring
Natural Habitat: Oregon coast, Garden Hybrid
Garden Usage: Groundcover, borders, hummingbird garden
WoodÕs Compact
manzanita is a ground-hugging shrub with branches that form a dense mat of
evergreen foliage. Pink tinged
white flowers are followed by bright red fruit in late summer that persists
through winter. Foliage has red
winter color. This plant will
reach 2 to 3 inches high and 3 to 4 ft wide. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing
season to establish a deep, extensive root system. As a groundcover, space plants 5 ft apart, (closer for
faster coverage). Control weeds
with mulch until the plants cover the area.
Armeria maritima (Sea Pink or Sea Thrift): 
Plant Type: Perennial
Light: Full
sun
Soil: Adaptable
Water:
Moderate to drought tolerant
Natural Habitat: Coastal and mountain
areas in the Northern Hemisphere.
Garden Usage: Borders,
rock gardens
Sea Pink grows 8Ó to 10Ó tall and 12Ó wide in a mounded shape. It produces pink flowers April through May that make great cut flowers. Plant Armeria Sea Pink in full sun in well drained soil. Sea Pink is not picky about soil type and will perform well in most soils. Armeria maritima is very drought tolerant. An excellent choice for rock gardens. You can divide it in the spring after it is well established. Although Sea Pink is not native to California, it does well in our Mediterranean climate.
Artemesia
californica ÔMontaraÕ (Montara California sagebrush):
Plant Type: Evergreen subshrub
Light: Sun
Soil: Adaptable, except poorly drained
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Natural Habitat: Coastal scrub and chaparral below 2500 ft, garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Groundcover, fragrant, mass plantings
Montara California sagebrush produces pleasing mounds of fragrant foliage about 2 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide. This makes a nice groundcover with its silvery contrasting leaves.
Baccharis pilularis ÔPigeon PointÕ (ÔPigeon PointÕ coyote brush):
Plant Type: Evergreen subshrub
Light: Sun
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Natural Habitat: Garden hybrid
Bloom season: Fall
Garden Usage: groundcover, hillsides
Pigeon Point coyote brush is a cultivar and makes an
excellent groundcover. It
typically grows 2 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It grows rapidly and can be pruned if needed.
Ceanothus
ÔCentennialÕ
Plant
Type: Evergreen groundcover
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable well-drained
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Natural Habitat: Garden hybrid
Bloom Season: Spring
Garden Usage: Groundcover
Ceanothus Ô
CentennialÕ,a hybrid between Ceanothus foliosus and Ceanothus griseus, is a
low, spreading selection with creeping stems 8 to 12 inches high. Its small round leaves have a wavy,
polished green surface, with cobalt blue flowers concentrated in tight
clusters. Along the coast,
ÒCentennialÕ is best with full sun, but requires some shade inland.
Ceanothus gloriosus (Point Reyes ceanothus):
Plant Type: Evergreen
shrub
Light: Sun
to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable:
well-drained preferred
Water: Drought
tolerant to occasional
Natural Habitat: Coastal bluffs
Bloom Season: Spring
Garden Usage: Borders, hillsides, groundcover
Point Reyes ceanothus is typically low growing or
creeping and usually reaches less than 5 feet wide. Lavender blue to blue flowers
are produced in small, short-stalked clusters from early to midspring. It loves coastal gardens, but will
tolerate interior conditions if some shade and additional water are provided.
Also available – Ceanothus griseus ÔBamicoÕ : Mounding selection to 4Õ with a 6Õ spread. Similar to ÔYankee PointÕ, but not as widespreading and with larger leaves. Flower buds are dark blue with silvery highlights and open into clear blue flowers. Hardy to 15F.
Ceanothus ÔJoyce CoulterÕ (Joyce
Coulter wild lilac)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable, well-drained
preferred
Water: Drought tolerant to
occasional
Natural
Habitat: Garden
hybrid
Bloom Season: Spring
Garden Usage: Low spreading groundcover,
prunable hedge
This ceanothus hybrid is a low, spreading groundcover growing 2 to 5 ft
tall and can spread to 12 ft or more.
It is very garden friendly and water tolerant. It produces sky blue flowers in 3 to 5 inch heads and blooms
for many weeks. Prune it as a
hedge, or plant it so it can spill over a wall. It doesnÕt need summer water near the coast, but supplement
inland gardens with summer water.
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ÔSkylarkÕ (Blue blossom wild lilac)
Plant
Type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable, well-drained preferred
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Period: Late spring
Natural Habitat: Garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Compact shrub
Ceanothus ÔSkylarkÕ is a good choice for gardens lacking space. It has a compact, dome-like form and reaches about 4Õ high to 6Õ wide. Blooms from late spring to early summer, which is later than most ceanothus. You can prune spent flowers to improve this shrubÕs appearance. As with most ceanothus varieties, go easy on the summer water once it is established.
Cercocarpus
betuloides
(Mountain Mahogany):
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Natural Habitat: Dry rocky areas on slopes in chaparral and woodlands below 6000 feet
Garden Usage: Upright shrub for narrow planting area, good screen
Mountain Mahogany is a great choice for gardens that need
upright shrubs for a narrow planting area, such as a side yard. Its rigid, silver-barked trunks carry
short branches of small, deeply pleated, dark green leaves. It grows 10 to 15 feet tall, but can
easily be kept pruned to 6 feet wide or less. Although its flowers are not particularly showy, they
produce feather-like seed that decorate the plant with 1 to 2 inch long curled
plume covered with stiff white hairs.
The only care this fast-growing plant occasionally needs is a thinning
of unwanted trunks or branches; cut them back to the ground to promote a fresh
and light appearance. With
judicious fall pruning, mountain mahogany can be trained into a multi-trunked
small tree.
Clinopodium
douglasii (Yerba Buena):
Plant
Type: Perennial groundcover
Light: Partial to full shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Water regularly
Bloom season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Native to US
Garden Usage: Groundcover in shady areas, aromatic
Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii), translated Ògood herb,Ó is a
native plant in the mint family here in the U.S., with similar mint cousins
bearing the same name further down in the more tropical climes in this
hemisphere. In fact, San Francisco was originally called Yerba Buena (it grew
well there) until the name was changed in the mid-1800s. The plant
takes the form of a sprawling, mat-forming perennial, and is especially
abundant close to the coast.
Crassula ÔPagodaÕ:
Type of
plant: Cactus and Succulents
Bloom color: Pink, White/Near White
Bloom time of year: Late
Summer/Early Fall
Natural Habitat: South
Africa, garden hybrid
Sun requirements: Full
Sun, Sun to Partial Shade
Height: under 6 in, width 6-12 in
Plant Pagoda in a
pot or directly in the ground.
This unusual plant is striking either way.
Dudleya pulverulenta: (Chalk dudleya)
Plant Type: Succulent
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to infrequent: avoid watering in summer
Bloom Season: May - July
Natural Habitat: Rocky, clay, or sandy sites in coastal scrub, chaparral, mixed-evergreen forests, and deserts
Garden Usage: Rock garden, rock walls
Succulent with one to two foot basal rosette from which a 1 1/2 ft. spike of vivid red flowers appear in May – July. Native from about Northern San Luis Obispo county south along coast. They grow at best in part shade on rock shelves for good drainage. Plant rosette at angle so water will drain off the crown and you have a good rock garden plant. Try several nestled in the crevices of a rock wall for a dramatic look. The red flowers contrast handsomely with the white stalks. Be sure to leave dry during the summer.
Encelia
californica
(Bush sunflower):
Plant Type: Evergreen subshrub
Light: Sun
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to moderate
Bloom Season: Spring and fall
Natural Habitat: Coastal scrub below 1600 feet
Garden Usage: Hillsides, habitat gardens, butterfly gardens
Bush sunflower is a garden stalwart that blooms profusely for months on end. It is best adapted to southern California gardens, where it typically produces flowers prolifically in spring and again in autumn. Few flowers are produced during hot, dry summer months. Pruned garden specimens may reach 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. It attracts numerous bees, butterflies, and other insects. California sunflower is an excellent choice for use on hillsides and for erosion control. Plant it at the base of any of the medium to large shrub forms of ceanothus or with Cleveland sage and its hybrids to create a brilliant blue and yellow floral palette. Cut it back hard annually in winter after it flowers. Makes great cut flower!
Epilobium
canum canum(California
fuchsia):
Plant Type: Semi-evergreen subshrubs
and herbaceous perennials
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable; well-drained preferred
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Late summer to fall
Natural Habitat: Sunny dry slopes and rocky areas in many plant communities below 10,000 feet
Garden Usage: Casual informal gardens, slopes, rock gardens, attracts hummingbirds
California fuchsias wait until late summer and fall to produce their abundant blooms. The southern migration of hummingbirds coincides with the start of their blooming period. The plant usually grows 1 to 3 feet in height and 1 to 3 feet wide, but can spread even further. Vigorous and easily grown, California fuchsias are readily used in gardens, but most should be placed with care to avoid overwhelming small or delicate plants. They are stunning when planted on slight slopes among boulders, emerging from stones or gravel in dry streambeds, against rock walls, or in rock gardens. Placed with similarly late-blooming natives, such as Silver Carpet California aster, California buckwheat, or California sunflower, these plants provide spirited color and contrast.
Eriogonum cinereum (Ashy leaf buckwheat):
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Sun
Soil: Well-drained
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Spring/Summer
Natural Habitat and Range: Steep slopes, canyons, coastal bluffs; Los Angeles County to
Santa Barbara County.
Perennial shrub to 4
ft., (usually 2 ft.) whitish pink clusters on grey foliage, a plant for erosion
control in dry coastal areas, but also thrives inland. The floral display lasts for months,
and the color often intensifies to a deeper pink before fading to rosy tan. Use it along with other buckwheats to
achieve a blooming season that spans nine months. Also looks good in a perennial border with red-flowered
buckwheat, golden yarrow, coastal manzanitas or ceanothus, and colorful
monkeyflowers. This plant also
does well and looks great in a container, just make sure it is large enough and
well-drained.
Eriogonum giganteum (St. CatherineÕs Lace):
Plant
Type: Evergreen subshrub
Light: Full to part sun
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: May to December
Natural Habitat: Channel Islands
Garden Usage:
Background shrub
Saint Catherine's Lace is our largest species of Buckwheat
growing to 4 feet. In summer and fall this buckwheat provides a show of large,
spreading clusters of creamy-white flowers which form a canopy over the pale
gray foliage. The flowers take on a rusty hue as they age, and remain on the
plant until the first hard rains, or can be removed earlier and used in
arrangements.
Eriogonum latifolium var. grande
rubescens
(Red flowered buckwheat):
Plant Type: Evergreen subshrub
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Coastal bluffs and rocky slopes in coastal scrub and grasslands below 700 feet
Garden Usage: Rock gardens, perennial borders, containers
Red-flowered buckwheat has silvery-gray foliage which contrasts with its frothy pinkish flowers on 10 inch stalks. It likes sunny, well-drained sites and flowers from spring to summer, forming 2 foot mounds. Plant it tucked between rocks or in a perennial border. It also works well in well-drained containers. Companions well with saffron buckwheat, purple sage, golden yarrow, seaside daisy, clarkias, and dudleyas. If plants become leggy, prune them back to lateral buds, or let volunteer seedlings take over.
Eriogonum latifolium (Coast or chalk buckwheat):
Plant Type: Perennial groundcover
Light: Sun
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Summer to fall
Natural habitat: Coastal bluffs
Garden Usage: Groundcover,
border plant, butterfly and habitat garden
Gray foliage and a low spreading form make this perennial an
attractive small-scale groundcover or border plant. Foliage is topped in summer
with creamy white flowers about an inch across. Easy to grow in most gardens.
This is a local native found on coastal bluffs with Iris, Monkeyflower, Sage,
Seaside Daisy, and Yarrow.
Eriogonum parvifolium (Cliff buckwheat):
Plant
Type: Perennial subshrub
Light: Partial shade to sun
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom season: Midsummer until fall
Natural habitat: Coastal bluffs from Monterey to San Diego
Garden Usage: Butterfly and habitat gardens
This shrubby perennial will grow 2' high and wide. It is
covered with small balls of white to pink flowers from midsummer until fall.
Drought and clay tolerant, this buckwheat prefers full sun. The cliff buckwheat
is native to coastal bluffs from Monterey County south. The buckwheats are very
important butterfly plants and one of the pillars of their communities. The
flowers, leaves and seeds are all used by all the smaller animals. When planted
inland it may need occasional water. It is easy to grow, and will self sow
readily. To keep foliage dense, cut back after flowering.
Eriogonum ursinum (Bear Valley buckwheat):
Plant Type: Perennial subshrub
Light: Sun to part shade
Soil: Well-drained
Water: Drought tolerant
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Garden Usage: Ground cover, habitat garden, attracts butterflies
Native to the middle elevations of the N. Sierras, full sun most areas, afternoon shade in desert areas, water 1/week until established then water 1/month or so, needs good drainage, has white or yellow flowers on flat foliage, excellent groundcover. The buckwheats are very important butterfly plants and one of the pillars of their communities. The flowers, leaves and seeds are all used by all the smaller animals.
Ericameria
palmeri var. pachylepis (PalmerÕs goldenbush):
Plant Type: Shrub
Light: Sun
Soil: Well-drained
Water: Drought
tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: August
to December
Natural Habitat: Coastal
sage scrub, dry chaparral
Garden Usage: Hillsides,
slopes
PalmerÕs goldenbush is a mounding
evergreen shrub, and can grow to 5 ft in height and 5 ft wide. During summer it assumes a white
coloring, and in late summer yellow flowers bloom through December.
Eriophyllum
confertiflorum
(Golden yarrow):
Plant Type: Semi-evergreen subshrub
Light: Sun
Soil: Good drainage
Water: Drought tolerant to moderate
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Garden Usage: Dry borders
A perennial, 1-2 ft., bright yellow flowers in early summer, does best with full sun, a little summer water, and good drainage. It is an ideal drought tolerant native for dry borders, where its fine texture complements grasses, wildflowers, penstemons, and bold-leaved shrubs. It also makes an attractive cut flower. Retain its compact habit by deadheading or pruning plants down to 3 to 4 inches.
Festuca
californica
(California fescue):
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Spring/Summer
Natural Habitat: Broadly distributed throughout California
Garden Usage: Dry creek beds, rock gardens, edging, groundcover
California
fescue is a truly beautiful, mid-sized bunch grass native to California
(including San Francisco) & Oregon. It has graceful, fountain-like,
blue-green foliage, grows 2Õ tall and is evergreen along the coast. The yellow
showy flower stalks can rise another 2Õ above the foliage. A most excellent
groundcover for slopes, itÕs easily grown in a variety of soils & grows
well in both sun & part shade. Drought tolerant, though it looks better
with some summer water. ItÕs good
under oaks and deer resistant!
Fragaria chiloensis: (Beach strawberry)
Plant Type: Evergreen herbaceious perennial
Light: Sun to shade
Soil: Adaptable; well-drained preferred
Water: Infrequent to occasional
Natural Habitat: Sand dunes and bluffs in coastal scrub
Garden usage: Shade, groundcover
A vigorous and fast-growing perennial with white flowers,
March-Aug., edible red fruits, good ground cover for sun, garden water, part
shade inland. Combine it with
other dune and sea bluff perennials like seaside daisy or on broad
hillsides. Requires some shade
inland, and can tolerate full sun at the coast.
Galvezia speciosa ÔFirecrackerÕ(Island Bush 
Snapdragon):
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Rocky canyons and bluffs in coastal scrub below 3000 ft., garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Attracts hummingbirds, bright red flowers, easy to grow, adaptable in the garden.
Firecracker reaches 2 to 3 feet tall and about 3 feet wide, has softly pubescent leaves, and is more erect and compact than island snapdragon. With its bright red flowers, island bush snapdragon is one of the most ornamental plants. It is very adaptable and easy to grow and benefits from regular pinching to encourage a busy habit. You can prune it in late winter.
Heliantatrichon sempervirens (Blue
oat grass):
Plant Type: Grass
Light: Full sun or
light shade
Soil: Well-drained
Water: Occasional to
moderate
Bloom Season: Summer
Garden Usage: Use as
an accent
Blue oat grass is native to the
western Mediterranean. This bunch
grass is about 1 foot tall. It is
a great accent plant because of its blue color. Partner it with penstemons, artemesia, and black-eyed Susan.
Hesperoyucca
whipplei
(Yucca):
Plant Type: Evergreen subshrub
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable; well-drained preferred
Water: Drought tolerant
Natural Habitat: Slopes in chaparral and coastal scrub below 8000 feet
Garden Usage: South-facing slopes, boulders, against a wall, beware of sharp-tipped leaves
This yucca, also known as Our LordÕs Candle, is best suited for making a bold statement and is also at home in a diversity of garden styles. It produces a stemless cluster of long, rigid leaves which end in a sharp point. The leaves are gray-green and finely saw-toothed. The stiff leaves and the ultimate size of the plant must be taken into account when placing Our LordÕs Candle in your garden. Eliminate problem weeds well in advance of planting and add a deep gravel or rock mulch around the plant to assist with weed suppression. It is a perfect companion for boulders, or along a wall.
Heterotheca sessiliflora ÔSan Bruno MountainÕ (San Bruno Mountain Golden
Aster):
Plant Type: Evergreen herbaceous
perennial
Light: Sun to partial-shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to moderate
Bloom Season: Spring through fall
Natural Habitat: Coastal dunes and headlands in coastal scrub below 1500 feet, garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Groundcover, rock gardens, mixed borders, attracts birds
A 1 – 3 foot wide perennial that makes an excellent groundcover or in a rock garden. Native to much of Calif. up into the mountains. San Bruno Mountain golden aster is the best of the golden asters for California gardens. It produces abundant ½-inch-wide golden yellow flowers from spring through fall. Their massed effect gives this plant its charm. Use San Bruno Mountain golden aster at the front of mixed or perennial borders, in rock gardens, or in sand. It combines well with other small, sun-loving plants, such as DavidÕs Choice sandhill sagebrush, seaside daisy, foothill penstemon, blue-eyed grass, blue witches, and native irises. For best garden appearance, this cultivar requires regular deadheading. Some gardeners leave the mature seedheads to attract birds. You can clean up and rejuvenate the plant in late fall by cutting it back to 2-inch-long stubs with a string trimmer. This plant has no pests or diseases, matures fast and easy to grow.
Heuchera
pilosissima
(Alumroot):
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable; well-drained preferred
Water: Occasional to moderate
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Rocky outcrops and woodlands below 1500 feet
Garden Usage: Under deciduous trees, planted in masses, woodland garden or border
A larger alumroot, forming clumps to 2 feet wide. Sturdy panicles with 16 inch tall with
showy pink-white flowers in late spring.
The leaves are attractive in all seasons. They bloom particularly well when they are located under deciduous
trees, where they receive full sun in winter and partial shade during hot
summer months. They are ideal for a woodland garden and will stand some
drought, but look best with garden conditions.
Heuchera sanguinea ÔFireflyÕ (Coral bells):
Plant type: perennial
Light: part sun to
shade
Soil: well-drained
Water: average
Bloom season:
mid-summer
Natural Habitat: Arizona
and New Mexico
Garden usage: Woodland
gardens, shady areas
Heuchera ÔFireflyÕ is a perennial that grows 12-18 inches in height with bright red flowers that are held high on long thin wands over the tidy mounds of scalloped foliage. Heavy blooming in well-drained, compost enriched soil, flowering is prolonged by deadheading of faded flowering spikes. Best in part sun and shade in hot climates, but will do well in full sun at higher altitudes with cooler summer weather.
Heuchera sanguinea ÔRuby BellsÕ: Coral Bells
Plant type: perennial
Light: part sun to
shade
Soil: well-drained
Water: average
Bloom season:
mid-summer
Natural Habitat: Arizona
and New Mexico
Garden usage: Woodland
gardens, shady areas
Heuchera ÔRuby BellsÕ is a perennial that grows 12-18 inches in height with bright red flowers that are held high on long thin wands over the tidy mounds of scalloped foliage. Heavy blooming in well-drained, compost enriched soil, flowering is prolonged by deadheading of faded flowering spikes. Best in part sun and shade in hot climates, but will do well in full sun at higher altitudes with cooler summer weather.
Juncus patens (Common rush):
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
Light: Sun
to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water:
Moderate to drought tolerant
Natural Habitat: Marshy
places
Garden Usage: Recommended for marshes, pond edges, or wetlands. Good background accent plant. Highly recommended in container.
Common rush prefer wet or moist areas and full sun, but once
established, they are remarkably tolerant of drought and shade. They typically form dense clumps of
rigid, upright to slightly arching stems from 1 to 2 feet tall. It gradually spreads to form large
colonies over time, but its growth rate is primarily dependent upon the amount
of water it receives. RushÕs
strong vertical growth habit effectively contrasts with the rounded forms of
western columbine, alum root, and any of the low-growing species of
ceanothus. It makes an excellent
container plants, and its flowering stems work well as access in floral
arrangements.
Lavendula
stoechas ÔOtto
QuastÕ (Otto Quast Spanish lavender)
Plant
Type: Evergreen perennial
Light: Full sun
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Occasional once established
Bloom Season: Spring through summer
Natural habitat: Mediterranean, Spain
Garden Usage: Borders, Containers, Rock gardens,
hummingbird and butterfly garden
Spanish lavender forms a dense, mounding form 2 ft high to 2-3 ft
wide. It displays rich royal purple
flowers on spikes above the gray-green foliage. A fragrant easy-care perennial for borders and gardens
attracting birds and butterflies.
Place within reach for everyone to enjoy.
Lessingia
filaginifolia
ÔSilver CarpetÕ (Dune aster):
Plant Type: Evergreen herbaceous
perennial
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable, well-drained preferred
Water: Infrequent to occasional
Bloom Season: Summer to fall
Natural Habitat: Species occurs in coastal scrub, oak woodlands, and grasslands up to 7800 feet throughout much of California
Garden Usage: Attracts butterflies, groundcover, meadow garden, perennial border
Gardeners eager to attract butterflies will want this perennial, which provides food for both larval and adult stages. This plant is lackluster in pots, but once in the ground it becomes an attractive ground-hugging mat 4 to 8 feet wide. The 1-inch-wide daisy-like flowers have a central yellow disk surrounded by petals of lavender-pink. The pastel blossoms and soft leaves are a welcome addition to the perennial border or meadow garden, or used to tone down the warm colors of summer-flowering California fuchsias and goldenrods or to complement other silver, blue, or gray-leaved plants in a cool-color scheme. It makes an effective groundcover in the front of a border or spilling over a wall. Lilac verbena or bright yellow shrubby monkeyflower are pleasing partners. ItÕs easy to grow and requires only light pruning around the perimeter to help maintain its dense habit.
Mimulus
aurantiacus (Sticky
monkeyflower):
Plant Type: Evergreen to nearly
deciduous subshrub
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable; well-drained preferred
Water: Drought tolerant to moderate
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Coastal scrub, chaparral, woodland
Garden Usage: small drifts, mixed borders, containers, attracts hummingbirds, deer-proof
This diversity is particularly evident in southern California and bodes
well for gardeners. Plants these
with California fuschia, sages, buckwheats, coyote mints, and smaller
manzanitas. Plants typically reach
2-3 ft high and wide.
Mimulus
aurantiacus puniceus (Mission red monkeyflower):
Plant Type: Evergreen to nearly deciduous
subshrub
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable; well-drained preferred
Water: Drought tolerant to moderate
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Coastal scrub, chaparral, woodland
Garden Usage: small drifts, mixed borders, containers, attracts hummingbirds
Red monkeyflower is an 18 in. to 3 ft. with numerous red tubular flowers. It is a California native that is drought tolerant. Attracts hummingbirds.
Muhlenbergia
rigens
(Deer grass):
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial grass
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to moderate
Natural Habitat: Dry or moist places in many plant communities below 7000 feet; widespread in California
Garden Usage: Plant with large boulders, adds contrast, ok in large containers
Deer grass is the most cherished species in CaliforniaÕs
vast selection of grasses. Established plants resemble gigantic pincushions and
may reach 5 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide. Single specimens of deer grass are dramatic, and large
drifts are stunning, but crowded plants look pinched, so be sure to allow
enough space when planting. Plant
deer grass with large boulders and coarse-textured foliage for maximum
contrast. Showy milkweed, Saint
CatherineÕs lace and Pigeon Point coyote brush are excellent companions. Deer grass maintains it striking
appearance throughout the year, and is truly one of the most carefree and
easy-to-grow native grasses.
During fall, you can use a string trimmer to cut the entire clump down
to 3 to 4 inches, and it will come back beautifully season after season.
Penstemon
centranthifolius (Scarlet Bugler):
Plant
Type: Perennial
Light: Full sun
Soil: Good drainage
Water: Drought tolerant
Natural Habitat: Dry open or wooded places, chaparral, oak woodland
Garden Usage: Rock gardens, attracts hummingbirds
Penstemon centranthifolius is a
one to two foot perennial with a 2-4' spike of one to two inch red flowers in
April-July. Native to dry slopes in the coast ranges and Southern Sierras up to
6500'. Give this Penstemon full sun. Very drought tolerant. Excellent in rock
gardens. Needs good drainage with very little organic matter. Heavily used by
Hummingbirds.
Penstemon
heterophyllus
ÔMargarita BOPÕ:
Plant Type: Evergreen herbaceous perennial
Light: Sun
Soil: Well-drained
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Spring to fall
Natural Habitat: Dry places in grasslands, chaparral, and woodland forest clearings below 5000 feet
Garden Usage: Rock gardens, foreground of mixed borders, containers
Reliant and garden tolerant, ÔMargarita BOPÕ is a hybrid of Penstemon heterophyllus or Foothill penstemon. What set this clone apart is its disease resistance and staying power. It bloom profusely for several months with 1 foot spikes of blue to purple flowers, blooming as early as March and continuing into fall if the plant is pruned occasionally. Margarita BOP penstemon is beautifully combined with native grasses as well as perennials such as Wooly Daisy, monkeyflowers, California poppy, and saffron or red-flowered buckwheat. It also makes a nice container specimen.
Penstemon ÔMidnightÕ (Beard Tongue):
Plant Type: Evergreen herbaceous perennial
Light: Sun to part
shade
Soil: Well-drained
Water: Drought
tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season:
Spring to fall
Natural Habitat: Garden
hybrid
Garden Usage:
Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
From
the large dark colored flowers and healthy deep green foliage this long lived
cultivars is sure to please. It is an evergreen perennial or sub-shrub to 3
feet tall with purple tinged stems heavily clothed with 4 inch long lance
shaped dark green leaves with slight dentations towards the tips. The large
trumpet-shaped bluish purple flowers are 1Ó long by 1Ó wide with a lavender throat
lavender striped in purple. The
flowers appear in a succession of flowering peaks from late spring until fall. The
flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Plant in full sun along the coast
and provide some light shade inland. Tolerates and even thrive in poor soils
and alkaline conditions but requires relatively good drainage. Can survive very
dry conditions in cooler coastal gardens but looks better with occasional
irrigation and requires it in hotter locations. Pinch plants after the first
bloom to promote a quick re-bloom and cut back hard in winter to encourage a
new flush of dense growth in spring.
Penstemon
spectabilis
(Showy penstemon):
Plant Type: Evergreen herbaceous
perennial
Light: Sun
Soil: Well-drained
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Spring to fall
Natural Habitat: Dry, gravelly slopes and washes in chaparral, coastal scrub, and oak woodlands below 6500 feet
Garden Usage: Mixed borders, massed, containers
This southern California penstemon lives up to its common name. When in bloom it can reach 3 to 4 feet tall, and each flower stalk bears upwards of 100, 1-inch-long blossoms, creating a regal display of blue, pink, lilac, lavender-purple, violet, or white. This floral performance can last from spring to fall. Just one specimen can serve as a focal point in a mixed border, but for maximum effect plant several as a ribbon running through a bed, complemented by sages and ceanothus.
Phlomis
fruiticosa
(Jerusalem Sage):
Plant
Type: Evergreen subshrub
Light: Full Sun
Soil: Normal, sandy, clay
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Late spring, early summer
Natural Habitat: Mediterranean
Garden Usage: Accent, border, containers, cut flower
Phlomis fruticosa (Jerusalem Sage) is native to the Mediterranean region. This is a large, multi-stemmed, broad shrub growing to about 4'x 4' with large (2-3 inch long) lance-shaped, soft woolly gray leaves that are white beneath, and 1 inch long, bright lemon yellow woolly flower whorls that appear on erect stems spring through summer. Plant in full sun to light shade. Drought tolerant and cold tolerant to at least 23 degrees F. This plant is attractive to butterflies and birds.
Potentilla
glandulosa (Sticky Cinquefoil):
Plant Type: Perennial
Light: Part shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Moderate
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Coastal and foothills
Garden Usage: Woodland garden, shaded areas
Sticky Cinquefoil is a one to two foot tall perennial with creamy, yellow flowers. It has soft leaves and red stems. It is found along the coast of California and in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The flowers of Sticky Cinquefoil last longer in part shade with moderate water, but this perennial grows well in full sun with regular water. Potentilla glandulosa is a good companion to Sidalcea malvaeflora, Muhlenbergia rigens, Sisyrinchium bellum, and Zauschneria californica (Epilobium canum).
Rhamnus californica ÔMound San BrunoÕ (Coffeeberry)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Sun to shade
Soil: Adaptable; well-drained preferred
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Spring
Natural Habitat: Widespread in many plant communities below
7000 ft, garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Informal hedge or screen, formal foundation
shrub, woodland theme
Coffeeberry is one of the most common evergreen shrubs encountered in
coastal California and is quite adaptable in many garden conditions. ÔMound San BrunoÕ features narrow light
green leaves and a tightly branched, mounding habit to 5 feet tall and equal
spread. The berries develop through a series of interesting colors-lime green,
rose, and red – before turning burgundy-black in autumn. The ripe berries are attractive to
small mammals and birds, especially mockingbirds, but can stain a patio, so
keep this in mind when placing it in the garden.
Ribes aureum (Golden Currant):
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Bloom Season: Mid winter
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Natural Habitat: Coastal scrub, chaparral and woodlands below 2500 ft.
Garden Usage: Broad shrub, deciduous, attracts birds, plant with toyon, coffeeberry, coast live oak, ceanothus
Golden currant is a broad, sprawling shrub reaching as much as 10 ft tall. Clusters of yellow flowers form in midwinter and develop a reddish cast as they fade. They have bright glossy green leaves that offer early season color. The translucent yellow-orange or black berries attract birds, and seedlings are common as a result. Keep it pruned to avoid rangy thickets.
Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum (Pink-flowering currant):
Plant
Type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Sun to shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Infrequent to moderate
Bloom Season: Spring
Natural habitat: Open slopes, chaparral, moist woodlands
below 2000 ft.
Garden Usage: Woodland garden, narrow corridors
Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum ranges in size from 5 to 12 feet high. The flowers are held in pendulous clusters 2 to 8 inches long and vary in color from silver pink to carmine red. The medium to dark green, maple-like leaves are 1 ½ to 3 inches wide. The powdered, blue-black berries are edible, but youÕll have to compete with the birds to get them. Grows best in partial shade inland and full sun at the coast. Supplemental irrigation is recommended to give this adaptable shrub a fuller, fresher appearance. Combine it with toyon, coffeeberry, and oaks in a woodland garden; or mix with hummingbird sage, western columbine, and western meadow rue.
Rosa californica (California wild rose):
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Sun to
partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought
tolerant to moderate
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat:
Native to California, Oregon, and
northern Baja
Garden Usage:
Wildlife gardens, barrier plantings, hedgerows
Rosa californica, the California
Wild Rose, is an attractive native California shrub that can eventually form
large spiney thickets from suckering roots. It has compound dark green leaves
(to 7 leaflets) and beautiful 1 1/2 wide fragrant bright pink flowers that open
from long pointed buds. Flowering commences here in late April and continues on
through mid summer. In the cooler bay area blooming can begin as late as June.
Flowering is followed by bright red hips to 1/2 inch in diameter. In fall there
are often both flowers and hips on display. Although native to cool shaded
canyons this plant thrives and blooms better in full sun when given adequate
water. Combine California Wild Rose
with other deciduous or evergreen plants, such as pink-flowering currant,
coffeeberry, western azalea, giant chain fern. Prune native roses to the ground in late summer or fall.
Rudbeckia
hirta
(Black-eyed Susan):
Plant Type: Perennial
Light: Fun sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Average to drought tolerant
Bloom Season: Summer to fall
Natural Habitat: Dry meadows, prairies, open woods, native to North America
Garden Usage: Meadow or prairie gardens, attracts butterflies and bees
Surely one of the most cheerful and popular of the native wildflowers, black-ehyed Susan is a must in the meadow or prairie garden. It grows from 1 – 3 feet, and flowers summer to fall. It survives in tough conditions – in sandy or gravelly, nutrient-poor soil and long periods of drought. You can divide mature plants in early spring or in the fall after the bloom season. Good companions include purple coneflowers, ascleopias atuberosa (butterfly weed) and salvias. Its nectar attracts butterflies and bees.
Salvia apiana (White sage):
Plant Type: Evergreen subshrub
Light: Sun
Soil: Adaptable; well-drained preferred
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Dry slopes and flats in coastal scrub chaparral, and some woodlands and forest below 4500 feet
Garden Usage: Hillsides, focal points, fragrance
White sage has something for everyone. Gardeners treasure this strikingly handsome shrub for its bold foliage, dramatic floral display, and powerful scent. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet across. In spring it sends up flower stalks that easily add another 2 to 4 feet in height. The lavender-tinged white flowers are clustered in interrupted spikes and the broad silvery white leaves are 3 to 4 inches long, with an incredibly pungent scent. An exceptionally drought-tolerant plant, white sage doesnÕt need summer water and if over-watered in summer it may not survive. It makes an arresting focal point in a border and can be massed on slopes to help curb erosion. Prune the flower stalks back to the most robust new buds to keep the plant from becoming leggy. Combine it with other sages, buckwheats, penstemons, ceanothus, and California fuchsias. Bees produce a delicate and flavorful honey from its flowers.
Salvia
ÔBeeÕs BlissÕ (BeeÕs Bliss Sage):
Plant
Type: Evergreen groundcover
Light: Sun
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant
Bloom Period: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Fast growing spreading groundcover, attracts
hummingbirds, lavender blue flowers easy to grow.
BeeÕs Bliss sage is a garden hybrid that is thought to be a cross of Salvia sonomensis or Salvia clevelandii with Salvia leucophylla that was selected by Roger Raiche at the University of California Botanic Garden and named by Marcia Donahue. The foliage is light gray and reaches 2 feet tall to 6-8 feet wide. This selection is great on hillsides. DonÕt water too much in the summer once the plant is established. Attracts hummingbirds and bees, excellent choice for a habitat garden.
Salvia clevelandii ÔWinifred GilmanÕ
(Cleveland sage):
Plant Type: Semi-evergreen shrub
Light: Sun
Soil: Well-drained
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Late spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Dry slopes in coastal scrub and chaparral below 300 feet, garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Attracts hummingbirds, containers, herb gardens, dry border, fragrant
Evergreen shrub with flowers lavender to blue. This Cleveland sage is native to dry slopes San Diego County. It likes sun and perfect drainage. The gray-green leaves have intense fragrance. The stalks of purple-blue flowers are spectacular during the blooming cycle, but also distinctive after the bloom when the seed pods turn a dark rusty brown. The Salvias are great hummingbird plants. Plant them in the hottest, driest, fastest-draining site available. They can be used as a focal point in a decorative pot, herb garden, or in a dry border as a low hedge. Try planting Cleveland sage in front of island bush poppy and behind red-flowered buckwheat, foothill or royal penstemon, and groundcover manzanitas. You can trim it back after fall for new spring growth.
Salvia greggii
ÔFlameÕ (Autumn sage ÔFlameÕ):
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable to well-drained
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Habitat garden, attracts hummingbirds
Grows to
2-3 feet in height and 2 feet wide.
A hummingbird magnet, they can't resist the red flowers and return to
the plant many times each day for more nectar. This plant does best with full
sun and well drained soil. Wait until spring to cut back to emerging new
growth. Deer resistant.
Salvia leucophylla (Purple sage):
Plant Type: Semi-evergreen shrub
Light: Sun
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Common on dry, open hills and slopes in coastal scrub and chaparral below 2000 feet
Garden Usage: Sunny steep slopes, desert themed gardens, attracts hummingbirds, bumblebees, and wasps
Purple sage is a showy silver-leaved shrub with pungent fragrance and light-purple flowers in dramatic spikes. It forms neat mounds 5' tall and 6' wide. Sages take full sun and are drought tolerant, although you can encourage blooming by giving them extra water, but be sure to let the ground dry out between watering and be careful not to give too much summer water. In California, the sages are visited by hummingbirds, bumblebees, wasps and bees. If you want to keep the sage neat, you can prune it, but wait until it is not flowering. Also makes an excellent low hedge.
Salvia leucophylla hybrid: (Purple sage hybrid):
Plant Type: Evergreen subshrub
Light: Sun
Soil: Adaptable; well-drained preferred
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Dry slopes and flats in coastal scrub chaparral, and some woodlands and forest below 4500 feet, garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Hillsides, focal points, fragrance
This variety is a
very special hybrid of white and purple sage grown by our good friend Tom. Its leaves have the appearance of a
white sage but the flowers are light purple. As with all sages, itÕs important not to over water once
they are established. This has an
incredible scent! Can grow 6-8
feet tall and wide. Ok to prune
back after bloom period.
Salvia leucophylla ÔPt. SalÕ: (Purple Sage ÔPt. SalÕ)
Plant Type: Semi-evergreen shrub
Light: Sun
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Common on dry, open hills and slopes in coastal scrub and chaparral below 2000 feet, garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Groundcover,
mixed borders
Salvia Point Sal is a hybrid of purple sage. It is a gray to silver, drought tolerant ground cover that generally grows 3-4 foot across and 1 to 2 feet tall and lavender flower from May to July. Plant in dry mixed borders, it blends well with almost any color. Lightly prune this long-lived species after it flower to maintain vigor and a pleasing form. The dried stalks look well in flower arrangements and have a pleasing scent.
Salvia
mellifera ÔTerra SecaÕ (Black sage ÔTerra SecaÕ):
Plant Type: Evergreen herbaceous
perennial groundcover
Light: Sun
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Natural Habitat: Coastal scrub and chaparral, garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Groundcover, rock gardens
ÔTerra SecaÕ is variety of black sage and grows roughly 2 feet tall by 8 or more feet wide. It makes an excellent ground cover; durable and easy to grow. Its blooms are small stocks with light blue - white flowers.
Salvia spathacea
(Hummingbird sage)
Plant Type: Semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Late winter to summer
Natural Habitat: Shady or open grassy slopes in coastal scrub, chaparral, and woodlands below 2500 feet
Garden Usage: Groundcover, attracts hummingbirds, containers
Hummingbird sage is one of the few herbaceous groundcovers that grow well in dry shade. It is easy to cultivate and has fabulous flowers and an intensely fruity fragrance. This first-rate sage satisfies on all counts and truly lives up to its common name by attracting hummingbirds to your garden. The only red-flowered native sage, it begins to bloom in late winter and continues into summer, with stalks 1 to 3 feet tall. It is a reliable groundcover, spreading by rhizomes. Cut the sprint flower stalks to the ground when they are no longer attractive to avoid leggy stalks that might flop over in the following year. Hummingbird sage looks good in decorative pots and mixes well with plants that wonÕt be smothered by its large leaves, such as coarse or dense bunchgrasses, irises, manzanitas, and cofeeberries. Insects and diseases are a minor concern. Plants occasionally get a mild case of powdery mildew that usually clears up quickly, especially if plants are cut back to the ground.
Sisyrinchium
bellum
(Blue-eyed grass):
Plant Type: Semi-evergreen to deciduous herbaceous perennial
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Infrequent to moderate
Bloom Season: January - June
Natural Habitat: Widespread in many plant communities below 6000 feet
Garden Usage: Meadows, grassland gardens, mixed borders, containers
Blue-eyed grass belongs to the Iris family. A 1 foot tall perennial with 1 inch blue flowers blooming from Jan.-June. It has small, iris-like leaves. It likes full sun and garden water. It also can become very drought tolerant and is summer dormant, which can be delayed with summer irrigation. Blue-eyed grass is useful in meadow and grassland gardens as well as mixed borders. Good companion plants include seaside daisy and dune sedge. Also does well in containers mixed with annual wildflowers or mass it with purple needlegrass and checker-bloom in an informal border. It grows in sand to clay, coastal bluffs to interior grasslands. Cut plants to the ground to remove dried summer foliage. Disease and pest free. You can also divide this plant easily if it becomes too bulky.
Sisyrinchium
californicum
(Yellow-eyed grass):
Plant Type: Semi-evergreen to deciduous herbaceous perennial
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Infrequent to moderate
Bloom Season: January - June
Natural Habitat: Widespread in many plant communities below 6000 feet
Garden Usage: Meadows, grassland gardens, mixed borders, containers
Yellow-eyed grass is found in moist coastal areas, growing 6 inches to 2 feet tall. It has chalky green leaves and bright yellow spring flowers. Yellow-eyed grass is an excellent choice for sun or partial shade in wet, poorly drained areas or regularly watered gardens. Nice as edging or next to a water feature or water faucet for maximum bloom. Foliage darkens in fall & should be cut back. Looks great partnered with blue-eyed grass.
Sphaeralcea
ambigua (Globe Mallow):
Plant Type: Evergreen subshrub
Light: Sun
Soil: adaptable: well-drained preferred
Water: Drought tolerant to occasional
Natural Habitat: Dry rocky places in desert scrub and desert woodland below 7500 feet
Garden Usage: Desert gardens, dry borders
Mallow is a garden favorite for all the right reasons: it is easy to grow, has showy distinctive flowers, and blooms for months at a time. If grown in warm areas and with summer irrigation , in often blooms nearly year-round. A 2 foot perennial with many one inch orange flowers on a two to three foot spike with gray almost fuzzy foliage. Desert Hollyhock is another name for the flower spikes that can occur most of the year here. Desert Mallow needs sun and good air flow. Use as a specimen in a dry border or massed in a desert-themed garden. It is an excellent choice to combine with desert lavender, incienso, beavertail cactus, and Shaw agave. Prune it back to 3 to 6 inch long stubs after it blooms. Occasionally it will produce welcome volunteer seedlings.
Thalictrum fendleri (Western
Meadow Rue):
Plant Type: Semi-evergreen
herbaceous perennial
Light: Sun
to shade
Soil:
Adaptable
Water: Drought
tolerant to occasional
Bloom Season: Spring
Natural Habitat: Common in forests and woodlands below 3000 ft.
Garden Usage: Under oaks, woodland gardens
Western meadow rue has fine-textured foliage and is easily
mistaken for western columbine.
The green or blue-green leaves are divided in many segments, giving the
foliage a delicate, fern-like appearance.
Adding to this effect are the tiny unisexual flowers, which are showy by
virtue of their sheer numbers. The
flowers appear at the tops of 2 to 5 ft stalks. It thrives in the dry understory of trees, especially coast
live oaks and also accepts a fair amount of summer water. Meadow rue goes dormant in late summer,
and the foliage may turn a pleasing mosaic of soft yellow, tan, and brown. Group several together for best
effect. Partner it with western
columbine, coffeeberry, coral bells, fens, and grasses. Prune it annually to remove the dried
flower stalks and leaves. This plant will self-sow very
easily.
Verbena lilacina ÔDe La MinaÕ (De La
Mina verbena):
Plant Type: Evergreen subshrub
Light: Sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Occasional to moderate
Bloom Season:
Spring through fall
Natural Habitat: Garden
hybrid
Garden Usage:
Mixed borders, containers, rock gardens, butterfly garden
De La Mina verbena
reaches 2 to 3 ft high and 3 to 6 ft wide in a mounding habit. ItÕs flowers
attract a variety of butterflies.
It adapts to many garden conditions. Annual pruning will keep this plant tidy and retain the
compact habit. This is an
outstanding container plant and excellent for mixed borders. These look great next to seaside daisy,
native yarrows, yellow monkeyflowers, and gum plants.
Vitus californica ÔRogers RedÕ (California Wild Grape):
Plant Type: Deciduous vine
Light: Sun to part shade
Soil: Adaptable
Water: Occasional
Bloom Season: Fall color
Natural Habitat: Garden hybrid
Garden Usage: Cover fences, arbors, trellises
Selected by Roger
Raiche at the U.C. Berkeley Botanic Garden, this cultivar is now thought to be
a natural hybrid between the native Vitis californica and the European
wine grape, Vitis vinifera. A vigorous vine growing 3-6 feet per
year, it turns flaming red in the fall before losing its leaves. Also sets
fruit profusely, with only occasional water. While tasty, the grapes are seedy,
making it better for birds than people. We have not found it to be messy,
hanging onto the grapes until they are raisins, then picked off by birds.