Common name: Fox Tail Agave
Botanical name: Agave attenuata

This Agave has a dramatic tropical form. Even light frost can damage its succulent leaves. It is great for containers. In the low desert, partial sun will be best. If it becomes top heavy, simply cut and stick in the ground to root. It is not a fast grower and has light green foliage. It will also die after flowering but pups around the mother will survive. Distinctive with its large rosette of leaves perched on a long curving trunk, it is a native from Mexico. Also called: Velvet Agave

Common name: Prostrate Rosemary
Botanical name: Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'

The 'Prostratus' grows to a height of 2'-3' with a spread to 8'. Its flowers are pale, lavender-blue in color starting in fall through winter and spring, attracting bees. Evergreen foliage is needle-like and aromatic with a dark, blue-green color. This plant makes a good ground cover, and its leaves can be used as seasoning in cooking. This ground cover like full sun and well draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established.

Common name: Mexican Marigold
Botanical name: Tagetes lemmonii

This larger perennial will grow to 6' tall and has small, light green leaves with yellow mustard colored flowers that bloom in winter and spring. Cut back to within 6" of the ground to refresh and reduce the size of the plant.

Common name: Matilija Poppy
Botanical name: Romneya coulteri

This wonderful California native perennial can reach 5' tall and 8' wide. Foliage is gray green and 3-5 lobes. Large white flowers with yellow centers appear in spring and summer. Slightly scented, attracting bees and butterflies. This plant does best in full or part sun with well draining soil. However, it does spread by underground runners so consider planting on slopes or in areas where it is allowed to spread. Flowers are great for vase arrangements. This plant is drought tolerant once it's established.

Common name: Chinese Wisteria
Botanical name: Wisteria sinensis

This deciduous vine can quickly and aggressively reach 30' and wide, depending on conditions. It bears rounded clusters of strongly fragrant flowers which open more or less all at once. Cultivars have blue, pink, white, purple or lavender colors, attracting hummingbirds in spring, followed by leafing out of foliage which are usually leaflets, followed by velvety, long, drooping pods. This vine can tolerate full sun to part shade, preferring well draining, rich, moist soil. But it is very reliable and can take drought conditions if established. It looks great in containers and even as a bonsai specimen.