Common name: South Western Coral Bells
Botanical name: Heuchera sanguinea

Tufts of round leaves 2"-3" wide with scalloped edges accent this plant. It also produces wiry stems to 24" tall with open clusters of tiny, reddish pink, bell-shaped, fragrant flowers. Native to Desert Southwest so it tolerates desert heat, not humidity of deep South. It can also be grown in Colorado and Oregon in full sun with cool temperatures. This Heuchera typically spreads 12". Flowers can be used for vases. Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooming. This perennial has a mounding habit. In warmer and hot areas, plant in shade or part shade. This plant does best with well draining, fertile, moist soil. It does not tolerate clay soil well but will perform in rocky soil. Looks great in containers or along walkways.

Common name: Blue Beach Aster, Seaside Daisy
Botanical name: Erigeron glaucus

This perennial will grow 1' tall and 1.5' wide. It has blue green foliage and lavender flowers that bloom in spring and summer. This is a great plant for coastal gardens. In inland areas, it prefers afternoon shade. Little or no water needed during summer in coastal gardens but will need extra water in other areas. This plant attracts butterflies. It tolerates wind.

Common name: Tuttle Dwarf Natal Plum
Botanical name: Carissa macrocarpa 'Tuttle'

This spreading, low-growing sub-shrub will grow about 2'-3' tall and 5' wide. It has small, glossy, dark green, fleshy leaves that densely cover the shrub. Delicate white, star-shaped, fragrant flowers bloom in spring and summer. Oval fruit appear in summer, turning red when ripe. This fruit can be used for jams and jellies. This plant oozes sap when branches are cut or broken and may cause allergenic reactions for some people. Watch out for thorns. This plant tolerates coastal as well as desert areas. It needs little water in coastal areas but more in hot inland valleys. Prune to desired shape.

Common name: Douglas Iris
Botanical name: Iris douglasiana

Douglas iris is an evergreen perennial that can reach 2' tall and spread 3' wide. It tolerates full sun in coastal areas but needs afternoon shade in warm inland valleys. Foliage is long, pointed and lovely green. It prefers rich soil. Not frost tolerant; does not tolerate gravel soil. Lavender blue flowers with lots of streaks appear in spring. Medium watering required. Beautiful when planted en masse under oak trees.

Common name: Rosemary
Botanical name: Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary is hardy in full sun areas where winter temperatures do not drop below 10 degrees F. Rosemary is evergreen and makes a great aromatic hedge, 4'-6' tall and 2' wide. Foliage is used in cooking. Blue flowers appear in summer. This plant is drought tolerant once it's established. Bees love Rosemary!