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OENOTHERA
OLEA
europaea ‘Majestic Beauty®’ P.P. #5,649: (Olea europaea ‘Monher’). Evergreen. Long, narrow, gray-green leaves give it an airy appearance. Fragrant, white flowers in summer. Slow growing to 25-30’tall & wide. Full sun. With no fruit to drop, it can be used near walkways, drives or pools, or within the garden without any mess. Deer resistant. Waterwise, needing only occasional water once established. Zones 8-11.
europaea ‘Dwarf Olive’: Dwarf Olive”. Evergreen. Dwarf, non-fruiting. Deep green foliage with silvery undersides. Fragrant, inconspicuous flowers. Moderate growing to 4-6′ tall & wide. Full sun. Heat, drought and salt tolerant. Deer resistant. Waterwise, needing only occasional water once established. Attractive as a formal hedge or specimen shrub, but can be trained as a topiary form, or as a single trunk tree in smaller spaces. Zones 8-11.
europaea ‘Wilsonii’: Evergreen. Gray-green foliage. Gnarled trunk gives it a unique character. Moderate growing to 25-30′ tall & wide. Full sun. A virtually fruitless variety that produces little to no pollen, but can produce small batches of small shriveled fruit on occasion. Drought tolerant, needing only occasional water once established. Zones 8-11
ORIGANUM
rotundifolium ‘Kent’s Beauty’: “Ornamental Oregano”. A hybrid ornamental oregano (O. rotundifolium x O. scabrum) that is grown primarily for its attractive flowers and foliage. It features beautiful nodding creamy white hop-like flowers with pink bracts at the ends of the stems from early summer-early fall. Fragrant, heart-shaped leaves are bluish-green with silver veins. Full sun. 6-10″ tall & 24″ wide. Attracts butterflies & hummingbirds. Drought tolerant. Zones 6-9.
OSMANTHUS
fragrans: “Sweet Olive”. Large, evergreen shrub or small tree. Broad upright form is densely branched & covered with dark green finely toothed foliage. Tiny white flower clusters have delightful apricot-like fragrance. Full sun-partial shade. Slow growing to 10′ high, 6-8′ wide, larger with age. Zones 8-11.
OSTEOSPERMUM
ecklonis ‘Blue-Eyed Beauty’ P.P. #26,150: “African Daisy”. An early flowering variety with a compact, branching habit. Canary yellow, daisy flowers with a contrasting violet blue eye in spring-fall. Full sun. 10-14″ tall & 14-20″ wide. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant. Perfect for filling beds and containers, or edging sunny borders. Waterwise. Zones 10-11.
ecklonis ‘Serenity™’ Series: “Serenity™ African Daisy”. A profusion of flowers carpet the garden. Excellent for erosion control on slopes. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape & extend the life-span of the plant. Blooms Spring – Autumn. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant. Attracts butterflies. Grows to 10 – 14″ tall & 14 – 20″ wide. Full sun. Cut back in early autumn to encourage re-blooming & improve habit. Use as a groundcover, in a rock garden, or containers. ‘Magic’ colors change as the flowers fully open. Zones 10-11.
‘Lavender Frost’: White, daisy-like flowers with a purple center.
hybrid ‘Voltage™ White’: “African Daisy”. The best summer performing Osteospermum is great in all climates. White flowers with a bright yellow center in spring-fall. Blooms a little later than ‘Voltage Yellow’. with a more compact habit. 10-16″tall & 24-28″ wide. Full sun. Zones 10-11.
hybrid ‘Voltage™ Yellow’: “African Daisy”. When shoppers are craving bright colors the most, this unique clear yellow variety will stop traffic – it’s the first Osteospermum in bloom & the last out of bloom. It features very flexible stems making it ideal for large baskets & containers. The low spreading habit makes it ideal for landscapes. Height 10-16″ tall & 24-28″ wide. Full sun. Zones 10-11.
PANDOREA
jasminoides ‘Lady Di’: (P.j. ‘Alba’). “White Bower Vine”. Evergreen. Twining branches of this rapid grower, 15-25′ long, has bright green compound foliage. In summer, loose clusters of trumpet-shaped, white flowers with a creamy throat are very showy. Fragrant. Full sun. Zones 9-11.
jasminoides ‘Rosea’: “Pink Bower Vine”. Evergreen. Twining branches of this rapid grower, 15-25′ long, has bright green compound foliage. Trumpet-shaped, bright pink blooms with rose-pink throats appear most of the summer. Full sun. Fragrant. Attracts butterflies & hummingbirds. Zones 9-11.
PENSTEMON
heterophyllus ‘Margarita BOP’: “Margarita BOP Beardtongue, Santa Margarita Foothill Penstemon”. Foot long spikes of yellow tinged buds open to violet blue flowers that change to purple pink spring through fall. Narrow deep green leaves contrast well with the bloom. Makes a great addition to rock gardens as well as low water use borders & beds. California native. Partial shade – full sun. Attracts butterflies & birds. Fast growing to 2′ tall & wide. A U.C. Davis Arboretum All-Star Selection. Zones 6-10.
PEROVSKIA
atriplicifolia: “Russian Sage”. Perennial. Likes well-drained soil, full sun, summer heat & winter chill. Branched, spike-like, lavender blue flower clusters in summer. Gray-green aromatic foliage. 3-5′ tall & 2-4′ wide. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant. Zones 3-9.
PHORMIUM
‘Black Adder’ P.P. #20,451: (Phormium cookianum Black Adder PP20451). This evergreen perennial holds its dramatic dark burgundy foliage and its size. 3-4′ tall & 3′ wide. Full sun-partial shade. Great in mixed borders, containers, and can even be planted as a hedge. Leaves provide structure in flower arrangements. Protect from frost in colder climates. Salt tolerant. Low water/water-wise once established. Zones 8b-11. A Sunset Western Garden Collection Plant.
tenax ‘Atropurpureum’: “New Zealand Bronze Flax”. Evergreen. Strap-shaped, pointed burgundy bronze leaves. Orange-red flowers on tall stalks in late spring-summer. 6-8′ tall & 4-5’wide. Full sun-partial shade. Deer tolerant. Zones 8-11.
PHOTINIA
fraseri: “Fraser’s Photinia”. Evergreen. Excellent densely branched shrub for hedge or screens. New growth emerges with bright bronze-red coloring, maturing to large, dark green leaves. Full sun. Moderate to fast grower to 10-15′ tall & wide. Small, white flowers in spring. Drought tolerant. It can be used as espalier or as a patio tree. Zones 7-9.
PISTACIA
chinensis: “Chinese Pistache”. Deciduous. Desirable ornamental tree with attractive, umbrella-like crown. Lustrous green leaves turn a brilliant orange-crimson in fall. Dependable for color for all garden situations. Full sun. Moderate grower to 30-35′ tall, 25-35′ wide, larger with age. Zone 6-9.
chinensis ‘Keith Davey’: “Keith Davey Pistache”. Deciduous. Keith Davey Pistache was selected for its intense red / orange fall color, which shows even in warm climates & produces no seeds. It has all of the other attributes of a Pistache; a non-invasive root system, a rounded head for shade, a resistance to pest & disease, & a manageable growth rate & size. 25-40′ tall & 25-35′ wide. It is a superior tree for a homeowner’s landscape, a parking lot or a park setting. Drought tolerant. Sun. Zones 6-9.
PITTOSPORUM
tobira ‘Mojo’ P.P. #16,188: (Pittosporum tobira ‘CNI Three’ PP16188). Mojo is the perfect easy care, evergreen shrub! Green foliage with creamy white edges. 2-3′ tall & wide. Full sun-partial shade. Excellent as a container plant, mass planted as ground or slope cover, a low hedge, or as an accent plant in borders. Year-round foliage can also be used in cut arrangements and wreaths. Deer resistant. Easy care. Salt tolerant. Water-wise. Zones 7b-11. A Sunset Western Garden Collection Plant.
tobira ‘Variegata’: “Variegated Mock Orange”. Attractive mounding evergreen shrub with white, gray, & light green foliage. Creamy white flowers are small but have a terrific orange-blossom fragrance. Good border, hedge, or landscape accent. Full sun – partial shade. Moderate, compact grower to 6-8′ tall & wide, larger with age. Zone 9-11.
tobira ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’: “Wheeler’s Dwarf Mock Orange”. Round, mounded shrub perfect as a low border, ground cover or container specimen. Prized for its dense, compact growth & glossy evergreen foliage, smaller than the species. Requires little maintenance. Full sun to partial shade. Moderate grower to 2-3′ high & 4-5′ wide. Zones 9-11
PLATANUS
acerifolia ‘Bloodgood’: “London Plane Tree”. Deciduous. Hybrid between Platanus occidentalis & Platanus orientalis; often sold under the latter name. Grows fast to 40-80′ tall & 30-40′ wide. Creamy new bark weathers to gray. Big, rough surfaced leaves have 3-5 lobes, resembling maple leaves. Fall foliage color is yellow to brown, not striking. Ball-shaped brown seed clusters, usually on threadlike stalks, hang on the bare branches through winter; these are prized for winter arrangements. Looks very handsome in winter. Tolerates many soil types & stands up beautifully to smog, soot, dust, & reflected heat. Susceptible to mildew. Resistant to anthracnose. Zone 4-8.
PLUMBAGO
x. ‘Imperial Blue’: “Imperial Blue Cape Plumbago”. Makes a mounding shrub to 6′ tall, 8-10′ wide; or if tied to a support, grows as a vine to 12′ or more. Oblong, 1-2″, light to medium green leaves. Evergreen where frosts are absent or light; heavy frosts can burn new growth & blacken leaves, but recovery is fast. Good cover for bank, fence, wall; good background & filler plant. Medium blue, phlox-like flower clusters from spring – summer, or nearly all year in warm frost-free locations. Sun-partial shade. Drought tolerant. Zones 9-11.
PODOCARPUS
gracilior: “Fern Pine, Fern Podocarpus”. Evergreen. Gray green, narrow leaves have a fern-like appearance. Full sun-partial shade. Moderate grower to 20-60′ tall & 10-25′ wide. Excellent as a single specimen or as a clipped screen. Zones 9-11.
macrophyllus ‘Maki’: “Shrubby Yew Pine”. Medium size evergreen shrub with dense upright branching on a pyramidal form. It is heavily covered by dark green yew-like leaves. A wonderful hedge or screen plant that takes shearing very well. Full sun-partial shade. Slow-growing to 8-10′ tall & 3-4′ wide, larger when untrimmed. Zones 7-11.
POLYGALA
fruticosa ‘Petite Butterfly’: “Petite Butterfly Sweet Pea Shrub”. This compact Polygala is a great plant in any Mediterranean garden! ‘Petite Butterfly’ is a sport of P. fruticosa & is native to South Africa. Bright pink-purple, pea-like flowers compliment round, gray-green leaves nearly year-round. Best planted in full sun-partial shade in well-drained soils with regular watering until established. ‘Petite Butterfly’ is a nice, compact alternative to P. x dalmaisian. Overall height is 18-24″ with an equal spread. Versatile in the landscape, this selection can be used as an evergreen border, an accent, or for mass plantings. Zones 9-10.
PROSTANTHERA
ovalifolia ‘Variegata’: “Varigated Oval Leaf Mint”. Evergreen shrub. Aromatic, creamy-white margined green foliage. Tubular, purple flowers in spring. Sun-partial shade. 4-6′ tall & 3-5′ wide. Good for an informal hedge or to lighten up a dark area in the garden. Zones 9-11.
PRUNUS
caroliniana ‘Compacta’: “Dwarf Carolina Laurel Cherry”. Evergreen. A highly useful & ornamental shrub with dense, compact foliage. Hardy, lustrous, dark green foliage provides an excellent screen or background for mixed borders. Small, fragrant, ball-shaped blooms of creamy white appear late spring to attract butterflies. This selection can be easily trimmed for a formal look, or if untrimmed, will grow moderately fast to form an attractive hedge or single specimen. Full sun-partial shade. Moderate growth to 8-12′ tall & 6-8′ wide. Zones 8-10.
cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’: “Krauter Vesuvius Purple Leaf Plum”. Deciduous. This beautiful tree is perhaps the most colorful of all flowering plums. Oval crown holds dark purple-black foliage preceded by showy light pink flowers in spring. Great ornamental accent for landscapes. Seldom fruits. Full sun. Moderate grower to 15-20′ tall & 15′ wide. Attracts butterflies. Zones 4-9.
cerasifera ‘Purple Pony’: “Purple Pony Flowering Plum”. Deciduous. Naturally semi-dwarf. Single, pale pink flower appears with the leaves in spring. No fruit. Deep purple foliage holds color throughout season. Will fail if soil is waterlogged for prolonged periods. Aphids & spider mites are possible pests. Moderate to fast growing. Grows to 10-15′ tall & wide. Zones 5-8.
QUERCUS
agrifolia: “Coast Live Oak”. Evergreen tree. Round headed & densely foliage; to 20-70′ tall, often with an even greater spread. Smooth dark gray bark, deeply fissured in very old trees. Oval, convex, stiff, leathery, dark green leaves, tooth-edged & holly like, 1-3″ long. Conical, ¾-1½” acorns are enclosed for ¼ of their length by a cap with thin, overlapping scales. It has greedy roots; drops almost all of its old leaves in early spring. Despite its flaws, it is a handsome & worthwhile shade or street tree. Full sun. Zones 9-11.
coccinea: “Scarlet Oak”. Deciduous tree. Grows at moderate rate in deep, rich soil. Can reach 60-80′ tall & 40-60′ wide. Pyramidal when young, round topped at maturity. Gray-brown bark cracked into irregular plates. Bright green leaves are 3-6″ long, with pointed, deeply cut lobes; turn scarlet where fall nights are cold. Rounded, ¾-1″ acorns half-covered in a bowl-like cap. Full sun. Good street or lawn tree. Deep rooted. Zones 4-9.
lobata: “Valley Oak”. Deciduous tree. California’s mightiest oak, often reaching 70′ or taller, with equal or greater spread. Massive trunk & limbs with thick, distinctly checked gray bark. Straight & erect during its first several decades of growth; more spreading with age. Limbs often picturesquely twisted; long, drooping outer branches sometimes sweep the ground. Deeply cut, round-lobes leaves are 3-4″ long, 2-3″ wide; dark green above, paler beneath. Shiny, 1½-2½” acorns are conical, enclosed by 1/3 in warty, bowl-shaped cap. Possibly the largest North American oak, this species tolerates high heat & moderate alkalinity in its native range. Best in deep soils where it can tap groundwater. Full sun. Zones 5-10. A U.C. Davis Arboretum All-Star Selection.
virginiana: “Southern Live Oak”. Evergreen. Broad, spreading heavy-limbed crown shows interesting vase shape when young. An attractive selection for large lawns in hot areas. Glossy, dark green leaves hold color well. Full sun. Fast grower to 40-60′ tall & 80-100′ wide. Oval acorns to 1″ long, with sharp spine at tip; enclosed by 1/4 in bowl-shaped cap with hairy scales. Full sun. Zones 8-10.
RHAMNUS
californica ‘Mound San Bruno’: “San Bruno Coffeeberry”. Evergreen shrub. This variety is more compact than the species, with leaves that are about half the size typical of the species. The greenish-white flowers are inconspicuous but they do produce many dark red, almost black, berries. 3-6′ tall & 10-15′ wide. Full sun-partial shade. Drought tolerant once established. Zones 7-10.
RHAPHIOLEPIS
indica ‘McCall’s Pink’: (Same as ‘Ballerina’ or ‘Dark Dancer’). McCall’s Pink Indian Hawthorne”. To 2-3′ tall & 3-4′ wide. Deep rosy pink flowers. Leaves take a reddish tinge in winter. Evergreen shrub. Their compact growth habit makes them especially attractive background plants & informal hedges. They bloom profusely from late fall or midwinter to late spring. Full sun-partial shade. Zones 8-10.
umbellata ‘Minor’: “Dwarf Yedda Hawthorn”. Dwarf evergreen shrub has upright rounded form with dense branches. Small lustrous dark green foliage is clustered along the branches. Fragrant, small white flowers in spring. Excellent for groupings. Full sun-partial shade. Slow grower to 3-4′ tall & wide. Zones 8-11.
ROSMARINUS
officinalis ‘Blue Spires’: ” Blue Spires Rosemary”. Evergreen. Culinary herb. Highly aromatic shrub has unique light grey-green foliage with a very upright habit to 4-5′ tall & 2-3’wide. Medium blue flowers in spring-fall. Full sun. Popular in herb gardens or as an informal hedge or screen. Easily pruned into topiary forms. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant. Requires little care once established. Zones 6-10.
officinalis ‘Chef’s Choice®’ P.P. #18,192: (Rosemary officinalis PP18192). An outstanding new Rosemary specially selected for its higher oil content and spicy flavor. With a compact, mounding habit, this is the Rosemary of choice for container, herb and kitchen gardens. Compact growth. Violet blue flowers in spring. 12-18″ tall & 12″ wide. Full sun. Zones 6-11. A Sunset Western Garden Collection Plant.
officinalis ‘Prostratus’: “Creeping Rosemary”. Evergreen. To 2-3′ tall & 4-8′ wide. Will trail straight down over wall or edge of raised bed to make a green curtain. Pale lavender-blue flowers come in waves from fall to spring. With age, tends to mound up & become woody & bare in center (Except at seashore, where it remains lush throughout). Effective in hanging containers. Tender. Full sun. Culinary herb. Zones 8-10.
officinalis ‘Renzel’s Irene’ (P.P. #9,124): “Irene Rosemary”. Possesses the same prostrate habit and ability to cascade over walls as ‘Prostratus’, but has instead a bright blue-violet flower that resists bleaching out in the heat. ‘Irene’s’ flowers are larger & more numerous than other rosemary varieties. Blooms in both late summer & early spring. The growth habit is low & mounding, forming hummocks only 12-24″ high that spread vigorously 18-36″ a year. This rosemary is a superb ground cover for hot & dry locations, & outstanding cascading over walls. It is very drought, deer, & pest resistant. Grows best in full sun & well drained soil. Shows promise as a topiary or as a trained specimen. Culinary herb. Zones 7-10.
officinalis ‘Tuscan Blue’: “Tuscan Blue Rosemary”. Evergreen. Culinary herb. Quickly forms an upright rigid branched hedge of aromatic needle-like foliage, leaves broader than other varieties. Profuse clear blue flowers in spring-summer add to the beauty. Takes to pruning well, perfect for screens. Full sun. Moderate growing shrub to 6′ tall & 2-4′ wide. Zones 8-11.
RUDBECKIA
hirta ‘Prairie Sun’: “Prairie Sun Black-Eyed Susan / Gloriosa Daisy”. Sturdy plants with unique flower color of light green cone with golden yellow petals & light yellow tips. Blooms summer-frost. Full sun. Well suited to gallon containers. Superb garden performance. 2½-3′ tall & 1-2′ wide. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant. Attracts butterflies. An All-America Selection winner in 2003 and a Gold Medal winner at the 2003 Fleuroselect trials in England. Zones 3-8.
RUSSELIA
equisetiformis: “Coral Fountain, Firecracker Plant”. A very adaptable plant with trailing, almost leafless bright green stems that arch like a fountain. Many side branches bear a profusion of bright coral red, tubular flowers from spring to fall. Flowers attract hummingbirds. Low maintenance & drought tolerant. They look great in a hanging basket or cascading over the top of a wall. 3-5′ tall & wide. Full sun-partial shade. Produces great movement in the garden. A U.C. Davis Arboretum All-Star Selection. Zones 9-12.
equisetiformis ‘St. Elmo’s Fire’: “St. Elmo’s Fire Coral Fountain/Firecracker Plant”. This variety is larger than the common Coral Fountain. The coral-red flowers in spring-fall are more showy than the species as they are considerably darker. Sun-partial shade. 4-6′ tall & 6-8′ wide. Moderate irrigation. Attracts hummingbirds. Remove dead flowers. Zone 8.
SALVIA
‘Allen Chickering’: “Allen Chickering Sage”. A dense shrub with gray-green foliage. Whorls of lavender blue flowers in spring-summer. 4-5′ tall & wide. Full sun. Deer resistant. Attracts bees & butterflies. Low water needs. Zones 9-10.
apiana: “Sacred Sage, White Sage”. Highly aromatic, waxy, grayish white leaves used extensively for incense or smudging. White, fading to pale pink flowers form whorls along 3-4′ stems in the spring-summer. 4-5’tall & wide. Full sun. Low water needs. Can be grown as a perennial or an annual or lifted in fall to overwinter indoors in cooler climates. Attracts hummingbirds. Drought tolerant. A U.C. Davis Arboretum All-Star Selection. Zones 9-10.
‘Bee’s Bliss’: “Bee’s Bliss Creeping Sage”. Evergreen. Gray-green foliage. Fragrant, lavender blue flowers in mid-spring-summer. 1-2′ tall & 6-8′ wide. Full sun. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant. Attracts bees, birds, & butterflies. Zones 8-10.
clevelandii ‘Winnifred Gilman’: “Winnifred Gilman Cleveland Sage”. A California native plant. Evergreen shrub produces maroon stemmed, blue-violet flowers in late spring-summer. 4-5’tall & wide. Sun-partial shade. Heat & drought tolerant. Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, & beneficial insects. A UC Davis Arboretum All-Star Selection. Zones 8-10.
greggii ‘Heatwave™’ Series: The Heatwave salvia series can take the heat and the drought and will keep on blooming. Developed in Australia, Heatwave was bred to withstand extreme conditions and is ideal for perennial borders or as a foundation plant in a low maintenance landscape. Heatwave is most notable for its tight, upright habit that will not spread as the plant matures. Continual blooms from spring – fall will draw hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden, and will also be attractive to gardeners looking for continual, easy color in their landscape. 30″ tall & 36″ wide. Full sun. Zones 6-9.
‘Blaze’: (Salvia microphylla x greggii) ‘EGGBEN005’ P.P.#24,151). Dark crimson flowers.
‘Brilliance’: (Salvia microphylla x greggi ‘EGGBEN08 P.P.#25606). Magenta pink flowers.
‘Glimmer’: (Salvia microphylla x greggii ‘EGGBEN003’ P.P.#24,155). Creamy white flowers.
guaranitica ‘Black & Blue’: Black & Blue Anise-Scented Sage”. Upright, branching plant to 30-40″ tall & 20-24″ wide. Narrowly heart-shaped, sparsely hairy, mint green leaves to 5″ long. Bears 2″ deep blue blossoms with dark purplish blue calyxes, carried several to each foot long stem. Blooms from early summer to frost. Needs support. Where it grows as a perennial, it gets woody by season’s end, but that wood dies during winter & must be cut back to the ground. Elegant container plant. Full sun, but tolerates partial shade, especially in hottest climates. Attracts butterflies & hummingbirds. Waterwise. Easy care. Heat & drought tolerant. Zones 7-10.
guaranitica ‘Nectar Blue’ PP#27,183: An improved earlier blooming version of Black and Blue. Dark blue flowers mid-spring-mid-fall. 3-5′ tall & 3′ wide. Full sun-partial shade. Another great Salvia option for the mid to back of borders. Deer resistant and heavy blooming until frost. Attracts pollinators. Easy care. Longer blooming. Water-wise. Zones 8-10. A Sunset Western Garden Collection Plant.
hybrid ‘Amistad’ P.P. #23,578: Dark purple flowers with nearly black calyx bloom constantly from early Spring-frost, without pruning. Amistad is more compact and has a fuller habit then other guaranitica types. 3-5′ tall & 3-4′ wide. Full sun-partial shade. Flowers are a magnet for butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Attracts pollinators. Easy care. Longer blooming. Water-wise. Zones 8b-11. A Sunset Western Garden Collection Plant.
hybrid ‘Love and Wishes’ PPAF: Deep purple flowers cover these tough plants from early spring-frost. Like her cousin, Wendy’s Wish Salvia, this Salvia will form a ball of color in your yard, with no pruning or deadheading. 3-4′ tall & 3′ wide. Full sun-partial shade. Attracts pollinators. Deer resistant. Easy care. Longer blooming. Water-wise. use in borders, containers, or garden beds. A portion of plant proceeds go to Make-A-Wish. Zones 9-11. A Sunset Western Garden Collection Plant.
leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’ P.P. #12,949: “Santa Barbara Mexican Bush Sage”. A variety similar to Salvia leucantha Purple, but compact. Rich purple flowers in spring-fall. 2-3′ tall & 3-4′ wide. Full sun. Attracts hummingbirds, bees, & butterflies. Drought tolerant. Waterwise. Zones 9-11.
microphylla ‘Killer Cranberry’ P.P. #26,609: Salvia microphylla are native to the American Southwest, and are a fabulous perennial shrub choice for dryer climates. ‘Killer Cranberry’ has masses of rich magenta flowers to lure honeybees and hummingbirds to your garden in spring-fall, and superior glossy foliage. 2-3′ tall & wide. Full sun. Aromatic. Deer resistant. Easy care. Heat tolerant. Low water once established. Zones 8b-10. A Sunset Western Garden Collection Plant.
nemorosa ‘Blue Marvel’ P.P.# 27,018: Deciduous perennial. Bright violet-blue flower spikes on top of gray-green foliage in spring-fall. Dense, shrub-like, compact growth habit to 10-12″ tall & wide. Full sun. Deer resistant. Waterwise. Heat tolerant. Zones 4-9.
nemorosa ‘Marcus’ P.P. #13,322: (Salvia nemorosa ‘Haeumanarc’ P.P.# 13322). “Marcus Sage”. A new compact growing variety. It reaches a mature height of 6-12″ tall & 8-12″ wide.. Blue violet flowers in early summer-fall. Re-bloomer. Full sun. Attracts hummingbirds, bees, & butterflies. Deer & rabbit resistant. Zones 4-9.
nemorosa ‘May Night’: “May Night Sage”. Perennial. 1997 Perennial Plant of the Year. Deep indigo flowers that are larger than most of the other nemorosa types. Blooms all through the summer months. Planted in drifts or bands, it will create a vibrant contrast to orange flowered subjects. Somewhat drought tolerant. 18-24″ tall & 12″ wide. Sun. Attracts hummingbirds & butterflies. Waterwise. Zones 4-9.
spathacea: “Hummingbird Sage”. Perennial. A California native plant. A mounding groundcover habit. 1-2′ tall & 3-5′ wide. Spread by underground rhizomes. The plant is sticky to touch with foliage that is wrinkled on top & hairy on the bottom & light green in color. The foliage has a pleasant, fruity aroma. The deep rose-pink flowers grow on 24-30″ stalks & have maroon bracts & calyxes that remain after the flowers fade. Blooms through out spring & rebloom again in the fall. Attracts hummingbirds. Drought & frost tolerant. Full sun-partial shade. Evergreen. A U.C.Davis Arboretum All-Star Selection. Zones 7-10.
x. microphylla ‘Hot Lips’: “Hot Lips Sage”. Forms a wide, fast-growing mound of broad, soft, & aromatic leaves, covered with stunning bicolor red & white flowers in spring-fall. Color is strongest in cool temperatures. 2-3′ tall & wide. Full sun. Attracts hummingbirds & butterflies. Deer resistant. A U.C. Davis Arboretum All-Star Selection. USDA Zones 7-10.
x ‘Mystic Spires Blue’ P.P. #18,054: “Mystic Spires Sage”. Covered with true blue flowers in spring-fall. Sturdy, dark green-leafed plants. Naturally compact, well-branched, & very free-flowering. Dwarf ‘Indigo Spires’ type. Great for landscapes & mixed combos. 18-24″ tall & 12-18″ wide. Full sun. One of the most heat and drought tolerant plants. Attracts bees, butterflies, & hummingbirds. Zone 7-10.
SANTOLINA
incana ‘Silver’: (Salvia chamaecyparissus) “Lavender Cotton”. Foliage is silvery gray, finely divided, fragrant when crushed. Yellow button flowers in summer. Drought tolerant & deer resistant. 1-2′ tall & 2-3′ wide. Full sun. Attractive groundcover or edging for walks or borders. Good foreground for herb garden. Drought tolerant when established. Evergreen. Deer resistant. Waterwise. Zone 7-9.
virens: “Lavender Cotton”. 2-3′ tall & wide. Narrow green leaves like those of rosemary. Leaves may have tiny teeth or none at all. Leaves may be aromatic when crushed. Bright yellow flowers in summer. Full sun. Attractive groundcover or edging for walks or borders. Good foreground for herb garden. Drought tolerant when established. Evergreen. Deer resistant. Waterwise. Zone 7-9.
SANVITALIA
‘Sunvy Top Gold’: “Creeping Zinnia”. Masses of stunning yellow daisy flowers with gold eyes at the ends of the stems from late spring-mid fall. It’s narrow leaves remain green in color throughout the season. It has a compact habit to 9-10″ tall & 10-20″ wide. Full sun – partial shade. Ideal for edging, hanging baskets, rock gardens. Annual.
SAXIFRAGA
SCABIOSA
columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’: “Butterfly Blue Pincushion Flower”. Longer blooming than many varieties, these hardy perennials provide a continuous show of flowers from April – November. It’s flowers are an intense lavender blue, fading to white in the center. Because of their particularly nice mounding form & free-blooming habit, these are good in beds, especially as front borders. Great as cut flowers or in containers. They are also attractive to butterflies. Full sun – partial shade. 12-18″ tall & 15″ wide. Deer resistant. Zones 3-8.
SCAEVOLA
SCLERANTHUS
biflorus: “Australian Astroturf”. Groundcover. The bright emerald green foliage resembles moss. Tiny white flowers in summer. Sun-partial shade. 3-4″ tall & 3′ wide. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant. Low water. Great in containers, as an edging in rock gardens, or tumbling over rocks in the landscape. Zones 9-11.
SEDUM
makinoi ‘Ogon’: “Golden Japanese Stonecrop”. Brilliant solid golden-yellow foliage is flushed with pink making a striking color accent in rock gardens, rock walls, as a pathway filler or as a groundcover. Part shade. Protect from hot afternoon sun. Low mat-forming to 2″ tall & 8-12″ wide. Moderate grower. Insignificant yellow flowers in summer. Drought tolerant. Zones 7-9.
reflexum ‘Blue Spruce’: “Blue Spruce Stonecrop”. Evergreen. A groundcover with small, succulent blue leaves reminiscent of the needles of a blue spruce conifer. Yellow flowers in summer. Good as in accent containers, rock and alpine gardens. 5″ tall & 15-18″ wide. Full sun-partial shade. Waterwise. Zones 3-11.
rubrotinctum: “Jelly Beans, Pork & Beans”. The leaves are jelly bean shaped, 3/4 inch long, with red-brown tips which turn to bronze in the sun. Yellow flowers in winter-spring. Sun-partial shade. 6-8″ tall & wide. Leaves root easily when falling on the soil. Use in rock gardens, containers between stepping stones or in wall niches. Sedum rubrotinctum is poisonous and may cause irritation when ingested or touched. Heat & drought tolerant. Deer & rabbit resistant. Zones 9-10.
rupestre ‘Angelina’: “Angelina Stonecrop”. A groundcover of brilliant chartreuse-yellow, needle-like foliage adds cheery color to containers, dry slopes and flowering borders, as well as being a good bulb cover. In cooler weather foliage may turn orange. Yellow flowers in summer. Sun-partial shade. 3-6″ tall & 2-3′ wide. Waterwise. Zones 3-11.
SENECIO
mandraliscae: (Kleinia mandraliscae). “Blue Fingers/ Blue Chalksticks”. A striking blue gray succulent from South Africa with pencil-like, slightly curved leaves that point upward. A dense mat form makes an attractive groundcover where a blue gray effect is desired. White flowers in summer. 1-3′ tall & 2-3′ wide. Full sun. Easy care and drought tolerant but will tolerate regular irrigation. Attractive in containers. Zones 10-11.
SEQUOIA
sempervirens ‘Aptos Blue’: “Aptos Blue Coastal Redwood”. Evergreen tree. Coast redwood is the tallest of the world’s trees; Some individuals in the wild are over 350′ tall. Fine landscaping tree – almost entirely pest free & almost always fresh looking & woodsy smelling. In its native range, a redwood tree grows rapidly (3-5′ a year in its early years), but will reach only about 70-90′ tall, 15-30′ wide in 25 years. Typically forms a symmetrical pyramid of soft looking, dense blue-green foliage on nearly horizontal branches with drooping branchlets. Small (½-1½”) roundish brown cones. Red-brown, fibrous-barked trunk goes straight up. Grow singly or in grove. Best planting location is in or directly next to a lawn for regular moisture. Full sun – light shade. Zones 7-9.
sempervirens ‘Soquel’: “Soquel Coastal Redwood”. Symmetrical pyramid shape formed by sturdy, horizontal branches that arch gracefully. Bluish-green foliage offers a fine, feathery texture. Excellent yard tree. Evergreen. Full sun. Fast grower to 60-70′ tall, 25-30′ wide. Zones 7-9.
STACHYS
byzantina ‘Silver Carpet’: (S. lanata, S. olympica) “Lamb’s Ear”. Perennial. Soft, thick, white-wooly, rather tongue-shaped leaves grow densely on spreading, 1-1½'” stems. Rain smashes it down, makes it mushy. Frost damages leaves. Cut back in spring. This variety rarely produces flowers. 8-10″ tall & 18-24″ wide. Full sun – partial shade. Infrequent water. Use for contrast with dark green & different shaped leaves such as those of strawberry or some sedums. Good edging plant for paths, flower bed borders; highly effective edging for bearded iris. Excellent groundcover under high-branching oaks. Zones 4-8.
STRELITZIA
nicolai: “Giant Bird Of Paradise”. Highly prized evergreen perennial creates tree-like bold clumps. Long stalked blue-green leaves to 6′ are held in fan-like formation. The huge bird-like flowers have white heads with blue tongues. Full sun. Slow growing to 25-30′ tall & 15′ wide. Zones 9-11.
reginae: “Bird Of Paradise”. Tropical looking evergreen perennial valued for its unique bird-like orange, blue, & white flower heads. Long-lasting cut flowers. Used as an accent, especially on patios or near pools. Good in containers. Full sun-partial shade. Slow-growing clumps to 3-5′ tall & can be as wide or wider. Zones 9-11.
SUTERA (BACOPA)
TECOMA
x. ‘Bells Of Fire™’ P.P. 24,170: (Tecoma ‘TEC6010916′ PP24170). Evergreen. While some Tecomas grow to gigantic sizes, Bells Of Fire is bred to be more compact. With it’s tropical appearance, it will bloom early and rebloom bright red-orange, bell-shaped flowers continually from spring until frost. Full sun. 6′ tall & 5’ wide. Attracts birds & butterflies. Heat tolerant. Zones 8-11. A Sunset Western Garden Collection Plant.
x. ‘Lydia™’ P.P. 24,169: (Tecoma ‘TEC60109106’ PP24169). Evergreen. Until recently, tecomas grew huge, bloomed only in late spring and fall, and were covered in unattractive seed pods. Lydia stays more compact and blooms bright yellow flowers from early spring until frost — with fewer seed pods. Full sun. 5′ tall & wide. Attracts birds & butterflies. Heat tolerant. Zones 8-11. A Sunset Western Garden Collection Plant.
TECOMARIA
TEUCRIUM
chamaedrys ‘Prostratus’: “Creeping Germander”. Dark glossy green, rounded leaves on woody stems form a thick cover 8-10″ tall & up to 3′ wide. Spikes of rosy lavender pink flowers bloom in spring & summer. Full sun. Attracts bees. Drought tolerant. A U.C. Davis Arboretum All-Star Selection. Zones 4-9.
fruiticans ‘Azureum’: “Azure Bush Germander”. Evergreen. Gray-green foliage with silvery-white undersides, give it a shimmery appearance. Dark blue flowers in spring-fall. 4-6′ tall & wide. Full sun. Deer resistant. Attracts hummingbirds. Waterwise. Tolerates poor, rocky soils. Zones 8-9.
majoricum (aroanium): (Teucrium cossonii ). “Germander”. 4-6″ tall groundcover & 1-2′ wide. Full sun. Well-drained soil. No added fertilizer needed. Tiny gray-green leaves are fragrant when touched. Masses of rich purple flowers in spring & fall. Attracts bees & butterflies. Hardy to 0°F. Zones 8-10.
THUJA
THYMUS
vulgaris argenteus ‘Silver Edge’: “Common Thyme”. Low creeping perennial with leaves edged with creamy white. Lilac flowers in summer. 6-12″ tall & wide. Full sun – partial shade. Drought tolerant. Culinary herb. Attracts bees & butterflies. Zones 5-8.
vulgaris: “English Thyme, Common Thyme”. Variable plant to 1′ tall & 2′ wide, with gray-green, narrow to oval leaves. White to lilac flowers in late spring to early summer. Good for edging or as a container plant. Culinary herb. Use leaves fresh or dried as a seasoning. Full sun -partial shade. Attracts butterflies. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant. Zones 5-9.
x citriodorus ‘Aureus’: “Lemon Thyme”. Lemon scented, green foliage with gold margins. Light purple flowers in spring-summer. 6-10″ tall & 8-” wide. Sun-partial shade. Culinary herb. Use leaves fresh or dried as a seasoning. Attracts butterflies & bees. Deer resistant. Drought tolerant. Zones 4-9.
TRACHELOSPERMUM
jasminoides: “Star Jasmine”. Beautiful evergreen vine prized for its very fragrant, star-shaped white flowers. Trains on posts, walls, or trellises, or use as a fast growing shrubby ground cover. Good container plant in cold climates. Full sun – partial shade. Vine with 18-20′ twining branches 1-2′ tall. Zones 8-11.
TRISTANIA
laurina ‘Elegant’: “Water Gum”. Slow growing, rather formal-looking plant with conical, dense crown. Mahogany colored bark peels off, revealing satiny white new bark beneath. ‘Elegant’ has broad leaves that are red when they emerge, turn green only when shaded by later growth. Clusters of small, faintly fragrant yellow flowers appear in late spring or early summer. Seedpods are like those of Eucalyptus but much smaller. To 10′ tall & 5′ wide at 8 years old; may eventually reach 45′ or taller & 30′ wide. Full sun. Zones 9-11.
TULBAGHIA
violacea: “Lavender Society Garlic”. As the more sociable member of the onion family, Lavender Society Garlic offers attractive clusters of lavender-colored, star-shaped blooms borne over narrow, blue-green leaves. Leaves & flower stems have a pleasing garlic fragrance. Perfect for adding a variety of form & color to the mixed border. Herbaceous perennial. Full sun. Moderate growth to 12″ tall & wide. Zones 8-10.
violacea ‘Tricolor’: “Tri-Color Society Garlic”. Dainty heads of lilac-pink flowers on stalks rising above blue-gray grass-like foliage having thin white margins. New growth has pink tinge in early spring. Brushing against plants gives a garlic-like fragrance. Evergreen. Full sun. Vigorous growing clumps to 1′ wide, foliage to 1′ tall, flower stalks to 2′. Zones 7-11.