Common name:Desert Bluebells
Botanical name:Phacelia companularia

Desert annual grows to 1' x 1'. Brillian blue bell-shaped flowers appear in spring. Sow seeds in fall or plant from containers to get specatular spring color. Leaves can irritate skin.

Common name:Baja Fairy Duster
Botanical name:Calliandra californica

Baja fairy duster grows to about 5' x 5'. Plants are evergreen in climates without frost. Red powderpuff blooms are most abundant in spring, but continue into fall. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Good as an informal hedge. May be sold as Calliandra peninsularis.

Common name:Blackfoot Daisy
Botanical name:Melampodium leucanthum

Small mounding perennial grows quickly to 1' x 2'. White daisylike flowers with yellow centers cover the plant nearly year-round The leaves are narrow and gray-green. Accepts full sun or partial shade but blooms better in the sun. Bright and colorful groundcover. Plant in well-drained soil. Native to the southwest U.S. and Mexico.