Common name:Firecracker Penstemon
Botanical name:Penstemon eatonii

This perennial grows at a moderate rate to 1' x 1-1/2'. Bright green leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant. Scarlet spikes of flowers appear late winter to spring. Reseeds easily. Plant in fall for spring flowers. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Accepts full sun to partial shade. Native to the southwest U.S. and Mexico. Similar to Penstemon barbatus but eatonii is earlier and more compact.

Common name:Purple prickly pear
Botanical name:Opuntia santa-rita

Shrublike cactus grows at a moderate rate to 4' x 5'. Pads are green-purple turning more purple with cold or dry weather. Small tan spines line the pads. Striking yellow flowers appear on the tips of pads in the spring. Accepts reflected heat. Native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts.