Common name:Octopus Agave
Botanical name:Agave vilmoriniana
Agave with open rosette grows quickly to 4' x 5'. Arching twisted leaves give it its name. Leaves are light green with smooth margins and soft terminal spines. Good for high traffic areas. Accepts full sun or partial shade. After many years flower stalk will appear with yellow flowers in the spring. Like all agaves it will die after flowering, but it does produce many bulbils that can be transplanted. Native to northwest Mexico.
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.