Common name:Pink Muhly
Botanical name:Muhlenbergia capillaris
Mounding grass grows quickly to 3' x 3'. Leaves are medium green and turn tan in fall. Pin airy plumes appear in fall. Place plants where pink flower plumes can be backlit by the sun. Look for selections with deep pink flower plumes. Accepts full sun or partial shade. Very frost tolerant. Prune in early spring for best looking new growth. Native to Texas and Mexico.
Common name:Desert Marigold
Botanical name:Baileya multiradiata
Fast growing perennial reaches 1' x 1'. Soft silvery gray leaves. Bright yellow daisy like flowers appear year round. This undemanding plant reseeds easily. Accepts reflected sun. Be careful not to overwater. Native to southwest U.S. and northern 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.