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:Mescal Ceniza
Botanical name:Agave colorata

This agave has a compact rosette form and gows at a moderate rate to 3' x 3'. Striking grey-green leaves are banded and have distincitive toothed margins. Tips of leaves are sharp. After many years, yellow flowers appear on a stalk in the spring. Like all agaves, it will die after flowering. Accepts full sun. Great in pots or in the landscape. Native to Sonora.