Common name:Verbena
Botanical name:Verbena peruviana (assorted)

This perennial forms a flat mat that covers an area rapidly. It has dark green leaves with clusters of bright flowers that bloom all year. Hybrids will have a little more height, different flower colors and spread more slowly. This groundcover is drought tolerant.

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:Parry's Penstemon
Botanical name:Penstemon parryi

This perennial grows at a moderate rate to 1-1/2' x 1-1/2'. Blue-green leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant. Hot pink flowers appear on spike in the spring. Reseeds easily. Accepts full sun or partial shade. Plant in fall for spring flowers. Attracts hummingbirds. Tender perennial at higher elevations. Native to southern Arizona and Sonora.

Common name:Mexican Bird Of Paradise
Botanical name:Caesalpinia mexicana

Shrub or small tree grows to 10' x 8' yellow flowers in 3-6" long racemes. Ferny dark green foliage and spectacular yellow flowers form spikes at the tips of branches. Native of Mexico. No thorns. Moderate to fast grower. Attracts hummingbirds.