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:Garden Verbena
Botanical name:Verbena X hybrida

This perennial will grow to 1' x 3'. It has gray-green leaves with flowers of various colors that bloom in summer and fall.

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.