Common name:Evergreen Spurge
Botanical name:Euphorbia characias wulfenii

Broad clusters of yellow flowers grow from this evergreen perennial. Its upright stems form a 4' tall dome-shaped bush. Crowded all along the stems are narrow, blue-green leaves. It is fairly tolerant to droughts. In the late winter and early spring, its clustered flowers make dense, round to cylindrical masses. Until the seeds ripen, the color holds with only slight fading. At that point, the stalks should be cut out at the base.

Common name:Society Garlic
Botanical name:Tulbaghia violacea

This clumping perennial will grow less than 1' tall and has narrow, blue-green leaves. Clusters of lavender flowers bloom in spring and summer. Leaves and flowers have a distinct onion or garlic smell if crushed.

Common name:Smoke Tree
Botanical name:Cotinus coggygria 'Purpureus'

A deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 10' tall, the "Purpureus" is grown for its wispy, thread-like flower clusters and outstanding fall color. Its foliage has a reddish purple color that turns somewhat green in summer. This plant requires sun to part shade, with little or no summer water. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Common name:Border or Garden Penstemon
Botanical name:Penstemon hybrids (assorted)

This perennial plant will reach 3' high and has medium-sized, glossy dark green leaves with red, pink, lavender or purple flowers that bloom in summer and fall. It needs a bit extra water in the summer and no water in the winter. Hummingbirds love the flowers. This plant is great for cut flowers and color borders.

Common name:Japanese Silver Grass
Botanical name:Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is popular ornamental grass. Flowers are held well above foliage clumps and may be cut for fresh or dry arrangements.