Common name:Columnar Italian Cypress
Botanical name:Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta'

Italian Cypress is often associated with Italian and Spanish architecture, providing columns in the landscape. They often reach 40'- 60' tall. 'Stricta' is compact, columnar and produces long, straight branches with deep green foliage. Once it's established, it is drought tolerant. Provide well draining soil. Do not plant near ocean.

Common name:Pincushion Flower
Botanical name:Scabiosa caucasica

This perennial will grow 1.5'-2.5' tall and 1'-2' wide. It has medium-size green leaves with lavender-blue flowers that bloom in summer.

Common name:Firebird Border Penstemon (red)
Botanical name:Penstemon 'Firebird'

Penstemon gloxiniodes 'Firebird' is perennial with spectacular red flowers in spring and fall. This dependable plant quickly reaches 2'-4' tall, with lance-shaped, dark green leaves on stems. Trumpet shaped flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant in full sun in coastal areas but provide afternoon shade in warm inland areas. It has low watering needs but will do better with extra summer water in hot inland valleys. It need well draining soil. Penstemon should be replaced every 5 years.

Common name:Midnight Penstemon (dark purple)
Botanical name:Penstemon 'Midnight'

This bushy, perennial shrub is 2'-4' tall with tall, deep violet or blue flower spikes that bloom in spring through fall. Leaves are dark green, lance-shaped and evergreen. Plant in full sun in coastal areas but give afternoon shade in warm inland areas. This plant is a show stopper but short lived, lasting 3-5 years. Well worth the effort to plant!

Common name:Gold Spot Euonymus
Botanical name:Euonymus japonica 'Aureo Variegatus'

Growing to about 8' tall, this evergreen shrub has green foliage with yellow splashes of color. Leaves are glossy and roundish. Flowers are insignificant. It prefers full sun and a location with air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.

Common name:Rose selected cultivars
Botanical name:Rosa species

These shrubs and vines are the most-loved in the West and are very resilient. They come in a wide variety of sizes and colors and are easy to maintain with proper care. Roses can be espaliered or used on a trellis or as shrubs along walkways. Some are fragrant; most have thorns.