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Midnight Penstemon (dark purple)
Ruby King Penstemon (deep pink)
Mexican Bush Sage, Mexican Sage
Christine Lantana
Midnight Penstemon (dark purple)

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!

Ruby King Penstemon (deep pink)

Common name:Ruby King Penstemon (deep pink)
Botanical name:Penstemon 'Ruby King'

Penstemon 'Ruby King' is an attractive perennial, reaching 3' tall. Red tubular flowers appear in summer and fall. Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers. Evergreen leaves are pointed and bright green. Penstemons need well draining soil and full sun in coastal areas. It prefers afternoon shade in warm inland areas. It is not cold hardy. It is usually short lived (3-4 years) but well worth the effort for the spectacular blooms.

Mexican Bush Sage, Mexican Sage

Common name:Mexican Bush Sage, Mexican Sage
Botanical name:Salvia leucantha

The Mexican Sage is a bushy shrub that grows 3'-4' tall and wide. It has hairy white stems, grey-green leaves and velvet-like purple flower spikes that bloom summer through fall. This shrub tolerates sun, light shade, low to moderate water, and is cold hardy to 15 degrees F. The Mexican Sage attracts hummingbirds. Be careful not to overwater.

Christine Lantana

Common name:Christine Lantana
Botanical name:Lantana 'Christine'

Can be used as foundation or low hedge. Good sustitute for annuals in containers or beds.

Designer: Robery Boro, Jody Palmer

Flower Power

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.

Water Saving Tip:

Group plants in your garden according to their water needs (hydrozone).

Integrated Pest Management:

Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.