Teucrium chamaedrys ‘Germander’ Germander is an old world plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae used all over the world as low hedging or easily formed edging for formal herb gardens. Lovely spiked whorls of small pink flowers rise above dark green shiny serrated and aromatic foliage in this creeping evergreen perennial. As I photographed this lovely specimen the hum of bees was loud in my ears, bringing to mind its great ability to attract pollinators. Hardy to drought and harsh winters, as well as deer and rabbit, these evergreen perennials perform best in full to part sun. These tough plants can endure poor, rocky soils as long as it has good drainage. They will not thrive in wet or
Salvia microphylla and Salvia greggii Salvia microphylla- Blackcurrant or Mountain Sage This perennial shrub native to southeast Arizona and Mexico easily hybridizes with Salvia greggii, a native to Southwest Texas and Mexico. These two are often linked together and confused, and it is easy to see why. The main difference between the two species is their leaves. Salvia microphylla has serrated leaf margins (edges) on its narrow elliptical shaped leaves. Salvia greggii has smooth margins on narrow, elliptical shaped leaves. This is their main distinguishing characteristic. Salvia microphylla also has a wider range of blossom colors, and can tolerate a bit more shade than the heat-loving gregg
Fuchsia triphylla ‘Gartenmeister’ This handsome Fuchsia is a hybrid of a species that is originally grown in the West Indies. ‘Gartenmeister’ was introduced to the horticultural scene in 1905 and has been gracing gardens ever since. The scarlet-red tubular flowers create a striking contrast to the dark green-bronze-burgundy foliage. It has an upright growth habit and at maturity will reach 2-3 feet tall and wide. The ornate clusters of flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies from far and wide. Fuchsia triphylla ‘Gartenmeister’ thrives in morning sun and afternoon shade. It is more heat tolerant than most Fuchsias, however in regions with very hot summers it will may be necessary to mist
Salvia greggii ‘Blue Note’ (Autumn Sage) The largest genus in the Lamiaceae family, drought tolerant Salvia is a great plant for the dry California landscape. This particular Saliva, ‘Blue Note’ has stunning true blue flowers that seem to be lit from within. It blooms June through November, and its compact size makes it an excellent choice for containers or mixed perennial beds. The foliage grows on slender stems and the glossy green leaves are quite aromatic. The lovely blue flowers attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds to the garden. Pair ‘Blue Note’ with Coreopsis ‘Early Sunrise’, Rudbeckia ‘Indian Summer’, or any other yellow flowering plant for a bold pop of color. Salvia greggii
Euphorbia x martini ‘Ascot Rainbow’ (Martins Spurge) At first look, it is easy to see that this perennial evergreen sub-shrub is aptly named. It has uniquely variegated leaves that are sage green, gold and lime. As the seasons change from summer to autumn the foliage takes on the beautiful fall hues of pink, orange and red. In late winter and early spring, ‘Ascot Rainbow’ blooms dense clusters of lime green, yellow and red cyathium that rise brightly above the foliage. The cyathium is a false flower that “consists of fused bracts that form a cup around the very small true flowers” (Sunset Western Garden Book). Euphorbia x martini will thrive in Sunset Climate Zones 3-24. Euphorbia x marti
