Delphinium cardinale

Hardy to USDA zone 4 & adored by hummingbirds, this robust & brilliantly flowered Delphinium is native to the hot, dry slopes of Southern California. Blooming late Spring to Summer, it bears dozens of 1” flashy bright red “elf cap” flowers with long spurs on upright multi-branching stems. The finely dissected thickish foliage is attractive, too. From 3' to 6' tall (!), this tough drought tolerant native forms deep woody roots and is an excellent choice for a hot, dry & well drained garden, rock garden or even a large container. Goes semi-dormant after bloom to return each spring. California native.

Full sun along the coast/Pt. Shade inland. Avg./Low water. Perennial

Drought Tolerant
USDA Zones 4-10

Mentzelia lindleyi

Large fragrant & uber-showy 3” bright and silky 5-petaled star flowers are borne May-July on this thrilling California native annual. In the afternoon, the blooms open to reveal a large tuft of long prominent stamens you'll so want to poke your nose in! Native to dry slopes in much of California as well as Arizona, “Blazing Star” tolerates heat, drought, wind & low fertility. We find it does just as well in pots or in the garden with rich soil and regular water. Adaptable! 1' – 3' tall. California native.

Sun Avg./Low water Annual
USDA Zones 7-11

Impatiens digitata

You'll be delighted with this easy to grow rare perennial Impatiens. From late Spring thru Fall, it produces in abundance, small but cheery bright cherry red “elfin” blooms, held well above and outside the foliage. Spreading by the roots and wherever the stems touch ground, it forms a nice ground covering, densely multi-stemmed mat to about 2' tall and 30” across with typical rich evergreen Impatiens foliage. Impatiens digitata likes mid to fairly dark shade and rich composty soil. Feed or side dress with compost several times a year for a beautiful plant. Self sows!

Shade Perennial Avg./Moist
USDA ZONES 9-11

Primula polyantha
'Victoriana Silver Laced Black'

Rare, reliable, long-lived - you gotta have it! I love this heirloom Primula grown since the 1600's because unlike modern hybrids, they live for many years & with care will eventually spread to form a lovely blooming mat to 3' across! Long-blooming here in Zone 10a, 'Silver Laced Black' will put up new flower clusters from Fall through mid-late Spring. The small but beautiful & charming black (with a gold eye) flowers are perfectly outlined in silvery-white and held atop 2" – 3" stems (yay for stems!). Grow in bright shade or AM sun in rich soil & dress with compost several times a year for pure perfection. Wonderful in a container too, just move up a pot size as it begins to spread. May go deciduous in colder zones, or if it dries out, but always reliably returns with Spring or moisture.

AM Sun/Brt. Shade Avg./Moist Perennial
USDA Zones 3-11