Agropyron magellanicum
"Blue Wheat Grass"

Quite possibly the bluest grass in existence! The lustrous sky-blue locks of this monocot can make even those who turn up their noses at anything without a giant flower swoon! Combining marvelously with girly pinks, blues and apricots, it is certainly the most popular grass we grow and gives you a pleasant place to rest your eyes in the garden amidst chaotic cottagey goodness. It’s also not too big. At only 2’ high and 1’ wide, you can find a spot for it anywhere so long as the drainage is good. An annual haircut and feeding will keep its tresses the best and bluest. Hardy to Zone 6!

Pt.Shade/Pt.Sun. Average water.
USDA Zones 6-10

Calceolaria tomentosa

NEW, totally RARE and divinely fabulous! The intriguing yellow flowers of this plant bear a resemblance to either blind Muppets or sugary yellow “Peeps” depending on who you ask. It blooms throughout the year above purple-tinged fuzzy leaves that creep and climb through surrounding neighbors. Eventually amassing itself into a 6’ wide (and tall if there’s something tall adjacent) shrubby perennial, it does best in mid-shade by the bay and more shade elsewhere. This form is particularly neato because of its persistant yellow bracts that stay on the plant long after the bloom drops. Rich, well drained soil suits it best.

Morning Sun/Shade. Average Water.
USDA Zones 9-11

Monopsis lutea
“Golden Lobelia”

Need a good trailer? This one is most unusual and one of the very loveliest, creating an emerald green carpet that glows with a profusion of canary-yellow lobelia-like flowers through Summer. This rare species makes a beautiful and interesting GROUNDCOVER and is hands-down the BEST plant we grow for a hanging basket and would make a really smashing show of it, trailing 3’ down from a pot within the first year. Hardy to Zone 9, but needs a bit o’ protection from the frost! Rich soil is preferred!

Part Sun/PartShade. Regular Water
USDA 9-11

Rhodochiton astrosanguineum

This bizarre twiner has a peculiar sex appeal and performs very well as a VINE FOR BRIGHT SHADE, growing to 10’ tall and blooming perpetually if kept away from the cold. Profuse long black flowers are enclosed by rosy calyxes that persist and give color after the blooms drop, and although vigorous, this plant is both intriguing and delicate. Often grown as an annual in colder zones, we can get away with growing it as a perennial here by the bay so long as we protect it from significant frosts. Elsewhere it can be over-wintered in a garage or greenhouse and brought back into the garden as the weather warms up again. Rich soil and regular water are required!

Full Sun/Part Shade. Regular Water.
USDA Zones 10-11

Sinningia tubiflora
“Hardy Gloxinia”

One of my most favorite FRAGRANT plants! This tough gesneriad is so easy to grow that once you have it you pretty much always have it and always have some to share! Tolerating high heat (we’re talking SACRAMENTO) and occasional drought, it’s comes back reliably from tubers every year, emerging late with soft grey leaves that give way to a gracious smattering of 2’ ballet-pink stems topped with clusters of 4 to 5” long white flowers that smell lemony and seductively sweet. MMMM! The fragrance comes throughout the day but is particularly heady at night. Grow it in a pot or let it wander through a sunny garden bed, either way you (and your hummingbird friends) are sure to be beguiled. Best of all, it’s HARDY TO ZONE 7, even though it really doesn’t look like it would be! How awesome is that?

Sun. Average Water.
USDA Zones 7-11