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 3' 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:Moonshine Yarrow, Milfoil, Sneezewo
Botanical name:Achillea 'Moonshine'

Long, straight stems with pale yellow flowers are striking on the mats of green to grey-green leaves of this plant, which are flatter and less divided than those of the Achillea millefolium. This Yarrow propagates easily from rooted cuttings or divisions which should be performed in the early spring or fall. Following bloom, one should dead head the plant and divide the clumps when it appears crowded. Introduced by Alan Bloom in the 1950's.

Common name:Shasta Daisy
Botanical name:Chrysanthemum maximum

The Shasta Daisy is a favorite for beds or cut flowers with its white flowers that are 4" across with yellow centers. These flowers bloom during the spring, summer and fall months. Plant in full sun or protect from afternoon sun in desert areas. It needs well draining soil and regular watering. Deadhead to promote more blooming. It reaches about 3' tall and wide.

Common name:Lavender Cotton
Botanical name:Santolina pinnata

Yellow Cotton is a low shrub to about 2' and a little bit wider. It has dense rich green, aromatic foliage and yellow flowers that look like cotton balls. It creates a distinct Mediterranean look. It prefers full sun and is drought tolerant once it's established. Do not overwater. Dead head to encourage more blooms in spring.

Common name:Alstroemaria, Peruvian Lily hybrid
Botanical name:Alstroemaria hybrids

The deciduous rhizomes of this Peruvian lily will often run aggressively if not controlled. They grow best in full to part sun with some summer watering in dry climates. The florist strains can reach 6' tall, while the compact strains range from 12-36". For extra long, florist quality stems, stake or grow through netting for support. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Common name:Red-Leaf or Fraser Photinia
Botanical name:Photinia X fraseri

The Photina X fraseri is an evergreen, medium-sized shrub with new foliage that is a glistening, copper red color. It is excellent as a hedge, screen, or accent plant. It should be grown under conditions of sun.

Dealing With Drought

More than half of the water used at your home is for outside purposes. Studies show that on average, half of the water used outdoors is wasted. The leading cause of waste is incorrectly set and poorly managed irrigation controllers. The second biggest cause of wastage is broken irrigation equipment that goes undetected. There are a few basic things you can do to make a big difference in your water use.

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