Common name: Joyce Coulter Ceanothus
Botanical name: Ceanothus 'Joyce Coulter'

'Joyce Coulter' is a fast growing shrub that reaches 3' tall and 8' wide. It has a mounding, dense habit. This cultivar has a generous amount of medium blue, tiny flowers in 3"-5" clusters, blooming in spring. Evergreen leaves are glossy, oval shaped and small. Plant in full sun in coastal areas but it needs afternoon shade in warm, inland valleys. This shrub can become drought tolerant along the coast but needs more watering during hot summer months. It tolerates clay soil and frost. A very reliable and long lived shrub.

Common name: Curl-Leaf Mountain Mahogany
Botanical name: Cercocarpus ledifolius

This small tree or evergreen shrub grows slowly, up to 10'-20' tall. It is a drought tolerant plant. Leaves are small and cluster together. The flowers are inconspicuous but the fruit has characteristic long feathery plumes, up to 2" long. This plant needs full sun; it provides food and shelter for animals.

Common name: Skylark Mountain Lilac
Botanical name: Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark'

Ceanothus Skylark™ is a good choice for small gardens. This lush green, compact Ceanothus thyrsiflorus cultivar flowers profusely and later than all other ceanothus extending your flower season into early summer. Dark blue flower spikes appear in spring lasting into summer, and some flowering will occur again in fall. It is slow growing to 3-6 ft tall with 5 foot spread making it ideal for smaller spaces. Plant in full sun on the coast or in part shade inland. Skylark performs best in heavier clay soils but will tolerate sandier soils if needed. Ceanothus are favorites of butterflies and pollinators, adding to their landscape value.

Common name: Island Bush Snapdragon
Botanical name: Gambelia speciosa

Island Snapdragon is an evergreen perennial that grows from 2'-3' high and 3'-5' across with red spring and summer flowers. In coastal areas, this plant acts as a ground cover. It can spill over a retaining wall or a hillside. Looks great in containers. This plant needs partial shade in hot inland areas. It tolerates clay, loam, rocky or sandy soil, thus making it a versatile plant in many areas. It is a California native that is drought tolerant but will look better with additional summer water. It attracts hummingbirds in a big way.. Prune in winter so it is not so woody. Fast growing.