Common name: Rose Campion
Botanical name: Lychnis coronaria

Rose Campion has small but showy, deep pink to fuchsia to magenta or white blossoms. It is a short-lived perennial or biennial from southeastern Europe hardy in zones 4-10. Most plants do not survive harsh winters after flowering but it does readily self seed to perpetuate a planting. Despite its short life span, rose campion is certainly worth growing.

Common name: Tobira
Botanical name: Pittosporum tobira

This large, dense, evergreen shrub or small tree has shiny dark green leaves. In the spring, clusters of small, cream-colored flowers appear with the fragrance of orange blossoms. Tobira can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is considered one of the most durable shrubs in western landscapes.

Common name: Avocado
Botanical name: Persea americana

This is a large tree that can grow as large as an oak. Its exotic, semi-tropical, drupe fruit is famous for making guacamole dip. Frost damages this plant.

Common name: White Gaura
Botanical name: Gaura lindheimeri

White Gaura is a profusely flowering perennial for all zones; it grows 2'-4' high and 2' wide. It has pink buds that open to showy white flowers in spring through fall. It needs full sun and does best in sandy or loamy soil that is well draining. Established plants are drought tolerant. Leaves are narrow, tiny and lance-shaped. Breezes cause flowers to move on stems, resembling butterflies flickering. Prune in spring to control height, if desired. Does best in hot and dry areas.

Common name: Lance Coreopsis
Botanical name: Coreopsis lanceolata

This long lived perennial reaches 2' tall and 1' wide. Leaves narrow, growing in a rosette at base. Flowers are 2" across, yellow and bloom in late spring and summer, held above the foliage. It makes a good cut flower. It prefers full sun to light shade. It needs a medium amount of watering in well draining soil. Deer and butterflies love this flower.

Common name: Common Verbena
Botanical name: Verbena peruviana cv.

This perennial forms a flat mat that covers an area rapidly. It has dark green leaves with clusters of bright flowers in pink, purple, or mauve that bloom all year. Hybrids will have a little more height, different flower colors and spread more slowly. This groundcover is drought tolerant.