Common name: Balloon Flower
Botanical name: Platycodon grandiflorus

These unusual perennials bloom from mid-summer through fall with deep blue, bulb-shaped buds that open into star-like cups. Plants emerge in late spring, and should be placed under full sun in average, well-drained soil. Overall growth reaches 1.5'-2' in height. While the plant is reliable and requires low maintenance, it resents transplanting once it is established.

Common name: Cedros Island Verbena
Botanical name: Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina'

This attractive perennial quickly reaches 2'-3' tall and 4' wide. Foliage is bright green, dissected and fern-looking. During spring and summer, thin stalks rise above foliage, ending with fragrant, 1" diameter, lavender blue clusters of flowers, attracting bees and butterflies. This mound shaped plant prefers full to part sun. It is drought tolerant once it's established but will do better with occasional water during hot summer months.

Common name: Licorice Plant
Botanical name: Helichrysum petiolare

This groundcover will grow 1'-3' tall and wide. It felt-look, silvery gray, small leaves that densely cover the plant. Because it has a trailing habit, this plant looks great in hanging baskets and containers. It does well in full sun and dry, well draining soil. It is grown for foliage, not flowers which are considered insignificant. Established plants are drought tolerant. Be careful not to overwater.