Common name: Douglas Iris
Botanical name: Iris douglasiana

Douglas iris is an evergreen perennial that can reach 2' tall and spread 3' wide. It tolerates full sun in coastal areas but needs afternoon shade in warm inland valleys. Foliage is long, pointed and lovely green. It prefers rich soil. Not frost tolerant; does not tolerate gravel soil. Lavender blue flowers with lots of streaks appear in spring. Medium watering required. Beautiful when planted en masse under oak trees.

Common name: Mexican Gold Poppy
Botanical name: Eschscholzia mexicana

Mexican Gold Poppy is similar to the California Poppy, with exception to the foliage (but difficult to distinguish). It has cup-shaped, fragrant, four petaled yellow orange blooms. It grows to 8" high and spread about 12". However, this plant does self sow. Foliage is finely divided, gray green and attractive. Considered an annual in coastal areas but will come back every winter through spring in warmer areas. It prefers full sun with well draining soil. Poisonous plant.

Common name: Sticky Monkey Flower
Botanical name: Mimulus aurantiacus

Sticky Monkey Flower is a drought tolerant evergreen shrub 4' tall with numerous, orangish yellow flowers in spring and summer. It is a California native that attracts hummingbirds in abundance. This shrub can be found on the dry hills and canyon slopes in the Sierra Nevada foothills and the central Coast Ranges.

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.