Common name: Evergreen Candytuft
Botanical name: Iberis sempervirens
This Evergreen Candytuft is a compact plant that grows 12" tall and 18" wide. Its leaves are dark green, leathery and narrow. In the early spring, it exhibits clusters of pure white flowers that are borne at branch ends. This lovely perennial will have more blooms if planted in full sun but will tolerate part shade. It does best in well draining soil. Mature plants can become drought tolerant. Mulch plant well if located in cold winter climates. Plant does poorly if soil is constantly wet. May be prone to mold and mildew, slugs and snails. Looks great in containers and with rocks.
Common name: Calla Lily
Botanical name: Zantedeschia aethiopica
This perennial will grow 2'-4' tall and has large, glossy green leaves with beautiful cream or white flowers with a central yellow "finger" that bloom in spring and sometimes even summer. Calla Lily prefers full sun or afternoon shade in warm, inland areas. It prefers rich, moist soil and does well near water features or boggy conditions. Cally Lily is beautiful for cut flowers.
Common name: Cape Rush
Botanical name: Chondropetalum tectorum
Chondropetalum tectorum has 2-3' tall stems that shoot out in all directions from the roots. Each stem has papery bracts connected to the ends that turn from tan to dark brown, then fall off. Chondropetalum can grow in marshes, in the ground with regular watering, or in drought conditions. It tolerates full sun and shade and can be grown close to the ocean.
Common name: Canyon Prince Wild Rye
Botanical name: Leymus condensatus 'Canyon Prince'
One of the best known and utilized native grass selections in Southern California, this beautiful, blue gray foliage spreads out 3'-4' or more. It will reach a height of 2'-3'. It rarely flowers. It does spread by rhizomes but it is not overly aggressive. It can be extremely drought tolerant and care must be taken not to over water this species as it can rot from the center. Otherwise, it is carefree and requires virtually no maintenance.
Common name: Tolleson's Weeping Juniper
Botanical name: Juniperus scopulorum 'Tolleson's Weeping
This juniper has an upright form, reaching 25' tall and 12' wide. What is unusual about this plant and makes it a fun specimen plant in the garden is its weeping habit which is rare in the juniper family. It is hardy and drought tolerant once it's established. Foliage is blue green and scale-like. Make sure you plant in an area that will allow for this size.
Common name: Variegated Japanese Silver Grass
Botanical name: Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus'
This tall, mounding grass will grow to about 6' high and has seasonally deciduous, greenish white, variegated leaves. Tall grasses are highly combustible.
Common name: Society Garlic
Botanical name: Tulbaghia violacea
This clumping perennial will grow less than 1' tall and has narrow, blue green leaves. Clusters of lavender flowers bloom in spring and summer. Leaves and flowers have a distinct onion or garlic smell if crushed.
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.