Hardenbergia
This blooming purple vine is called Hardenbergia or “Happy Wanderer”. It is a plant that absolutely hates wet soil and it will just give up if it stays too soggy. It loves a really, really hot spot. We call it the “Royal Cloak of Winter” blooming in February.
Leucodendron
Leucodendrons have beautiful little tiny flowers that are surrounded by colorful bracts giving it the appearance of a flower. It is another Australian plant that is very water-wise.
Ceanothus
Ceanothus have beautiful cobalt blue flowers that absolutely cover its little evergreen stems in spring. It can grow 4-5′ high and wider than that. And again, hot, hot sun lover. It is really amazing!
Grevillea
Another Australian native at home in California. This darling little grevillea is called Coastal Gem. Hummingbirds love this.
Salvias
Salvias are extremely water-wise and wonderful blooming plants. Blooms available in a range of colors. ‘Hot Lips’ is very popular and ‘Amistad’ (pictured) is dramatic.
Kangaroo Paws
And, as you will remember, we talked a lot about this in another program, Kangaroo Paws are another great plant for low-water use gardens, can be frost tender, but recovers.
Nandinas
Nandinas are wonderful, tough, low-water use plants grown for their ornamental foliage.
Manzanita
Manzanita is also a California native. It is a ground cover that comes in a variety of shapes and characteristics.
Toyon
Toyon is a very large shrub, or small tree with beautiful red berries at Christmas time.
Erysimums (Wall Flowers)
Erysimums are very hardy, they love cold and dry. In 1990, we had some of these and they bloomed right through that 12 degree weather if you can believe that. Again, not a real thirsty plant.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat this is another adaptable California native.
Carpenteria
This is another California native, its called bush anemone or Carpenteria. And it produces beautiful white flowers with a yellow center in the spring.
