Common name:Lamb's Ear
Botanical name:Stachys byzantina

This tiny, herbaceous shrub will grow less than 1' tall and has medium-size, grayish/green leaves with blue and lavender flowers that bloom in the spring.

Common name:Mexican Bush Sage
Botanical name:Salvia leucantha

The Mexican sage is a bushy shrub that grows 3-4 ft. tall and wide. It has hairy white stems, gray-green leaves and velvet like purple flower spikes that bloom summer through fall. This shrub tolerates sun, light shade, little water, and is hardy to 15 degrees F. The Mexican sage is drought tolerant and attracts hummingbirds. -Cornflower Farms

Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana

Fast growing to about 6-10' tall x 8-13' wide. Wide, grey leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. Prefers full sun and well-drained situations. Prone to agave snout weevil which will eat the roots and heart out. After blooming, which could take several years. it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. Removal is difficult if unwanted.

Common name:Ligtu Peruvian Lily
Botanical name:Alstroemaria ligtu hybrids

The decidupous rhizomes of this Peruvian lily will often run aggressively if not controlled. They grow best in full to part sun with some summer watering in dry climates. The florist strains can reach 6' tall, while the compact strains range from 12-36" For extra long, florist quality stems, stake or grow through netting for support. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Common name:Otto Quast Spanish Lavender
Botanical name:Lavandula stoechas 'Otto Quast'

This round shrub will grow to about 3' high and has small, gray green leaves with purple flowers that bloom in summer. It is more prostrate than its parent Lavandula stoechas. The flowers resemble a purple pineapple! 'Otto Quast' is drought tolerant once it is established and cold tolerant to 5 degrees F.

Common name:Elija Blue Fescue
Botanical name:Festuca 'Elija Blue'

The 'Elijah Blue' is a dwarf, very glaucous variety with almost white foliage. It should receive sun and little summer watering. -Monterey Bay Nursrey

Common name:Plumb Petals
Botanical name:Aeonium 'Plum Petals'

The symmetry of boldly colored leaves arranged in whorls is the fascination of many Aeoniums. Enthusiasts thought they found their home in the huge rosettes of a variety called Cyclops, but were later disappointed to observe single heads on the end of long, bare, and unsightly stems. The new variety, Plum Petals was bred, developed, and introduced to the trade by Waterwise Botanicals, and proudly demonstrates a plant with deep, plum-purple colored leaves, forming large rosettes up to 10 inches across, but freely branching and covering the whole plant with foliage- which ultimately forms a succulent shrub. Performs beautifully in sun, or part shade in hot inland and desert areas. Tender to frost. Can accept regular garden watering, but is very good as a water-wise candidate as well. Active during the cool season, be sure and let it rest during the hottest summer months.