Papaver orientale
Oriental Poppy
Oriental Poppy blooms early in the season with spectacular flowers that can be up to 6 inches across. The plants go dormant after flowering, so plan accordingly to avoid bare spots in the border or landscape. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Pelargonium x hortorum
Garden Geranium
Geraniums are perennials typically grown as annuals in hot-summer or cold-winter regions. Plant from containers or packs in spring. These are old-fashioned plants that are grown as bedding plants, hanging baskets or even houseplants. Also look for scented geraniums, which are available in many rich fragrances.
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Penstemon baccharifolius
Rock Penstemon
Rock Penstemon grows in a clumping form. It is one of the best attractors of hummingbirds. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Penstemon barbatus
Scarlet Bugler
The tubular flowers of Scarlet Bugler are true scarlet in color, borne on lanky stems that are mostly leafless. Plant is open, somewhat sprawling. Long bloom period. Canopy coverage: 1 square foot.
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Penstemon barbatus 'Elfin Pink'
Elfin Pink Scarlet Bugler
Well-adapted to most regions of the U.S. Slightly smaller than the species. Accepts moist soil conditions better than other Beard Tongues. Canopy coverage: 1 square foot.
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Penstemon eatonii
Firecracker Penstemon
The dramatic flowering spikes of Firecracker Penstemon are profuse in spring. Plants reseed to create a naturalistic setting. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Penstemon heterophyllus
Foothill Penstemon
This California native is a large, wide-spreading and longlived Penstemon. Accepts heavy soils but prefers well-draining soils. Flowers for several months. Two popular selections are 'Electric Blue' and 'Margarita Bop'. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Penstemon linarioides
Toadflax Penstemon
Toadflax Penstemon is a low grower to less than one foot high. Leaves are narrow. Flowers form in clusters above the foliage. Drought tolerant. Canopy coverage: 1 square foot.
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Penstemon palmeri
Palmer's Penstemon
This is one of the largest Penstemons, so place it in the back of the border or combination planting. Its fragrant flowers look like large snapdragons. Well drained soil is a must. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Penstemon parryi
Parry's Penstemon
The flowering spikes of Parry's Penstemon are profuse in spring, blooming above the leaves, creating a dramatic display. This is one of the most popular Penstemons. Plants often reseed on their own to develop a naturalistic scene. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Penstemon pseudospectabilis
Desert Beardtongue, Canyon Penstemon
This is another Penstemon to consider. Canyon Penstemon is native to elevations from 2,000 to 6,000 feet. It reseeds to continue and extend plantings. Sow seeds in fall for plants and flowers the following spring. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Penstemon strictus
Rocky Mountain Penstemon
Rocky Mountain Penstemon produces spires of large, brightly colored, blue-purple flowers that rise above the leaves. Tolerates heavy soils but prefers rocky, sandy, well drained soil. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Penstemon superbus
Superb Penstemon
Coral Penstemon grows as a large, clumping form. Dramatic flowering spikes put on a show in spring. Plants reseed readily to help create a naturalistic setting. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Penstemon x mexicali
Mexican hybrid Penstemon
These are crosses made between Mexican and American wild Penstemons, and are Plant Select plants. Look for Red Rocks, Pike's Peak Purple, Carolyn's Hope, Shadow Mountain ('Psmyers') and Windwalker. Not fussy regarding soil type. Canopy coverage: 1 square foot.
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Perovskia atriplicifolia
Russian Sage
Russian Sage is a large, upright plant that can be used much like a deciduous shrub or large flowering perennial. A long bloomer that is easy to grow. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Phlomis fruticosa
Jerusalem Sage
Jerusalem Sage is shrublike in form, and blends well with other dry-climate plants. Accepts full sun in some regions but overall better with afternoon shade, particularly in hot summer climates. Foliage is aromatic when brushed. Flowers are borne in whorls of yellow along upper stems. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Phlomis russeliana
Sticky Jerusalem Sage
Sticky Jerusalem Sage grows as a clumping low shrub or groundcover with large, heart-shaped leaves. Flowers are borne on tall stems like other Phlomis species. Spreads by underground runners. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Phormium tenax
New Zealand Flax
New Zealand Flax is a large perennial grown for its colorful leaves. The leaves are narrow, sword-shaped, reaching up to several feet in length. Form is clumping and variable: Select from upright, semiupright, arching and dwarf versions. Many cultivars are available in a range of colors. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet, more or less, depending on selection grown.
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Psilostrophe cooperi
Paperflower
Paperflower has a rounded growth habit. It works well planted among boulders or rock gardens. Plant where it will receive afternoon shade in hottest regions. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Psilostrophe tagetina
Texas Paperflower
The daisylike flowers of Woolly Paperflower have a longer bloom season compared to Paperflower, but it is not quite as cold hardy. Best with some protection from the sun in hot summer regions. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Pyracantha koidzumii 'Santa Cruz'
Pyracantha, Firethorn
This Pyracantha grows as a shrubby groundcover form that can be pruned to control height as needed. Red berries are profuse and attract birds. Sturdy thorns make it a good barrier plant; handle and prune with caution. Canopy coverage 13 square feet.
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