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 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 pinifolius
Pineleaf Penstemon
The short, needlelike leaves of Pineleaf Penstemon cover the stems. Its spreading growth habit is well-suited to rock gardens and naturalistic settings. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Penstemon spectabilis
Royal Beardtongue
Like many Penstemons, Royal Beardtongue reseeds readily. The striking flowers bloom on tall spikes, attracting hummingbirds. Canopy coverage: 1 square foot.
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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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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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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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Ratibida columnifera
Mexican Hat
This is an easy-care wildflower perennial. The flower petals droop downward around an upright brown cone, giving the yellow to brown flower the appearance of a drooping Mexican sombrero—a "Mexican Hat." Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Romneya coulteri
Matilija Poppy
Grown for its spectacular, crepe paper flowers up to 9 inches across. They are pure white with a yellow center, thus one of its common names Fried Egg Plant. Best for an informal, naturalistic landscape. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
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Rudbeckia hirta
Black-eyed Susan
The large, daisylike flowers of Black-eyed Susan bloom on tall stems. The central cone is dark brown. A wide range of selections are available; check with your local nursery. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Rudbeckia laciniata
Cutleaf Coneflower, Greenhead Coneflower
The common names of this sunflowerlike perennial helps describe its appearance. Petals droop slightly, and the cone is greenish rather than a rich brown. The species grows quite tall, but 'Herbstsonne' remains in scale with the average garden, topping out at about 6 feet high. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Ruellia brittoniana 'Katie'
Dwarf Ruellia, Desert Petunia
Katie' is a robust bloomer during the warm season. It works well as a small-area groundcover, growing to 12 inches high. Canopy coverage: 1 square foot.
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