Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker)
This plant is often seen at houses dating back to the thirties and forties. It is extremely drought tolerant and very showy. Colors available are orange, yellow and cream. The leaves are strap-like with flowering stems that vary from eighteen inches to five feet, depending on the variety.
The two most popular varieties are ‘Butterfly Blue’ and ‘Pink Mist’. This perennial is possibly the longest blooming of all. Removing the spent flowers will encourage the plants to bloom even more and keeps them looking nice. Height is about one foot and the spread approximately eighteen to twenty-four inches. They prefer moderate to regular water.
The genus of Euphorbia contains about 2000 species, all of which contain a milky sap that is caustic or poisonous. Needless to say, deer and gophers stay away from these very interesting, useful and attractive plants. Euphorbia pulcherrima is the poinsettia of Christmas. What we call the flowers are actually bracts that surround the very…
Gaura is a lovely, airy plant with either pink or white flowers that vaguely resemble butterflies. Foliage is usually green, but some newer varieties have reddish foliage. Plant size varies from about two feet to four feet. Gaura can self-sow vigorously under the right conditions, but it is so long blooming (late spring to frost) that…
Hemerocallis (daylily) have arching narrow leaves and lily-like flowers. They are tough plants and reasonably trouble free. A couple of favorites are ‘Stella D’Oro’, a dwarf golden yellow with a longer bloom period than most, and ‘Bitsy’, a repeat bloomer with bright yellow flowers on tall, dark stems about eighteen inches tall. Many flower colors are available including cream, orange,…
Centranthus, or Jupiter’s beard, is a great perennial, but be prepared for its rather vigorous self-sowing. It is very tolerant of most conditions and needs little water. Flower color ranges from crimson to pink to lilac to white, with a very long bloom period. Gophers do not seem to like it, perhaps because of its…
Achillea (yarrow) Green or gray ferny foliage and lots of colors to choose from! White (‘Calistoga’), yellow (‘Sunbeam’ or ‘Moonshine’), crimson red (‘Red Beauty’) and orange red (‘Faust’ and ‘Terra Cotta’). They all endure the hot summers and cold winters. Water needs are low and bloom time long.