Calylophus drummondii (Texas primrose)
Low and spreading, this plant blooms from late spring through fall. Calylophus becomes a three foot mat of papery, bright yellow flowers. It likes lots of sunshine and demands little water. It is one plant we always attempt to have on hand in the nursery and has become one of our very best sellers!
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…
Gaillardia is a great perennial for sunny spots. It flowers profusely, loves heat and needs only moderate water. Flower color ranges from yellow to orange and yellow to bicolor (as shown at left) to red. Bloom time lasts from early summer to frost.
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.
There are so many colors and sizes of penstemon hybrids. Among the favorites are ‘Firebird’ (red), ‘Midnight’ (purple), ‘Garnet’ (fuchsia pink), ‘Thorn’ (white with a pink blush), ‘Apple Blossom’ (pink), ‘Bev Jensen’ (magenta) and ‘Raven’ (darkest purple). A very floriferous variety on a smaller plant is ‘Pike’s Peak Purple’. All these varieties take heat and cold and…
Coreopsis adds a lovely bit of color to the garden. These are tough plants that need little to moderate water and they seem to bloom almost endlessly, especially if deadheaded. They also tend to self-sow, so be prepared for either even more color or a bit of weeding.