Photography courtesy of Mountain States Wholesale Nursery

DALEA CAPITATA ‘SIERRA GOLD™’

Description:
A bright-green, low-growing spreading ground cover that can reach 12 inches high by 4 feet wide. Clusters of light-yellow flowers on spikes appear in spring and fall.

Best traits:
Produces an abundance of blooms; its aromatic foliage has the scent of lemons when handled or crushed; deters rabbits; tolerates reflected heat; cold-hardy to 0°; fast-growing.

Growing tips:
Plant in full sun. Provide moderate supplemental watering spring through fall. Cut back halfway in winter.

In the garden:
Attractive tucked between boulders and
growing along walkways.




ICE PLANT
(Drosanthemum
speciosum ‘Rosea’)

Description:
A mat-forming, trailing succulent that grows to 1 foot high by 3 feet wide.  Features green leaves with crystal-like glistening dots. Hot-pink flowers cover the plant from mid-spring to summer.

Best traits:
Blossoms create a blanket of bold color; fast-growing; endures poor soil; heat-tolerant.

Growing tips:
Plant in partial shade where there is no foot traffic. Prefers a well-draining coarse planting medium. Does not tolerate
soggy soil.

In the garden:
Ideal for growing under desert trees, in rock gardens or in raised planters.





PURPLE TRAILING LANTANA
(Lantana montevidensis)

Description:
Low-mounding ground cover with aromatic foliage. Grows to 2 feet high by 5 feet wide. Purple flowers appear spring through fall.

Best traits:
Clusters of blooms cover the plant when temperatures warm; cold-tolerant to 20°; low-water-use.

Growing tips:
Plant in full or reflected sun. Water deeply but infrequently. Remove all frost-damaged foliage in spring.

In the garden:
The plant’s trailing habit makes it a good choice for raised planters or along slopes. Note: Its small bluish berries are poisonous to humans.




BLACKFOOT DAISY
(Melampodium leucanthum)

Description:
Low-growing perennial that reaches 12 inches high by 18 inches wide. Small mounds of gray-green foliage are topped by white daisies on stems that appear spring and fall.

Best traits:
Showy blooms blanket the plant; hardy to -20°; low-water-use; heat-tolerant; can withstand reflected heat exposures.

Growing tips:
Place in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil. Be careful not to over-water.

In the garden:
Well-suited as a ground cover when planted in masses. Avoid growing in high-traffic areas, as its stems are brittle.




GOLDEN DOGBANE
(Thymophylla pentachaeta)

Description:
Clusters of tiny golden-yellow flowers appear on lacy bright-green leaves in spring and fall, and sporadically later in the year. Provides summer bloom in high elevations. Grows to 1 foot high and wide.

Best traits:
Although short-lived, reseeds easily; profuse bloomer; low-water-use; fast-growing; hardy to 0°; attracts butterflies.

Growing tips:
Place in full sun in well-drained soil. Cut back in late spring after flowering to rejuvenate. Needs little supplemental watering.

In the garden:
Looks good planted in groups and
anywhere a splash of color is needed.