Photo courtesy of Mountain states Wholesale Nursery

PAPER FLOWER
(Psilostrophe cooperi)

Best traits—Native to the desert Southwest, paper flower produces masses of yellow daisylike flowers from spring to summer. This low-mounding drought-tolerant plant is a fast grower and loves the heat. Older blossoms eventually turn white and papery, and can be used for dried arrangements.

Growing tips—Plant in full sun in well-draining soil. Water weekly in summer and monthly in winter. To encourage bushiness, shear back in fall. Allow flower heads to dry, then remove and collect seed for fall sowing.

Photo courtesy of Mountain states Wholesale Nursery

MEALY CUP SAGE
(Salvia farinacea)

Best traits—Butterflies and hummingbirds flock to the plant’s striking violet-blue flower spikes, which make their appearance from spring through fall. The shiny leaves
of this compact variety set it apart from other salvias, and its fragrant foliage is said to deter deer. A low-water-use, fast-growing perennial, it is hardy to zero degrees.

Growing tips—Plant in full sun to part shade, and keep watered during dry periods; fertilize in mid-summer. To reinvigorate, shear in winter.Deadhead spent flower blooms when they begin to fade.

Photos by Kirti Mathura

CORAL FOUNTAIN
(Russelia equisetiformis)

Best traits—From spring through summer, this fast-growing shrub is loaded with coral-red trumpet-shaped blooms that attract birds, bees and butterflies. Also known as firecracker plant, its arching evergreen branches form its unique draping shape. Adaptable to various growing conditions, this drought- and salt-tolerant bush self-seeds readily.
 
Growing tips—Coral fountain can handle full sun to part shade, as well as wet and dry conditions. Fertilize and water regularly, but do not over-water. Prune in early spring; remove spent blooms if you don’t want volunteer seedlings.
 

Photos by Kirti Mathura

COLORADO FOUR O’CLOCK
(Mirabilis multiflora)

Best traits—This attractive perennial makes an excellent ground cover with its blue-green leaves giving it a lush appearance. In summer, it puts out scores of hot-pink trumpet-shaped flowers that open in late afternoon and close by morning. Hardy to -20 degrees, it recovers rapidly if burnt by frost. Hummingbirds and bees are attracted to its flowers, as are hawkmoths, which are the plant’s primary pollinators.

Growing tips—Plant in full sun to part shade in well-draining soil. Water weekly in summer; rainfall is sufficient in winter.



Other favorites: Blanket flower, catmint, desert senna, globe mallow, purple coneflower, Ruellia brittoniana, Salvia species, wild hyssop