Courtesy of Willow Munger, Soquel Nursery Growers MT. LEMMON MARIGOLD (Tagetes lemmonii)

MT. LEMMON MARIGOLD
(Tagetes lemmonii)

Best traits—For intense color, this long-blooming evergreen perennial produces golden-yellow daisylike flowers in spring and fall. The aromatic leaves on the drought-tolerant plant smell like a mix of lemon, mint and marigold. A vigorous grower, Tagetes lemmonii also attracts bees and birds and makes a good cut flower.

Growing tips—Place in full to part sun in well-draining fertile soil. Prune after flowering to remove any foliage damaged by frost, and to encourage dense growth. If the plant doesn’t receive enough sun, it may become leggy and unattractive.

BUTTERFLY MIST (Ageratum corymbosum)

BUTTERFLY MIST
(Ageratum corymbosum)

Best traits—A low-growing heat-resistant shrub, this warm-weather bloomer features clusters of light-bluish/purple flowers that resemble little powder puffs. The blossoms, which also attract bees and birds, provide nectar for butterflies. The deciduous perennial is a good choice for informal garden areas.

Growing tips—Tolerant of desert soils, butterfly mist can be planted in full sun to part shade. Water every week or two when temperatures are high. Cut back to the ground in winter to encourage a quick rebound in spring.

DESERT 4 O’CLOCK (Mirabilis multiflora)

DESERT 4 O’CLOCK
(Mirabilis multiflora)

Best traits—A vigorous bloomer, this low-mounding perennial sends out scores of showy magenta flowers spring through summer. As the name suggests, it opens around 4 p.m. and stays in bloom until morning. Cloudy or rainy days also encourage blossoms to open. Their musky nighttime scent attracts hawkmoths, which drink the nectar and pollinate the flowers.

Growing tips—Also known as wild four o’clock, this plant is adaptable to most soils and can handle the sun and heat. Once established, it does best with supplemental water. Seeds self-sow freely.

Courtesy of maggiesgarden.com MEXICAN SUNFLOWER (Tithonia rotundifolia)

MEXICAN SUNFLOWER
(Tithonia rotundifolia)

Best traits—From late summer to early fall, bright-orange flowers atop velvety green leaves provide butterflies and hummingbirds with energy-rich nectar. Because the blossoms remain open for up to 10 days, they make excellent cut flowers. This easy-to-grow perennial is fairly drought-tolerant and handles extreme heat. It also is deer-resistant.

Growing tips—Plant in well-draining fertile soil in full sun. Water regularly, but avoid over-watering. Deadheading (removing spent blooms) encourages flowering. Seeds can be collected and re-sown in spring.






Other favorites:
Autumn sage, coreopsis, desert verbena, globe amaranth, pentas, pink fairy duster, purple coneflower, shrubby senna