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Desert Jewels Nursery
Perennials & Annuals
Cherry Brandy' Gloriosa Daisy
Rudbeckia hirta 'Cherry Brandy'
This beautiful black-eyed Susan has dozens of giant red and maroon daisies with black eyes. They attract butterflies and bees all summer. In autumn, hungry songbirds replace the butterflies and bees, feasting on the seeds.
Region
M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
red/ black center
Xeric
somewhat
Flower Time
Summer
Size
2 ft.
Azure Sage, Pitcher Sage
Salvia azurea
A tall, linear accent plant most of the season. Flowers with the asters, with the most amazing sky blue flowers. Height depends on watering. Shorter where mostly dry; can get quite tall with watering.
Region
M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
sky blue
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Late summer
Size
3-5 ft.
Sedum
Sedum sp.
Many species and forms. Most quite drought adapted. Many make great ground covers or green roof material.
Region
(most) Introduced
Evergreen
depends on species
Flower Color
Depends on species; yellow, pink, white
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
spring, summer
Size
Varies by species, variety.
Orange Globemallow
Sphaeralcea muroana
Very tough & beautiful plant. Reblooms if deadheaded. Cut back in spring for best form.
Region
L
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
Orange
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Early summer
Size
1 1/2 ft.
Adam's needle
Yucca filamentosa
Great upright, evergreen accent for the dry landscape. Gorgeous with Artemisias or purple sage in the winter, and with smooth blue asters in the fall.
Region
From SE US
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
white
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Summer
Size
Base to 2 ft.; flower stem 4 - 6 ft and more.
Soapweed, Great Plains Yucca
Yucca glauca
The most hardy midwestern native yucca. Many traditional uses by Native Americans. Long lived and easy to grow.
Region
M
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
white
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Summer
Size
1 - 6 feet tall
Creeping Hummingbird Trumpet
Zauschneria garrettii
Spreads like a groundcover to 18" wide. Reportedly not browsed by deer. Water regularly when in bloom to keep flowers coming. Prefers some afternoon shade.
Region
W
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
bright orange/ scarlet
Xeric
moderately - does better with some irrigation
Flower Time
Summer
Size
4 - 6"
Anise Hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
*Native to Canada and the northern tier of the US. Flowers from July through October. Anise scented, deep blue-green foliage. Honeybees love it. Full or partial sun, and moderately moist to dry conditions. More resistant to drought than many others in the mint family.
Region
R, M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
purple
Xeric
Flower Time
Mid to late summer
Size
2 -3 ft.
Apache Sunset Agastache
Agastache rupestris 'Apache Sunset'
Fine-leaved, blue green foliage with a wonderful anise or root beer scent. It flowers from mid to late July until frost. Hummingbirds love it.
Region
W
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
Orange with purple calyx
Xeric
moderately
Flower Time
Summer
Size
2 - 2 1/2 ft.
Nettle-leaf Agastache
Agastache urticifolia
Tall, strongly scented plant in the mint family. Butterflies love it.
Region
L,W
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
Pale purple
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Summer
Size
4-6 ft.
Blue Star
Amsonia tabernaemontana
The showy blooms make good cut flowers, and the leaves have great fall color. Deer don’t bother this plant. Although it prefers a rich, moist loamy soil, it will tolerate some drought.
Region
M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
pale blue
Xeric
somewhat
Flower Time
Early summer
Size
2 ft.
Fringed sage
Artemisia frigida
Grows only a few inches tall. Fringed sage has fragrant, feathery finely divided leaves. Tolerates rabbit, deer, and drought.
Region
R,M,S
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
inconspicuous
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Summer
Size
6-12 inches tall and wide
Narrowleaf milkweed
Asclepias fascicularis
Dainty pink flowers in a small ball. Narrow leaves circle the stems. Grows at the base of shady slopes in pine woods, along river margins,and in dry intermittent stream beds. A fine upright accent in the flower garden.
Region
L, R
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
lilac - pink
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
late spring
Size
8 - 12 inches
Showy Milkweed
Asclepias speciosa
This showy and fragrant wildflower is important to many different pollinators, including Monarch butterflies. Prefers site with good spring moisture. Spreads by rhizomes and makes a sizable patch under proper conditions.
Region
L, R, W, M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
pink
Xeric
somewhat
Flower Time
Summer
Size
2 ft.
Orange butterfly flower
Asclepias tuberosa
Grows about a foot tall, with clusters of showy orange flowers. Perennial and mid-summer blooming. Outstanding honeybee plant as well as good for butterflies. Surprisingly drought tolerant. Another Monarch plant.
Region
M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
orange
Xeric
moderately
Flower Time
Mid-summer
Size
12 - 15 in.
* Arrowleaf balsamroot (only available in spring)
Balsamorhiza sagittata
These cheery yellow daisies decorate regional slopes and woodlands in the spring. The whole plant is edible and was used by all local tribes. Seeds are important food for birds and other small wildlife. Very long lived plant goes dormant in summer.
Region
L, W, M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
yellow
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
spring
Size
12 - 18 inches
Blue Wild Indigo
Baptisia australis
This Mid-Western prairie wildflower blooms in late spring with large, lupine-like spikes of blue flowers. Ornamental seed pods follow the flowers and can be harvested for dried arrangements. Deer & rabbit resistant. Drought tolerant.
Region
M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
deep blue
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
late spring - early summer
Size
18-24 inches tall and wide
Winecups
Callirhoe involucrata
The low spreading stems make this plant useful on slopes and for cascading over retaining walls. A valuable plant for hot south or west facing beds. Grows well in a wide range of soil types, including clay. Zones 4-9.
Region
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
wine red
Xeric
somewhat
Flower Time
Summer
Size
5” x 24-30” wide.
Dwarf sundrops
Calylophus serrulatus
A small, mounding plant with a profusion of 1 inch yellow flowers. Blooms all summer in the dry garden. Self sows and naturalizes.
Region
M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
yellow
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
All summer
Size
4-6 inches
Nuttall's larkspur
Delphinium nuttalianum
This extremely variable delphinium is native throughout the west and into Canada. The flowering spikes are loosely flowered with white to grayish-blue to deep blue-purple, spurred flowers. Self sows profusely. Warning: All Delphinium species, both wild and cultivated, are toxic if consumed
Region
L, R, W
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
deep purple to blue
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Early summer
Size
about 1 ft.
Yellow foxglove
Digitalis lutea
Shade tolerant, hummingbird attracting perennial with gracefully curving spikes of small creamy yellow flowers.
Region
Introduced
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
pale yellow to cream
Xeric
no
Flower Time
Summer
Size
24 inches
Purple coneflower, Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea
Purple coneflower was and still is a widely used medicinal plant of the Plains Indians. Still used in folk medicine. Great cutflower. Seeds enjoyed by goldfinches.
Region
E, M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
Pink
Xeric
moderately
Flower Time
midsummer
Size
Up to 40 inches.
Yellow Coneflower
Echinacea paradoxa
This is a very rare native wildflower found in the Ozarks, Oklahoma & Texas. The Ozark Coneflower is a tap-rooted plant that requires several growing seasons to reach its full size, so be patient. A narrow growing plan,t so plant in groups of 3 or more. Zones 3 -9. Sun to Partial Shade.
Region
M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
yellow
Xeric
moderately
Flower Time
midsummer
Size
24 - 36 inches tall
Cutleaf Daisy
Erigeron compositus
Small rock garden plant. Very long blooming and cheery.
Region
L, R, W, M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
White, occasionally pink or blue
Xeric
very
Flower Time
spring, summer
Size
6 inches
Desert Yellow Daisy
Erigeron linearis
Locally native to dry rock outcrops in the sagebrush desert. Covered with cheery yellow flowers for many weeks in late spring to early summer. Recommended for the dry rock garden, in sun or part shade.
Region
L, R, W
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
yellow
Xeric
very
Flower Time
late spring - early summer
Size
4 inches tall, 6 - 12 inches wide
Showy Daisy
Erigeron speciosus
Long blooming. Gently self sows.
Region
W
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
Pale to dark lilac & yellow
Xeric
moderately
Flower Time
Early summer
Size
15 - 18 inches
Oregon Sunshine
Eriophyllum lanatum
Small, cheery yellow daisies - rock garden or xeriscape plant. Reseeds. Butterfly magnet. Habit variable: annual, biennial, perennial.
Region
L
Evergreen
somewhat
Flower Color
Yellow
Xeric
very
Flower Time
spring
Size
4 - 6 inches
Spinystar cactus
Escobaria vivipara, Coryphantha vivipara
This small barrel shaped cactus has hot pink blossoms. It is hardy from Canada south to Texas, in the Midwest and inland West. It does well in the ground, but due to its small size it is best displayed in a pot, bowl or trough.
Region
W, M*
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
Hot pink
Xeric
very
Flower Time
Early summer
Size
up to 4 inches.
Prairie Smoke
Geum triflorum
Wonderful groundcover for sun or shade. Goes dormant if very dry, but will remain green with occasional watering.
Region
L, R, W, M
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
pink
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Early summer
Size
4 - 6 inches
Scarlet Gilia
Gilia aggregata
Attracts hummingbirds. Long blooming: sun to part shade.
Region
L, R, W
Evergreen
Biennial. First year rosette evergreen. Dies second fall.
Flower Color
Red, scarlet or pink
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Summer
Size
2 - 2 1/2 ft.
Roundleaf Alumroot, (Wild Coralbells)
Heuchera cylindrica
Great in rocky sites. Bright green even in very dry sites. Great for shade or sun.
Region
L, R, W, not SW
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
white
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
spring
Size
4 - 6 inches: up to 12 - 15 inches in bloom.
Rocky Mountain iris
Iris missouriensis
Our regional wild iris blooms in areas with spring moisture. Nearly as large as cultivated bearded irises.
Region
L, R, W, M
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
lavender
Xeric
moderately
Flower Time
Early summer
Size
1 1/2 - 2 ft. in bloom
Bigleaf Lupine
Lupinus polyphyllus
Tall and stately, with long racemes of flowers. One of the original parents of Russel hybrid lupines. Full sun to part shade. Moist to wet soil.
Region
L, R, W
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
blue/purple: often bicolored
Xeric
no
Flower Time
Summer
Size
3 or more feet
Eastern Beebalm
Monarda bradburiana
Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. The toothed, aromatic, oblong, grayish-green leaves (to 4") may be used in teas. Long summer bloom period. Best grown in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates somewhat poor soils and some drought.
Region
M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
Pink to white with purple
Xeric
somewhat
Flower Time
Size
1-2 ft.
Wild Bergamot
Monarda fistulosa
Native to all of the US except CA & FL. Grows in meadows, open forests, clearings, and moist sites in the mixed grass prairie. Wild bergamot contains thymol, a natural antiseptic compound commonly used in mouthwashes. Traditional medicinal, beverage and seasoning. Cutflowers. Hummingbird & bee plant.
Region
L, R, W, M, E
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
purple
Xeric
somewhat
Flower Time
Summer
Size
2 - 4 ft.
Mountain Monardella, Coyote Mint
Monardella odoratissima
Very fragrant (minty), mounded plant. Best with occasional water. Native American tea plant. Native to BC, WA, OR, CA, ID, NV.
Region
L, R, W
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
purple
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Summer
Size
6 - 12 inches
Garden Catmint
Nepeta faasinii
A hardy plant that flowers all season, needs a minimum of maintenance, is resistant to drought and sails happily through the coldest and driest of winters. It is a reliable plant, and a magnet for bees.
Region
Introduced
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
Blue
Xeric
somewhat
Flower Time
Summer
Size
2 ft. in bloom
Tufted Evening-Primrose
Oenothera caespitosa
A standout in the dry landscape. Long blooming & gorgeous. Large flowered.
Region
R, W, M
Evergreen
semi-evergreen
Flower Color
White
Xeric
extremely
Flower Time
Early summer
Size
10 inches
Missouri Evening-primrose
Oenothera macrocarpa
The flowers are a glorious crayon yellow, and measure 3 to 5 inches across. Each mildly fragrant flower is open for only one day, but many flowers are produced over a long spring to mid-summer bloom period. Mature plants are 3 feet across, and have massive tap roots. Can be grown in poor, dryish soils.
Region
M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
yellow
Xeric
moderately
Flower Time
Summer
Size
6-12 inches tall, 2 - 3 ft. Wide
Sand Penstemon, Sharpleaf Penstemon
Penstemon acuminatus
Native only to WA, OR, ID, NV. Grows in sandy habitats. Large blue flowers beautiful in the landscape.
Region
R
Evergreen
yes?
Flower Color
blue
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
late spring - early summer
Size
Up to 2 ft. tall
White Penstemon
Penstemon albidus
Penstemon albidus has a large distribution throughout the Great Plains of North America, from Texas and Oklahoma to Alberta and Manitoba. The flowers are typically white.
Region
M
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
white
Xeric
somewhat
Flower Time
late spring - early summer
Size
6-10 inches tall
Gilia beardtongue, Pink plains penstemon
Penstemon ambiguus
An unusual, open flowered, shrublike penstemon. Flowering increases with age as the woody base produces more stems. Leaves are thread-like in width, some persisting year-round. Tolerates extreme heat and drought conditions. Quite airy and dainty compared with other penstemons.
Region
M (southern part)
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
pink
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Summer
Size
1-3 ft. tall
Torrey's Penstemon
Penstemon barbatus var. torreyi
Torrey's penstemon prefers full sun and well-drained soil. A hummingbird favorite. Hardy to Zone 4.
Region
M (southern part)
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
Red
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
late spring - early summer
Size
2-4 ft. tall
Little Yellow Penstemon
Penstemon confertus
From the forests and woodland openings of the northwest (Alberta, BC, WA, OR, ID & MT). Dense whorls of small flowers above bright green mats of small leaves.
Region
L, R
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
white to pale yellow
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
spring
Size
6 inches
Wasatch Penstemon
Penstemon cyananthus
Native to ID, WY, UT. Beautiful & very showy. Likes occasional watering.
Region
W
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
purple
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Early summer
Size
2 - 3 ft.
Foxglove Penstemon
Penstemon digitalis
An excellent perennial for the lightly watered border. Very showy and easy to grow. Will gently spread by seed.
Region
M
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
white
Xeric
somewhat
Flower Time
Summer
Size
2+ ft.
Firecracker Penstemon
Penstemon eatonii
Short lived but outstanding hummingbird attracting perennial.
Region
W
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
red
Xeric
moderately - does better with some irrigation
Flower Time
Early summer
Size
2 ft.
Stickystem Penstemon
Penstemon glandulosus
SW Washington meadow plant. Large flowered. Glands on all parts of plants glisten in the sun. Very showy. Native only to OR & WA: uncommon in cultivation.
Region
L
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
lilac
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
spring
Size
3 - 3 1/2 ft.
Shining Penstemon
Penstemon nitidus
The first Penstemon to bloom in the spring. Zones 3-8. Native from Saskatchewan to MT. Also from s.w. Alberta to ID, n. WY and w. ND. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping.
Region
R, M
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
sky blue
Xeric
?
Flower Time
spring
Size
6-10 inches tall
Eggleaf Beardtongue
Penstemon ovatus
Many ¾” bright blue flowers in clusters on wide spreading cymes. Soil with organic matter and regular but not continuous watering and occasional division will keep it going for many years, even in dry climates.
Region
R
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
blue
Xeric
somewhat
Flower Time
spring
Size
2- 3.5 ft. tall
Pineleaf Penstemon
Penstemon pinifolius
A hummingbird favorite that grows easily in both xeric and traditional perennial gardens. As the plant matures, it forms an evergreen shrublet with bright green, needle-like foliage.
Zones 4-9.
Region
SW
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
red
Xeric
somewhat
Flower Time
Early summer
Size
15 inches tall and wide
Desert Beardtongue
Penstemon pseudospectabilis
This gorgeous plant can be grown over a wide area. In cultivation it can reach 4’ with many stems and a large, broad gray-blue, leaves. Large, glandular flowers are somewhat pendant and usually deep pink to brilliant magenta. Quite long-lived and evergreen.
Region
SW
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
Hot pink
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Early summer
Size
Up to 4 feet
Cutleaf Penstemon
Penstemon richardsonii
Energizer Bunny' of Penstemons. Very long blooming. Cut back in spring to keep tidy. A perfect plant for a rock wall. It will reseed & spread to fill crevices. Good in a border. Can take cold and dry conditions in sun or part shade.
Region
L, R
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
Hot pink
Xeric
very
Flower Time
Mid to late summer
Size
12 - 18 inches
Cascade Penstemon, Coast Penstemon
Penstemon serrulatus
A vigorous, free-blooming and well-liked plant for a partly shaded, watered flowerbed. Will rebloom if cut back after flowering. Plants have glossy, deep green leaves that turn purple or maroon in winter. Good year-round interest: showy flowers & foliage.
Region
R
Evergreen
yes
Flower Color
Blue-purple
Xeric
moderately - does better with some irrigation
Flower Time
late spring - early summer
Size
24 - 28 inches.
Blue Mt. Penstemon, Beautiful Penstemon
Penstemon venustus
Very showy flower spikes. Extremely floriferous, beloved by many different pollinators. Cut back to leafy buds in spring. Easy and rewarding.
Region
R
Evergreen
semi-evergreen
Flower Color
purple
Xeric
yes
Flower Time
Early summer
Size
P
Alpine Jacob's Ladder
Polemonium pulcherrimum
Very long-blooming and charming, small rock garden plant. Likes part day shade and occasional water.
Region
R
Evergreen
semi-evergreen
Flower Color
blue
Xeric
moderately - does better with some irrigation
Flower Time
spring - early summer
Size
5 - 10 inches
Pasque Flower
Pulsatilla patens
Spring blooming prairie native. In Lakota legend, this is the flower whose song awakens the other plants in spring. A delight in bloom and in seed. Hardy to zone 4.
Region
M
Evergreen
no
Flower Color
lilac
Xeric
no
Flower Time
early spring
Size
4 - 6 inches tall