Santa Barbara Ceanothus* Ceanothus impressus

A large shrub with a dense mass of dark wrinkled green leaves, covered with deep blue flower clusters in early spring, mostly March to April. Requires good drainage and infrequent to no summer watering, can be temperamental, preferring sun to partial sun exposure.

Plant size is 6-10 feet high x 6-10 feet wide.

Tree Poppy+ Dendromecon rigida

Large shrub with linear gray foliage and showy bright yellow, poppy-like flowers that bloom from February to June. Thrive in dry, well-drained soil, can adapt to various soil conditions. Good for banks, roadsides, preferring sun to partial sun exposure. Prune back after flowering to control untidy wild growth pattern.

Plant size is 3-10 feet high by 4-8 feet wide.

Golden Yarrow+ Eriophyllum confertiflorum

An abundant perennial small shrub found naturally at the base of cliffs in rock crevasses, preferring sun exposure. Finely leafed foliage, green above and woolly below. Blossoms are clusters of yellow flowers, displayed from March to August, attractive to butterflies.

Plant size is 2– 4 feet high by 1– 4 feet wide.

Showy Penstemon+ Penstemon spectabilis

Found naturally in chaparral and coastal sage scrub zones, this perennial is a perfect choice for drought tolerant gardens. Truly spectacular lavender-pink-purple flowers, April to June, are found on two-foot spikes above coarse textured leaves. May naturalize and prefers sun to partial sun exposure. Attractive to hummingbirds.

Plant size is 2–3 feet high by 3 feet wide.

Photo Credit:
* California Academy of Sciences, Charles Webber, 1998
+ St. Mary's College of California, Brother Alfred Brousseau, 1995

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