Alum Root Hybrids* Heuchera maxima hybrids

This evergreen perennial plant displays foliage clumps 1–2’ across, with shiny dark-green, round, heart–shaped leaves. Flowers range from whitish to pinkish. Hundreds of blossoms form in each narrow 2–3 foot long cluster and hummingbirds will be attracted to them. Blooms February to April, and makes a good ground cover or border. Looks very delicate but is quite drought tolerant and cold resistant. Plant about 2 feet apart with bark or chips covering as a 2–4” mulch.

This plant grows to approximately 1 foot high by 2 feet wide

Hollyleaf Cherry+ Prunus ilicifolia

The mature leaves of this plant are a deep, rich green, 1–2” long, resembling holly leaves. New leaves are a lighter green, creating a pleasant contrast with the older foliage. Creamy white flowers, in 3–6” long spikes appear with the new leaves in March. Birds are attracted to the fruit, which turns from green to red, then reddish purple. Will grow in almost any soil, but does best in coarse, well-drained types. Has an unusually high resistance to oak root fungus. First year plants are cold sensitive but hardened off in the second year. Gives off chemicals that will inhibit nearby weed growth and other seedlings.

This plant grows to approximately 3 – 20 feet high by 10 feet wide

Hummingbird Sage+ Salvia spathacea

This evergreen perennial has 2-3' whorls of red-magenta flowers on upright stems. Blooms appear spring - summer. It has large arrow-shaped fragrant leaves and will spread to form a nice mat via rhizomes. Likes at least 15" of rainfall per year, and will grow in a variety of soil types. Hummingbirds find this a very attractive plant.

This plant grows to approximately 3 ½ feet high by 3 feet wide

Pink–flowered Currant+Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum

A deciduous shrub, this plant has long, graceful pink flowers, 15–40 in a cluster. Blooms from January to March and produces blue black berries. This is one of the most attractive native species in our area. Will tolerate a range of soil conditions, and is moderately drought tolerant.

This plant grows to approximately 3 – 8 feet high by 5 feet wide

Photo Credit:
* California Academy of Sciences, William R. Hewlett, 1999;
+ California Academy of Sciences, Beatrice F. Howitt, 1999

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