Common name:Prairie Verbena, Sandpaper V.
Botanical name:Verbena rigida

This rapidly growing perennial groundcover has rough, dark green leaves and vivid purple flowers in spring and summer. When it starts to look ragged, cut it back to the ground. This will encourage greener new growth. It will even bloom during some winters.This hardy Verbena can grow 2' tall and 4' wide. It is long lived. It attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. It is considered drought tolerant and prefers full sun.

Common name:Sky Aster, Blue Lavender Aster
Botanical name:Aster X frikartii 'Wonder of Staffa'

The 'Wonder of Staffa' is a deciduous perennial that grows to 30" tall. Its light, lavender blue flowers that appear in the summer and fall are smaller and more profuse.It should be grown in the sun to part shade, with average to little watering. The leaves are also smaller than on the other frikartii. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Common name:Border Penstemon
Botanical name:Penstemon hybrids (assorted)

This perennial plant will reach 3' high and has medium-sized, glossy dark green leaves with red and pink flowers that bloom in summer and fall. It needs a bit extra water in the summer and no water in the winter. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds.