Common name: Parry's Penstemon
Botanical name: Penstemon parryi

This perennial grows at a moderate rate to 1-1/2' x 1-1/2'. Blue-green leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant. Hot pink flowers appear on spike in the spring. Reseeds easily. Accepts full sun or partial shade. Plant in fall for spring flowers. Attracts hummingbirds. Tender perennial at higher elevations. Native to southern Arizona and Sonora.

Common name: Desert Bluebells
Botanical name: Phacelia companularia

Desert annual grows to 1' x 1'. Brillian blue bell-shaped flowers appear in spring. Sow seeds in fall or plant from containers to get specatular spring color. Leaves can irritate skin.

Common name: Saguaro
Botanical name: Carnegiea gigantea

Large cactus that grows very slowly to 20' x 10' or larger. Consider mature size. Medium green ribs lined with gray spines. Large showy white flowers appear in late spring followed by red fruits. Fruits are enjoyed by birds. Accepts reflected sun. Consider mature size when planing. The signature plant of Arizona. Native to the Sonoran Desert.

Common name: Cow Tongue Prickly Pear
Botanical name: Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri

The pads on this variety are elongated and resemble a tongue. More tolerant of moderate shade than many cacti, but provide good drainage. Old plants sprawl and become large. Beautiful yellow to orange flowers in the spring. Subject to cochineal scale infestations. Prevent by washing off frequently with strong jets of water.