Hummingbird Sages set their large flowers on spires that are easily accessible to the hummingbirds. This Salvia is endemic to California with a  natural range that begins at San Bruno Mountain and extends south to Orange County. In its natural habitat, it colonizes somewhat shady areas (unusual for California Salvias) and soils rich with humus.  

Milkweeds are wonderful habitat plants that provide resources for a host of creatures. Various Asclepias species grow throughout the northern hemisphere; some are restricted in range, and others are widespread and adaptable. Diverse cultures during the course of human history have discovered many uses, including medicinal, for all parts of these plants. The genus name is derived from Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine.

In the wild Asclepias speciosa is often found growing in seasonally wet low spots. It is a plant that spreads by underground stems to colonize an area; so be sure to allow it room in the garden. It is drought tolerant, but will respond to water. It can sometimes take a frustratingly long time to establish a blooming stand, but it is well worth the wait!

Flowers in large, showy clusters are produced from late spring to summer. They are beautiful and fragrant, and attract an array of interesting large insects and pollinators, including of, course, the Monarch butterfly. An often, unwanted guest of Milkweeds is the imported orange Oleander aphid.  Although this aphid is host specific, it is best to control populations right away; this can be done by simply washing the bugs off the plant with a strong spray of water. Large aphid populations weaken the plant and lessen the resources available to the Monarch butterfly larvae.

The seed pods produced in fall are also large and showy; especially when they split open to reveal rows of flat seeds, each with a delicate silken parachute. Many invertebrates eat the seeds, and I like to collect the silk, to make it available as nesting material for the songbirds in spring.  Milkweeds are poisonous plants; the deer do not eat them.

The bright pink flowers of Salvia spathacea form on stems that rise about 12 to 18 inches above the large fragrant leaves in late spring to early summer. This Salvia prefers a little shade in inland gardens; it creates a wonderful groundcover in the dappled light of an oak woodland; or use it to weave together a mixed hedgerow planting.

Hummingbird Sage needs no water in the summer, but will look a bit shabby in the intense dry heat of late summer. It is not fussy about soil and appreciates mulch, which helps facilitate the spread of its underground stems. The highly scented, sticky leaves are so reviled by deer that this groundcover can be planted as a barrier around more desirable deer browse.

The flowers of Hummingbird Sage are a magnet for hummingbirds. ‘Avis Keedy’ has lemon yellow flowers

This sweet little aster is native to coastal southern California; and given the right conditions will spread happily in most gardens. The pale lilac, daisy-like flowers make a cheerful display in summer. Plant it in full sun to part shade; it is accepting of many soil types. The plant can spread vigorously if given extra water; withholding water will keep it in check.

Aster chilensis can be interplanted with bunchgrasses and native bulbs in a meadow or used to underplant a mixed hedgerow. The flowers are a source of nectar for butterflies and moths, and pollen for a host of beneficial insects. The plant sometimes supports the larvae of the Painted Lady and Field Crescent butterflies. The seeds are minute and provide a food source for insects and ground-feeding birds. In some situations the deer nibble on this plant, so a little protection will help it to establish.

Named Varieties include ‘Pt. St. George,’ which forms a groundcover with flowering stalks no more than 4 to 6” tall, and ‘Purple Haze,’ which is a taller form with deeper violet flowers on stalks to 2 ft.

This lovely native of coastal bluffs is a reliable evergreen perennial that blooms prolifically in the garden in late spring. ‘Cape Sebastian’ is a dense, low-spreading selection, ideal for use as a ground cover, with pale lilac flowers; ‘Wayne Roderick’ is larger in stature and spread, with deeper lilac flowers.

Plants require good drainage, and perform best with a richer soil and average water. Some afternoon shade in an inland garden keeps plants from scorching in the summer. As with most Aster family plants, butterflies and beneficial insects are attracted to the flowers for nectar and pollen.

This plant can be used at the front of a mixed border. Create a mixed planting with other members of the Coastal ‘Soft Chaparral’ community such as Eriogonums, Eriophyllums, and Dudleyas. Seaside Daisy can add color to the edges of a meadow or no-mow lawn planting. It also does well in a container!