Few shrubs produce such magnificent conical flower spikes! Pride of Madeira (Echium candicans or Echium fastuosum) is a fascinating biennial mounding shrub displaying fabulously eye-catching, cone-shaped blue clusters from late spring through summer, atop sculptural and attractive rosettes of silvery-green, hairy leaves. Mostly pest or disease-free and requiring low maintenance, Pride of Madeira is evergreen, drought-tolerant, and deer and salty winds-resistant. It also attracts scores of birds, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

One of the showiest Rock Roses, Cistus purpureus (Purple-Flowered Rock Rose) is a small, bushy evergreen shrub with large, yellow-centered, purplish-pink flowers, 3 in. across (8 cm), adorned with plum-red blotches at the base of their petals. Although each flower lasts only for a day, this vigorous shrub provides a succession of flowers for weeks in late spring to early summer. The blossoms are borne atop a dense mound of wavy-edged, narrow, dull green leaves. Excellent for adding sparkling color to seaside gardens.

Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) is a particularly attractive evergreen shrub with strongly aromatic, needle-like leaves and clusters of pale blue to white flowers that appear in winter and spring with sporadic blooms in summer or fall. There are so many uses for Rosemary that no garden should be without this lovely and versatile Mediterranean shrub! The intensely fragrant foliage releases its fresh scent when brushed against, making Rosemary a great addition along paths or in containers on sunny patios or decks. And not to mention the herb garden. Rosemary has been used as a medicinal and aromatic herb for thousands of years. Harvest it as a seasoning for meats and vegetables, toiletries, or sachets!

Native to the coastal plains of South Africa, Dymondia margaretae (Silver Carpet) is a slowly spreading evergreen perennial forming a dense silvery-green mat over time and choking out virtually all weeds. Growing no more than 1-3 in. tall (2-7 cm), its tiny and narrow, gray-green leaves curl slightly, exposing the white underside of the leaves and conferring a variegated look. Small yellow daisy flowers appear nestled amongst the foliage in summer. This hardy little plant tolerates foot traffic, making it a great choice for filling in around pavers in a garden walkway or replacing the lawn.