Native to the Canary Islands, Limonium perezii (Sea Lavender) is a tough evergreen perennial or rounded subshrub sporting large clusters, 8 in. wide (20 cm), of tiny flowers with intense purple calyces and white corollas. They are borne on stiff branching stems, well above the foliage of long-stalked, oval to diamond-shaped, deep green leaves. Sea Lavender blooms intermittently for months and nearly year-round in frost-free coastal climates. Their dry, papery petals retain their color well, making them an excellent choice for dried arrangements. Ideal for seaside gardens or decorative containers.

Native to the Canary and Cape Verde Islands, Lotus berthelotii (Parrot's Beak) is a trailing evergreen perennial with soft, silver-gray, needle-like leaves, spaced along the stems in attractive whorls. Hanging like delicate silver chains, they contrast sharply with pea-like, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), bright crimson flowers. Exotic-looking, the blooms resemble parrot beaks, a flower shape believed to be an adaptation for bird pollination. Best flowering occurs in the cool weather of spring and early summer. This plant dislikes hot summer temperatures and may stop blooming in summer, particularly if night temperatures remain at high levels. Lotus berthelotii makes an excellent annual plant in containers or hanging baskets.

Extraordinarily eye-catching, Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick' is a small evergreen succulent forming crisp rosettes of fleshy, sharp-pointed, bright green leaves adorned with vibrant crimson margins. Reminiscent of an Agave, each leaf is tipped with a small spine (hence the name). This Echeveria produces offsets very freely, which hug the mother rosette, adding to its appeal. In the spring and early summer, a flowering spike bearing red flowers with yellow tips is on display. The more sun this Echeveria gets, the more conspicuous its red edges. A great choice for sunny gardens or containers.