Helianthemums - yellow, white, orange, pink and red available. Several low growing hardy geranium species. Aubretia, Iberis sempervirens, Aurinium saxatile, Saponaria ocymoides, Anthemis punctata subsp. cupaniana, Anthemis tinctoria, Dianthus, Festuca glauca (a grass), dwarf bearded iris - all classic tough full sun low growers. Tough hardy herbs like the various thymes, Oregano and different coloured Salvia officinalis. Lavender. BTW - Lysimachia nummularis needs moisture. It's a bog plant in its natural habitat. To start you off this season you could scatter Nasturtium, Limnanthes, Eschscholzia and other sun loving annual seed until your perennials fill out.

The ones in my garden that fit that description are gaillardia 'Goblin', coreopsis 'Creme Brule', penstemon pinifolius 'Compactum', and my new favorite geum 'Mango Lasi'. Of course, I have no idea if any of these are available where you live, or if they will keep their foliage in the winter in your zone. The only one that stayed evergreen here was the penstemon, but all of these thrive in my high desert climate, and bloom for a very long time. Bonnie

You know, there is a garden company here called "High Country Gardens", and even though you probably can't order from them, you can go to their website and check out their plant list. The reason I recommend them is because they are located in the desert, and for that reason they carry mostly xeriscapic plants (mostly perennials, also shrubs and some trees). I don't live in the desert, and I am still a fan of many of the plants they carry. Perhaps when you find plants you like on the site, you can seek them out where you live. One thing I like about them is that they specify which plants are especially drought resistent. Sometimes, there are plants that I didn't think could be xeric (like Iris pallida variegata). Don't let the term xeric scare you, as they have MANY plants that would blend beautifully into a cottage garden. My favorites: Gaura Perovskia Echinacea Salvias Agastaches Lamb's Ears Dianthus LAVENDER Iris pallida variegata Desert Willow tree Bush Sunflowers and others... Hope this helps!

Hello everyone, I am seeking varieties of perennial plants that would work well in a drought tolerant cottage garden. Preferably the plants would be long flowering (6+ months) and easily cloned via cuttings. So far my list looks a little slim. Currently I have: 3 Varieties of lavender Seaside Daisy Blue Marguerite Daisy Cigar Plant Wild Iris Violet Cuphea Lantana-Spanish Flag These are to be interplanted with long lived/flowering annuals like alyssum, california poppy, snapdragons and nasturtiums and a few interesting but non-flowering/short flowering perennials. I was wondering if anyone might be able to suggest some other drought tolerant and long-flowering perennials to go with those mentioned above. Thanks in advance everyone