How practical are those self-watering hanging baskets? I've seen them at the garden center and they seem pretty pricy. But if it's worth it.... At this point we have some vinca vine, creeping jenny, hot pink ivy geranium and powder puff ageratum. (Not all for the same pots!) I really like the look of the trailing lobelia, and kept coming back to it at the garden center. But the label said "sun - part shade" and I worried that it might not like the blazing sun we get. We got the lighting up this weekend; rope lighting along the soffit the width of the porch. I think she wants to wrap some tiny fairy lights up the railings of the bannister on her side of the porch, which is obscured from the street by our little tree, but we're going to wait a bit on that. We've figured out how to handle the water, by putting in a garbage can "water tank" in the corner. We got PVC pipe and fittings to run from the hose on the ground to the porch, even spray painted it to match to brick. Now we have to figure out how to attach it to the brick! Appreciate all the suggestions!

My favorite native plant that I have growing in my garden in my false rosemary/scrub mint. It's drought tolerant, extremely hardy, blooms nearly year round, and the foliage has a wonderful fragrance when it's brushed up against. It also grows so thick that no weeds are able to grow through it. The only trouble is that is attracts a lot of bees so if you're allergic to bees I wouldn't plant this near a pathway or gate. I happen to like seeing all the bees that visit the plant. Altough scrub mints like full sun mine is planted under a crape myrtle tree and is thriving. This is a close up of the flowers. Another tough, drought tolerant native that would do well in the conditions you described is the wild petunia. You could also try beach sunflowers although they seem to prefer as much sun as possible.

Have you considered loropetalums? Our landscaper recommended them as a screen around our lanai & we're happy with them. Some varieties grow to 12' with 6' spread. Fast growing, new growth is burgundy/purple leaves (evergreen) with spring pink flowers. Most people seem to shear them into hedges, but I like to selectively prune to keep a "loose" shape. Our are in full sun & while I regularly watered them during their 1st season, they've been on their own since. ;)

Ornamental pomegranate, it blends right in to a Mediterranean landscape. It can be like a tiny bush-like tree. If you're in climate zone 10, dwarf natal plum is pretty drought tolerant, the little white flowers are pleasant smelling at night (better smelling than jasmine, in my opinion) but it has a lot of spikes. The little red fruits (when fully ripe) can also be made into preserves.