KnockOut roses are a thought - colors are single red, blush (pink), rainbow (pinkish with a yellow eye), double red (with a slightly lighter eye), and a double pink should be out later this spring. They get to 2-3' with the same or a bit more width. I know you said not rugosas, but..., these are more shrub roses. If they don't appeal, there are other "ground cover" roses and small shrub roses that might work. If caryopteris is hardy for you, any of the various cultivars would be attractive - summer flowers in blue. One of the smaller, color variants of juniper might also be a thought. Hinoki falsecypres is hardy to z5, as are the japanes cedars. Junipers also have variations in shape that might work. They ARE slow growing, but one of the lower-growing (not the upright ones) yews might also work. What about one of the hardy azaleas - they may continue to need supplemental watering? The hardier spireas, and also, New Jersey tea, one of the lower-growing blueberries, or possibly clethra (it does like wet, but can survive in dry), are other possibilties.

I agree that Princess Charlene de Monaco does great in the heat. She just grows very tall, and the blooms fade quickly in the sun unless they’re picked for indoors. I don’t mind that, as I bought her for cutting anyway. Kristine, I grow both Darcy Bussell and 3 Boleros. They are both quite heat and sun tolerant, but Bolero more so. I only have one spot that gets radiant heat and sun here. It’s at the edge of my yard, next to the sidewalk. I have had Bolero planted there for 4-5 years. That rose is amazing! All day blasting sun with no relief, and yet Bolero just keeps blooming. I love its tidy compact form, as well. Darcy does just fine too, but I’ve seen a her put out small, lighter colored blooms a time or two when the heat was extreme. My Darcy has only done this a few times , but she does get a break from the sun around 3pm. They’re both good. I just think Bolero stands up to the heat and sun a bit better, and Bolero’s color won’t turn lurid on you. I had to chuckle at the OP’s choice of Golden Buddha. I love mine, but this rose is shade tolerant and I say give it some.(In a hot climate anyway.). It fades very quickly and with thrips damage, looks really bad unless you are deadheading each bloom as it fades. I still love it, though. Lisa

Podany4tx- Sorry I can't help you with your question but I think you might get more help if you post on the discussions page. There's a lot more traffic. The gallery page is where people post pictures and not everyone looks very often. You also might want to be a little more specific about your soil or where you are if you don't know much about your soil's make up. People from your area will know if it's more acid or alkaline and will be able to zero in on the things best suited to your area. Hope this helps- Lisa

thank you for the responses. Yes I am planning on planting Cape Honeysuckle, fountaingrass, Ceanothus: Concha, Skylark, Lantana, some Agaves and Salvia Leucantha. The nursery said it wasn't too late to plant but I had read waiting until fall was best but I was more concerned for the clay soil what was best because many have stated online that its best to plant in clay before it becomes bone dry from the July/August heat.