Curated selections hardened for the Central Valley.
Mentor Tip: Shield from North-Wind desiccation. Our specimens are UV-hardened, but benefit from structural windbreaks to prevent leaf-tip burn.
Mentor Tip: Virtually bulletproof. Color intensifies with more sun exposure; requires very little water once the roots are established in our native clay.
Mentor Tip: A structural powerhouse for privacy. Cut back to 6 inches in late February to allow fresh, vibrant plumes to emerge for the new season.
Mentor Tip: Protect the bulb from hard frost. In our area, these thrive best in pots that can be moved to a protected porch during peak winter nights.
Mentor Tip: Plant rhizomes shallowly so the top is exposed; they need the Sacramento sun to "bake" them in summer to produce next year's blooms.
Mentor Tip: An absolute heat-beast. Do not overwater once established; they prefer the "tough love" of our valley summers.
Mentor Tip: Afternoon shade is mandatory in Sacramento. Plant them on the east side of your home to protect them from the 3:00 PM furnace.
Mentor Tip: Deadhead religiously. The more you snip the spent "pincushions," the more the plant will push new blooms through the season.
Mentor Tip: Loves the sun. Prune the entire plant back by a third after the first major flush of color to trigger a second show in late summer.
Mentor Tip: Rugged and reliable. Give them room to breathe to avoid powdery mildew during our humid Delta nights.
Mentor Tip: A native gem. Keep the soil moist in spring; it may go dormant in extreme August heat, but it will return with the rains.
Mentor Tip: A pollinator favorite. Cut back the flowering spikes once they fade to keep the plant compact and prevent it from becoming leggy.
Mentor Tip: Winter and spring stars. They will "melt" when the 90-degree days arrive, so enjoy their vibrant color early in the season.
Mentor Tip: Hummingbird magnet. It thrives in the heat and requires well-drained soil; avoid planting in low spots where water collects.
Mentor Tip: Absolutely no "wet feet." In our heavy clay, plant them in mounds or raised beds to ensure the roots stay dry during winter.
Mentor Tip: The "concrete jungle" plant. It loves the heat reflected off sidewalks or driveways where other plants would sizzle.
Mentor Tip: Requires good air circulation and very well-drained soil to prevent crown rot during the rainy months.
Mentor Tip: Perfect for low borders. Likes consistent moisture but handles the heat well if the soil is kept cool with mulch.
Mentor Tip: Prune hard in late winter (down to 12-24 inches). It blooms on new wood, so this ensures a massive show of summer flowers.
Mentor Tip: A natural sprawler. Use it to fill gaps between larger shrubs; it provides a colorful "living mulch" that keeps soil temperatures down.
Mentor Tip: Brilliant color for our shade gardens. Don't let them dry out completely; their soft stems lose structure quickly without consistent water.
Mentor Tip: Unique "painted" flowers. Keep them cool and moist; they are at their best in early summer before the triple-digit heat arrives.
Mentor Tip: Tough as nails. Leave the seed heads standing in winter; they provide essential food for local birds during the colder months.
Mentor Tip: Heavy feeders that need regular fertilizer. Stake them early to protect the heavy blooms against the Delta Breeze.
Plan your garden success around our seasonal schedule.