California Gardening: "Cottaging" in California, 1 by jkom51

jkom51 wrote:
One more perennial (I believe Kell also has one of these) that lives only in zones 8-11 - Lavatera olba 'Aureum'. Here it is in bloom, with a heuchera 'Roseda' in front of it. The big hibiscus-like lavender flowers, borne on 12"-18" spikes, really show up against the yellow-chartreuse leaves. This is an amazingly drought-resistant plant, once established. The flowers only come once a year but also make an interesting addition to the vase.