UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA
University of California
UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA

Cool Season Ornamentals and California Native Plants

Some cool season ornamentals bloom in the winter while others grow slowly then explode into flower for fabulous spring blooms. Plant in Sept–Oct for beautiful bouquets in a few months.

Fall is a great time to plant California native plants, which are adapted for growing strongly during the winter rainy season.


Pineapple Sage Salvia elegans
Tall 4" pot. Bright red flowers, deliciously pineapple-scented leaves. Cut back in spring to keep dense and bushy. 4–5' tall x 2–3' wide. Evergreen perennial. Part/full sun. Medium water

Salvia mexicana ‘Limelight’
Dramatic violet-blue flowers with lime-green calyces. Cut back hard in winter for bushier appearance. Evergreen perennial, Full/part sun, Average water. 6' tall by 2–3' wide

Sweet Pea ‘April in Paris’ Lathyrus odoratus
6-pack. Intensely fragrant sweet pea with cream flowers edged in dark lilac. Strong grower. Developed by Dr. Keith Hammett. 6–8' tall. Plant 4–5" apart.
  • 4-pack

Sweet Pea Cheri Amour Mix Lathyrus odoratus
6-pack. Fragrant flowers with ruffled wing petals in bi-color combinations of salmon, pink, lavender, & rose. 8–10' tall. Plant 4–5" apart.
  • 4-pack

Sweet Pea Heirloom Cupid Lathyrus odoratus
6-pack. Fragrant heirloom bush sweet pea with rose-pink picotee-edged blossoms is perfect for containers or hanging baskets. 8–10" tall. Plant 4–5" apart.
  • 4-pack

Sweet Pea Jewels of Albion Lathyrus odoratus
6-pack. Fragrant antique varieties in cool shades of blues, lavenders, and white. Heat tolerant with succession blooming. 6–9' tall. Plant 4–+F155" apart.
  • 4-pack

Sweet Pea Perfume Delight Lathyrus odoratus
6-pack. Heirloom blend of large, ruffled flowers with exquisite fragrance. Rainbow blend includes purple, red, rose, scarlet, white, blue, cream and some bicolors. More heat resistant than other sweet peas. 5–6' tall. Plant 6" apart.
  • 4-pack

Sweet Pea Queen of the Night Lathyrus odoratus
6-pack. Stunning blend of super-fragrant antique varieties in rich, deep shades of mauve, maroon, crimson, navy blue, and salmon pink. 6–8' tall. Plant 4–5" apart.
  • 4-pack

Sweet Pea ‘Zinfandel’ Lathyrus odoratus
6-pack. Fragrant early bloomer with large ruffled blossoms in a stunning deep burgundy color. 6–8' tall. Plant 4–5" apart.
  • 4-pack

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