Leptodactylon californicum, Prickly Phlox

We first encountered this delightful California native sub-shrub in the rugged interior area of Pozo in San Luis Obispo County, whilst on one of our many manzanita campaigns. The shrub blooms heavily in late spring with pink, fragrant flowers on feathery-appearing but prickly-to-the-touch foliage. Deer-resistant and VERY drought-tolerant, it has everything it needs to climb our ranks of best plant ever. This shrub was one of the favorites of the famed California native plantsman, Theodore Payne. 

It may go summer dormant in areas with long-standing high heat, but it hasn't yet for us in Northern Oregon. 

Mature size: 1-2 ft T x 1-3 ft W

Minimum temperature: 10° F

Note on Theodore Payne:

When we, West Coast plant enthusiasts, think about our heroes, the name Theodore Payne inevitably comes up, especially now as all of us up and down the entire coast look to Southern California native plants for our dry garden answers and contemplate the preservation of our own local species. He was an immigrant who came to the US as a young adult and fell in love with California native plants. He started the first California public garden dedicated solely to native plants, introduced hundreds of species into cultivation, and was instrumental in the early stages of the California Botanic Garden (formerly the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden).