Russian sage has silvery leaves and blue flowers throughout the summer. Golden currant produces fragrant blooms in spring, tasty currants in summer and red foliage in fall. Trees Oaks, whether native to the state or not, have deep roots and can be watered efficiently, making them a good fit for landscapes. Chinese pistache, not native to New Mexico, is a shade tree with deep roots that will not damage foundations, streets or sidewalks. Flowers California poppies produce yellow and gold flowers in the spring before reseeding themselves for the next year.
Evening primroses are fragrant at night.
Types include the Mexican and pale evening primrose. Gaillardia, also called Indian blanket, has burgundy or yellow and mahogany flowers. Gayfeather blossoms in late summer and autumn, producing attention-getting flower spikes. Iceplant is a low-growing succulent with spectacular flowers that makes good ground cover. Penstemons, which come in many varieties, thrive in New Mexico but won't grow in other climates.