It's hard to imagine that this spectacular shrub (reaches about 6 feet) that hails from Southern Australia is not only hardy here, but also blooms for about 6 months in winter and spring. The gray-green leaves have a white backing giving this shrub an attractive willow look, but it's the clusters of red flowers that steal the show (and help keep the Anna's hummingbirds in your garden all winter long). No one is sure how hardy this plant is, but it's bloomed right through the coldest winters at my house in Seattle with out showing any signs of damage.