Leonotis leonurus - Lion's Tail

That's the one!
I was thinking Leonotis, but the only ones that I've seen over here have heart shaped leaves, not lance shaped like this one. Thanks!

Meanie:

Glad I could help! :>)

This shrub grows in all the low elevations of California. It's really hardy and drought tolerant.

Drought tolerant - could be useful here!!!!!!!!!!

sounds brilliant to me

Meanie:

I don't think you know what real drought is there. You have to experience a 5 or 9 year drought to know real drought conditions. I used to laugh at the people in Europe when I used to go to Germany, France, Netherlands and they said they were in drought, because they hadn't received any rain in 2 months (and my first time there I really thought they were kidding). But, like anything, it's subjective and relative. :>)

I was teasing! It seems to be constantly raining here in the summer!

Meanie:

LOL! I thought you were serious. I thought, for a second your climate turned semi-arid, like here in San Diego.

We did finally get some good rains today. Although, by Thursday the temps may get up to 85ºF/29ºC. and stay unseasonably warm through next week. Here we go again!
:>/

I wish!

It's piddling down this morning and turning colder too!

You're getting colder and today we started getting much warmer and dry.