C. ciliata (‘Red Maids’)
All zones
Partial shade in hottest climates
Moderate water

The annual ‘Red Maids’ is one of this genus of about 150 species of annuals and evergreen perennials, including some attractive flowering succulents. It is a common wildflower in Northern California, where it populates sunny meadows. It grows about 1 ft. tall and wide, with narrow, fleshy, gray-green leaves to 1 ½ in. long. From late winter into spring, dainty magenta flowers, about 1 in. wide, are produced on 8-in.-long stems.