Crimson spot rockrose is a great addition to a dry California garden. Growing to 4 feet with waxy green evergreen leaves, this plant puts on a magnificent treat in the spring of large flowers with big white petals each smudged with a dot of crimson. This plant loves excellent drainage and full California sun, and will have a nice compact look if given dry conditions.
Plant with other dry Mediterranean plants or California natives. Lavenders are a nice choice - try Lavandula angustifolia 'Melissa' or 'Jean Davis' for soft pink flowers in the spring or Phlomis fruticosa which will give a pretty interplay of yellow blooms.
Prune lightly after bloom, or you can put in a no maintenance garden for good results.