I live in Orange (Zone 9b), Southern California, almost zero rain and watering restrictions only 2 days per week.
I am seeking recommendations for perennial plants for my front yard. I have some good foundation shrubs which are now well established but need to fill in the spaces with some suitable perennials that can thrive in full sun from sun up to sun down.
I am a very enthusiastic gardener but draw the line at planting annuals.
If I have to suffer back pain improving my garden then I don't want to repeat the process every year, hence my need for perennials.
The vegetable plot gives me all the annual pain that I need, so my front garden needs to be gentler on my ancient body.
All suggestions will be gratefully received.

What about Kniphofias? I love them. They love sun and are quite drought tolerant.

Good idea!
Different cultivars can give me flowers all through the summer and they are hummingbird friendly.
Well worth a try.

The Crassulaceae family is where I'd go, Kalanchoes, Sedums, Echeverias, so many gorgeous colors of foliage and flowers.

Other candidates could be Yuccas, Agaves, Aloes, Senecios, Cistanthe/Calandrinia, various Euphorbias, and cacti.

If you bring in some Portulaca grandiflora &/or umbraticola plants, they should re-seed if the mama plants don't survive a winter.

I agree with Tiffany. In Texas which is a hot zone 8a, Kniphofias require lots of water to survive. The sun did not bother them, but they need watering once or twice a day in the heat of summer. Alot of plants that can take the sun, need alot of water to do so. Tiffany provided a list that takes full sun with water restrictions. May joy be yours this month!

Succulent natives of the region...




(second might be marginal; also try other Dudleyas)



Plus various smaller agaves including




Various aloes with bright colors in full sun (hummingbird magnets)

You might find some plants with silvery velvet y foliage that would work. The velvet helps preserve moisture and contrast with so many rosette things (no offense!). Stachys Lamb's ear? Mine hangs over the sidewalk but rots in our wet weather, yet recovers.

Plumeria?