Common name:Red Clusterberry Cotoneaster
Botanical name:Cotoneaster lacteus
This is an evergreen shrub that grows to a size of 8' tall with long, arching branches. Cotoneaster exhibits dark green leaves above and gray beneath with dusky red fruit. It requires sun to part shade with little or no watering. This plant is tough enough to naturalize in many areas in CA, and should be considered potentially invasive.
Common name:Carnival Trailing Lantana
Botanical name:Lantana 'Carnival' trailing hybrids
Delightful accents of color in natural gardens are found with this informal shrub. It can be controlled with pruning and is a reliable bloomer intermittently throughout the year, benefitting from infrequent, deep waterings and a little pruning.
Common name:Lion's Tail
Botanical name:Leonotis leonorus
This is an upright shrub to about 6' tall and wide. Lion's Tail provides both lush greenery and a durable, drought-tolerant shrub. Tubular, bright orange flowers are produced from summer through fall. Plants thrive in desert heat, and can be grown in containers, so plants can be moved to sheltered locations for frost protection.
Common name:Blanket Flower
Botanical name:Gaillardia X grandiflora
This perennial has daisylike flowers in warm colors on sturdy stems. Plants form medium-sized clumps. It likes full sun and well-drained soil but tolerates poor soil and drought. It makes a great cut flower.
Common name:Bunya Bunya
Botanical name:Araucaria bidwillii
This large tree will grow to about 80' tall and 60' wide with glossy green, stiff leaves and produces giant cone-fruit.
Common name:Italian Cypress
Botanical name:Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta'
Italian Cypress is often associated with Italian and Spanish architecture, providing columns in the landscape. They often reach 60' tall. 'Stricta' is compact, columnar and produces long, straight branches with deep green foliage.
Common name:Boston Ivy
Botanical name:Parthenocissus tricuspidata
This deciduous vine grows leaves that are usually lobed and divided into 3 leaflets. It clings tightly to any surface.
Designer: | Road to Venus |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.