Common name:New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum'
Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum' is an evergreen perennial. Big, dramatic plant composed of many swordlike, stiffly vertical leaves (9 ft. long, to 5 in. wide) in a fan pattern. Leaves are purple red. Flowers stems reach high above leaves, bearing clusters of 1-2 in. blossoms in dark red to yellow.
Common name:Ivy Geranium
Botanical name:Pelargonium peltatum
Clouds of single flowers are produced from spring through fall on this plant, which should be planted in areas that receive part sun. -Monterey Bay Nursery
Common name:Dome Euphorbia
Botanical name:Euphorbia characias
This perennial will reach about 4' tall and has blue/green leaves with bright green flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring.
Common name:Coast Beefwood, Mountain She-Oak
Botanical name:Casuarina stricta
This graceful, evergreen tree resembles a pine, and can grow either upright or more rounded with a drooping character. It has fast growth to 35-45'. It is also serves as an excellent windbreak.
Common name:Tricolor Mountain Flax
Botanical name:Phormium cookianum hookeri 'Tricolor'
Standing 6' high, this variety of Phormium is yellow with green and light rose variegation.
Common name:Kanooka Box, Water Gum
Botanical name:Tristaniopsis laurina
This slow-growing, evergreen, multi-trunked tree is 20' tall x 10' wide. It has a dense, rounded crown, yellow flowers that bloom in late spring, and attractive leaves and bark. It requires regular watering.
Common name:Autumn Moor Grass
Botanical name:Sesleria autumnalis
A small, mounding grass with yellow-green leaves that reaches 12" high. In the fall it sends up narrow flower stems that have silvery-white inflorescence. When planted in masses, it has a striking appearance. It is drought tolerant.
Designer: 2660 E Lake Ave., Watsonville | Urban Jungle |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Water trees and shrubs by deep-soaking occasionally with low-volume irrigation equipment (drip, micro-sprays, or bubblers) to promote healthy, deep rooting.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.