Common name:Aloe Vera or Medicinal Aloe
Botanical name:Aloe vera
Slow to moderate grower, the rosette consists of fleshy gray green leaves. Leaves are narrow, succulent and erect with soft spines on margins. Flowers are spikes of yellow to 2-3' tall and occur late winter to summer. Frost tender. Can form large clumps. Sap used for burns and abrasions. Will tolerate full to partial shade. Needs some supplemental water in heat. Mediterranean native. Needs good drainage. Hummer attractor.
Common name:Horsetail Reed
Botanical name:Equisetum hyemale
This reed-like plant bears dark green, jointed stems to 3-4' tall. It should receive sun to part shade with regular summer watering. The reed grass can be extremely invasive and is best when used in pots or when confined by a barrier. As such, it can be extremely effective as an accent plant. While tolerant of wet conditions, the most successful plantings are those with average soil moisture. Best used in containers.
Common name:Lucifer Crocosmia
Botanical name:Crocosmia 'Lucifer'
This garden plant is a cormous herb, and it closely resembles the gladiolus. Its summer deciduous bulb bears crenate vertical leaves to 3' tall and arching stalks of brilliant red flowers in late spring and summer. It requires sun to part shade with no summer watering. This plant performs excellent in containers. -Monterey Bay Nursery
| Designer: | Southwest Composition |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Soils and Compost:
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Water Saving Tip:
Use water saving equipment, e.g. rain or soil-moisture sensors, MP rotator nozzles, weather-based controllers, and low-volume irrigation (drip systems, soaker hoses, and microsprayers).
Integrated Pest Management:
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.