Common name:New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax
New Zealand Flax is a large, bold plant with stiffly vertical, sword-like, green leaves that arise from its base. It should be grown under full sun for best color. Varieties will offer different growth habits and leaf color.
Common name:Cape Rush
Botanical name:Chondropetalum tectorum
Chondropetalum tectorum has 3-4 ft. tall stems that shoot out in all directions from the roots. Each stem has papery bracts connected to the endes that turn from tan to dark drown, then fall off. Chondropetalum can grow in marshes, in the ground with regular watering, or in drought conditions.
Common name:Goodwin Creek Gray Lavender
Botanical name:Lavandula 'Goodwin Creek Gray'
Lavandula 'Goodwin Creek Gray' is an evergreen shrub. This dense foliaged plant grows to 2.5-3 ft. high and 3-4 ft. wide, with silvery leaves that are toothed at the tips. Deep violet-blue flowers from spring to late fall.
Common name:Elijah Blue Fescue
Botanical name:Festuca 'Elijah Blue'
The 'Elijah Blue' is a dwarf, very glaucous variety with almost white foliage. It should receive sun and little summer watering. -Monterey Bay Nursrey
Common name:White Birch, European White Birch
Botanical name:Betula pendula
This medium-size weeping tree will grow to about 40' tall and has a whitish/brown bark with deciduous green leaves. This plant has high water needs when in a full sun situation. It is best used along riparian or pond areas, in wet soils, or on properties with high rainfall or water tables.
Common name:Mexican Bush Sage
Botanical name:Salvia leucantha
The Mexican sage is a bushy shrub that grows 3-4 ft. tall and wide. It has hairy white stems, gray-green leaves and velvet like purple flower spikes that bloom summer through fall. This shrub tolerates sun, light shade, little water, and is hardy to 15 degrees F. The Mexican sage is drought tolerant and attracts hummingbirds. -Cornflower Farms
Common name:Wulfen Euphorbia
Botanical name:Euphorbia characias wulfenii
This perennial will reach about 4' tall and has significant green leaves with clusters of yellow flowers.
Common name:Endress' Cranesbill or Geranium
Botanical name:Geranium endressii
This handsome tree has near-evergreen leaves which have a long blooming period.
Designer: | Splashes of Color |
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.
Check soil moisture below the surface with a soil probe or large screwdriver, trowel or shovel. Don't assume the plants need water just because the soil surface looks dry.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.