Common name:Peruvian Lily, Alstroemeria
Botanical name:Alstroemeria hybrids
The deciduous rhizomes of this Peruvian Lily will often run aggressively if not controlled. They grow best in full to partial sun with some summer watering in dry climates. The florist strains can reach 6' tall, while the compact strains range from 12" 36" tall. For extra long, florist quality stems, stake or grow through netting for support.
Common name:Mediterranean Tree Mallow
Botanical name:Lavatera maritima
This large, shrubby perennial grows up to 6' and has profuse lavender pink flowers with maroon highlights. From the Mallow family, the flowers are produced year round and are especially showy in the fall.
Common name:Lemon Bottlebrush
Botanical name:Callistemon citrinus
A large evergreen shrub, the Lemon Bottlebrush bears masses of bright red flowers in the spring and summer that are shaped, as the name implies, like a 'bottle brush.' New foliage grows in a bright, bronzy red.
Common name:California Pepper, Mission Pepper
Botanical name:Schinus molle
The California Pepper is a fast growing evergreen tree that will mature to a height of 25'-40' and as wide. Its bright green leaves are divided into many narrow, 1.5"-2" long leaflets.
Common name:Licorice Plant
Botanical name:Helichrysum petiolare
This groundcover will grow 1'-3' high and has clumped light green leaves. It does well in full sun and dry soil.
Designer: Alison Jordan
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.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.