Common name:Bougainvillea, Barbara Karst
Botanical name:Bougainvillea 'Barbara Karst'

The large amount of flamboyant color on this species creates a wonderful accent in a garden. Varieties can be in bush or vine form; colors vary. Once established, they tend to be carefree. All varieties are susceptible to frost damage. The 'Barbara Karst' variety blooms bright red in full sun; more crimson if in shade. It blooms early and long. It is senstive to frost and will die back hard but comes back in a number of weeks. Be carefeul of this in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Common name:Garden Geranium
Botanical name:Pelargonium X hortorum

Pelargonium X hortorum is a shrubby, succulent perennial stemmed to 3' or more. Round or kidney-shaped leaves are velvety and hairy, soft to the touch, aromatic, with edges distinctly lobed and scalloped toothed. Single and double flowers are flatter and smaller than those of Pelargonium domesticum variety, but clusters bear more blossoms.

Common name:Tropical Hibiscus, Rose of China
Botanical name:Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is an evergreen shrub. It is one of the most flamboyant flowering shrubs. It can reach 30 ft. tall in Hawaii. Individual flowers only last one day, but the plant blooms continuously.

Common name:Tasmanian Flax Lily
Botanical name:Dianella tasmanica

A grass-like plant with rather broad folaige to 30" tall , the Dianella tasmanica exhibits spikes of light blue flowers and dark, metallic blue berries in summer and fall. The plant should receive sun to part shade, with little or no summer watering when established. This is an excellent choice for very dry shade gardens. Its leaves can be used as an accompaniment for cut flowers.

Common name:Wheeler's Dwarf Pittosporum
Botanical name:Pittosporum tobira 'Wheeler's Dwarf'

This handsome dwarf form of the Pittosporum tobira grows into a low, dense mound that is covered with glossy, evergreen foliage.

Common name:Australian-Dracaena
Botanical name:Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis is an evergreen shrub that grows 12' to 30' tall and 10' to 15' wide with sword-like leaves. It likes full sun, and is very tolerant of heat and drought. It will live in any type of soil that is well drained. Cut back to develop multiple trunks.