Common name:Blue Aster
Botanical name:Aster X frikartii
Blue Aster is a very popular, sky blue flower for herbaceous beds.
Common name:Hopseed Bush
Botanical name:Dodonaea viscosa
This small evergreen tree or shrub can grow up to 12'-15' high and 12' wide. Leaf color can vary from green to purple. It is a relatively short-lived tree, compared to most other trees. It is drought tolerant. It prefers full sun although it will tolerate part shade. It is susceptible to Texas root rot.
Common name:Island Snapdragon
Botanical name:Galvezia speciosa
Island Snapdragon is an evergreen shrub or vine that grows from 2'-3' high and 3'-5' across with red spring and summer flowers. This plants needs partial shade in hot inland areas. It is a California native that is drought tolerant. It attracts hummingbirds.
Common name:Toyon
Botanical name:Heteromeles arbutifolia
Toyon is a California native evergreen shrub that grows 8'-15' high and spreading 2'-3'. It has leathery toothed leaves, white summer flowers and clusters of red winter berries. It tolerates full sun or partial shade, heat, smog, wind and heavy or light soils. It is drought tolerant, attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds.
Common name:Dwarf Coyote Bush
Botanical name:Baccharis pilularis
The pilularis is a low maintenance, reliable evergreen ground cover. It benefits from pruning in the spring. However, the cottony seeds from the female plant can be messy.
Designer: Terry LePage
Photographer: GardenSoft
Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.