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Mexican Bush Sage, Mexican Sage
Society Garlic
Deodar Cedar
Rojo Alto Daylily
Bearded Iris
Amazing Red Flax
Mexican Bush Sage, Mexican Sage

Common name:Mexican Bush Sage, Mexican Sage
Botanical name:Salvia leucantha

The Mexican Sage is a bushy shrub that grows 3'-4' tall and wide. It has hairy white stems, grey-green leaves and velvet-like purple flower spikes that bloom summer through fall. This shrub tolerates sun, light shade, low to moderate water, and is cold hardy to 15 degrees F. The Mexican Sage attracts hummingbirds. Be careful not to overwater.

Society Garlic

Common name:Society Garlic
Botanical name:Tulbaghia violacea

This clumping perennial will grow 1'-2' tall and has narrow, blue-green leaves. Clusters of lavender flowers bloom in spring and summer. Leaves and flowers have a distinct onion or garlic smell if crushed.

Deodar Cedar

Common name:Deodar Cedar
Botanical name:Cedrus deodara

This fast-growing, coniferous evergreen is capable of reaching a size of 80' high by 40' wide. Its needles are a light, silvery green color, 2" long. Flowers are inconspicuous. Barrel shaped cones appear in fall and winter. Branches are pendulous and spreadings. Plant in area that has ample room for growth.

Rojo Alto Daylily

Common name:Rojo Alto Daylily
Botanical name:Hemerocallis 'Rojo Alto'

This statuesque screaming fire engine red with a yellow throat is a show stopper.This beautiful perennial reaches about 3' tall with green grass-like foliage. Flowers, which resemble lilies, bloom in spring and summer. Cut foliage in fall to refresh plant. It prefers full sun but will take dappled shade, with lots of compost. Mulch plant well to help retain water. Hemerocallis needs a medium amount of watering to have prolific blooms.

Bearded Iris

Common name:Bearded Iris
Botanical name:Iris Bearded Hybrids

This perennial will grow 1'-3' tall and has medium sized, blue green leaves with flowers of different colors that bloom in spring. It needs well draining soil and full sun. Many are fragrant and rebloom in the fall. Plant rhizomes in Sept or Oct. They need water once a week during the hot spells. Top dress with compost and gypsum in January and August.

Amazing Red Flax

Common name:Amazing Red Flax
Botanical name:Phormium 'Amazing Red'

Phormium 'Amazing Red' is an evergreen perennial. This plant has many swordlike, stiffly vertical leaves in a fan pattern, growing 1.5'- 2' tall. Leaves are reddish brown. Flowers are insignificant and bloom infrequently. It does better with occasional watering once it's established.

Designer: Susan Stiltz

Cool and Inviting

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

Integrated Pest Management:

Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.