Common name:Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia indica

The new leaves of this species are 2" long, bright green, and tinged with bronze. Some cultivars have spectacular fall color. When it has a bare outline, its rounded seed capsules add interest. Its delicate flowers bloom in 6"-12" long clusters. The flower colors could be shades of red, rose, pink, purple, and white, blooming in summer. It thrives on heat, and new cultivars have been created that resist mildew. This tree prefers full sun and has low watering needs once it's established.

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.

Common name:Liquidambar, American Sweet Gum
Botanical name:Liquidambar styraciflua

A tall, deciduous tree of upright, pyramidal habit, the liquidambar has dark green, maple-like leaves that turn beautiful shades of red and yellow in the fall season. It can be used as a single specimen, hedge, or grouped plant. Seedpods are spiky and create litter.

Common name:Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo Tree
Botanical name:Ginkgo biloba

The Ginkgo biloba, with its distinct fan-shaped leaves, initially grows with a pyramidal habit, but later becomes wide-spreading. It is generally not bothered by insects or disease. It slowly reaches 35'-50' tall and wide. It needs regular watering and more during hot summer months. Flowers are inconspicuous. Fall color is spectacular with changing color of leaves from light green with a yellow tinge to yellow.

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.

Common name:Rose Pink Texas or Autumn Sage
Botanical name:Salvia greggii 'Rose Pink'

This shrub will grow 1'-4' tall and 1'-4' wide. It has glossy green, small, aromatic leaves with rose pink flowers that bloom from fall to spring. 'Rose Pink' prefers well draining soil in areas with low humidity and heat. It will do well with afternoon shade in warm inland valleys. Prune very lightly to encourage more blooming. It needs a medium amount of watering and more in hot summer areas. Salvia attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.