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Cathedral Windows Coral Bells
Annual Cosmos
Chaste Tree, Monk's Pepper Tree
Common Horsechestnut
Goldenrain Tree, Varnish Tree
Cathedral Windows Coral Bells

Common name:Cathedral Windows Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera 'Cathedral Windows'

This perennial grows to less than 1' tall and has dark green, veined leaves. Small white flower spikes bloom in spring and summer, reaching 2' tall overall height. It prefers part shade or shade in warm inland areas with medium amount of watering.

Annual Cosmos

Common name:Annual Cosmos
Botanical name:Cosmos bipinnatus

Cosmos bipinnatus is an annual. Depending on the cultivar, it reaches 3'-6' high and 1.5'-2.5' wide. Blossoms with tufted yellow centers and rays in white and shades of pink, rose, lavender, purple, or crimson, bloom in spring and summer. Deadhead to encourage more blooms. Cosmos will self-sow. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Chaste Tree, Monk's Pepper Tree

Common name:Chaste Tree, Monk's Pepper Tree
Botanical name:Vitex agnus-castus

Chaste Tree is a deciduous shrub that quickly grows to 20' tall and wide and can be trained into a small single or multi-trunked tree. It has beautiful, fragrant lavender or white flowers in summer which is striking against the gray green, slender, pointed leaves. Butterflies love this shrub too. It takes full sun and medium amount of watering, more in summer. It tolerates coastal conditions but needs heat to look its best. Prune spent flowers to keep it tidy looking.

Common Horsechestnut

Common name:Common Horsechestnut
Botanical name:Aesculus hippocastanum

While it is a bulky tree, the hippocastanum provides heavy shade and a beautiful flower show in spring from its drooping leaves. Its plumes are long ivory blossoms of 12", colored with a light hint of pink. This decidous tree can reach 25'-50' tall with a 45'-60' spread. It is upright, oval and rounded. Roots are aggressive so it is not a good street tree. Common Horsechestnut needs extra water during the summer.

Goldenrain Tree, Varnish Tree

Common name:Goldenrain Tree, Varnish Tree
Botanical name:Koelreuteria paniculata

This tree reaches 30' tall and wide. Crown of tree is rounded. Blue green foliage is lacy and delicate looking, turning yellow in the fall. Upright yellow flower clusters bloom in the summer, followed by lantern shapeded seed pods. This dependable tree is attractive all year round, tolerating urban conditions and various soil types. It prefers full sun and occasional watering once it's established.

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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:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.

Integrated Pest Management:

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