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Colorful Retaining Wall
Mediterranean Fan Palm
New Zealand Flax
California Coral Bells
Sago-Palm
Potatoe Vine
Calla Lily or Calla
Red Fringe Flower cultivar
Mediterranean Fan Palm

Common name:Mediterranean Fan Palm
Botanical name:Chamaerops humilis

This slow growing palm reaches10' tall (may take 10 years) and 5'-15' wide. It typically forms multiple trunks. This hardy palm has fronds with sharp teeth that may be rich green or yellow green in color. This clumping plant looks great in containers. It tolerates full to part sun. Once it's established, it needs occasional watering. This palm does well in frost as well as desert heat. It's great for a tropical look.

New Zealand Flax

Common name:New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax

New Zealand Flax is a large, bold perennial with stiffly vertical, sword-like, green leaves that arise from its base, reaching 6'-9' tall. It should be grown under full sun for best color. Varieties will offer different growth habits and leaf color. Many varieties have reddish yellow flowers in summer but may be considered insignificant.

California Coral Bells

Common name:California Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera micrantha

Coral Bells is a perennial for shade or part sun that has a mounding habit, growing to 1' tall and wide. The flower stalks reach about 2' above the foliage with many small, white spring flowers. It is a California native and attracts hummingbirds. Foliage is reddish green and lobed. Red thin stalks that support the delicate looking flowers are very contrasting. This plant needs regular watering, at least once a week and more in hot summer areas. This is a great plant for a woodland shady setting.

Sago-Palm

Common name:Sago-Palm
Botanical name:Cycas revoluta

Sago Palm resembles small palms; it is evergreen. It can slowly grow to 10'. It is used for a tropical effect and also looks great in planters. In the low desert, light shade and additional moisture are best. Side sprouts can form multi-trunked individuals. Apply fertilizer at leaf expansion. This plant has few pests.

Potatoe Vine

Common name:Potatoe Vine
Botanical name:Solanum laxum

This twisting vine will grow 25' in length and has deciduous, glossy green leaves with blue and white flowers that are in constant bloom. This plant is poisonous when ingested.

Calla Lily or Calla

Common name:Calla Lily or Calla
Botanical name:Zantedeschia aethiopica

This perennial will grow 2'-4' tall and has large, glossy green leaves with beautiful cream or white flowers with a central yellow "finger" that bloom in spring and sometimes even summer. Calla Lily prefers afternoon shade in warm, inland areas. It prefers rich, moist soil and does well near water features or boggy conditions. Cally Lily is beautiful for cut flowers.

Red Fringe Flower cultivar

Common name:Red Fringe Flower cultivar
Botanical name:Loropetalum chinense 'Rubrum' cvs.

Red Fringe Flower is a shrub that grows 6'-12' tall and wide. It has arching branches with light green and reddish leaves. Pink flowers bloom intermittently throughout the year. This attractive shrub prefers afternoon shade and shelter from hot, drying winds. It needs a moderate amount of watering.

Designer:

Colorful Retaining Wall

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.

Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

Integrated Pest Management:

Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.