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:Lily of the Nile
Botanical name:Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis

This evergreen shrub will grow about 3' tall and has large green leaves with blue flowers that bloom in spring and summer. It will grow in all soils but prefers loam soil. It can be grown in sun or shade. Lily of the Nile prefers a moderate amount of water; established plants have low water use.

Common name:Thundercloud Copper-Purple-Purple L
Botanical name:Prunus cerasifera 'Thundercloud'

This deciduous tree grows to 20' tall with a 20' spread. The single flowers are light pink, blooming in spring. 'Thundercloud' has a dense, round form, which is great for small front and back yards. It has deep purple foliage until it changes to bronze in the fall.

Common name:Yellow Dietes or Fortnight Lily
Botanical name:Dietes bicolor

This clumping perennial iris relative stands 3'-4' high. It has light- yellow, iris-like flowers with maroon blotches that are about 2" wide. It performs best in full sun and in soil with good drainage.

Common name:Red or Purple Guava
Botanical name:Psidium cattleianum

Psidium littorale is an evergreen tree or shrub that grows 10'-20' tall, with smooth, glossy green leaves. It will do well in areas that citrus grows. Small white flowers cover this tree followed by red, round, edible fruit, which can be used for jams and jellies. This hardy tree is attractive in containers and can be planted in coastal areas. It is drought tolerant once it's established. It can be pruned to create hedges or screens. It is used for bonsai also.

Common name:Freeway Daisy, Trailing African Dai
Botanical name:Osteospermum fruticosum

This groundcover-small shrub will grow 1' tall, spreading 4' in a year. It has medium-size green leaves with lavender that have a dark purple center. The flower color changes to white the next day! The flowers bloom in fall and winter but in mild coastal areas, may bloom all year. It needs well draining soil. This plant looks great on a hillside or in a hanging basket.

Common name:Dwarf Karo
Botanical name:Pittosporum crassifolium 'Compactum'

'Compactum' is an evergreen dwarf shrub. reaching 2'-3' high and 4'-6' wide, densely foliaged and mounding. Leaves are light olive green with fine hairs. New foliage is yellow green. This shrub can be grown in sun or shade. Small maroon, slightly fragrant flowers appear in spring. It prefers well draining soil and afternoon shade in warm inland areas. It can tolerate coastal conditions. It needs occasional watering once it's established and more in hot summer areas.