Common name:Japanese Boxwood
Botanical name:Buxus microphylla japonica
Japanese Boxwood is often used as a hedge. It is compact, with small bright green leaves. It can reach 4-6' tall and wide or be kept smaller through pruninig. It can be sheared to shape. It does better in areas with milder winters. It prefers full sun and a moderate amount of water.
Common name:Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'
'Bloodgood' slowly grows to 20'-25' high and 20' wide. Deciduous, toothed, lobed leaves are red in spring and summer, changing to scarlet in fall. This popular Japanese maple needs protection from drying winds and full sun in hot summer areas. It does well in dappled shade. It needs well draining, moist, acidic soil. This is a spectacular tree all 4 seasons.
Common name:Columnar Italian Cypress
Botanical name:Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta'
Italian Cypress is often associated with Italian and Spanish architecture, providing columns in the landscape. They often reach 40'- 60' tall. 'Stricta' is compact, columnar and produces long, straight branches with deep green foliage. Once it's established, it is drought tolerant. Provide well draining soil. Do not plant near ocean.
Common name:Chinese Pistache
Botanical name:Pistacia chinensis
The Pistacia chinensis is a deciduous tree with broad, spreading growth to 50' in height. Its leaves have 10-16 leaflets, and the fall coloring arrives in beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow. Prune young trees to shape. This tree does not have edible nuts. Female trees have tiny red fruit, turning dark blue. It prefers full sun and deep, infrequent waterings. This is a great street or park tree.
Common name:Western Redbud
Botanical name:Cercis occidentalis
This deciduous shrub or small tree reaches 15' tall and 10' wide. Beautiful magenta flowers appear in spring, before the leaves appear. Foliage is apple green , turning yellow to red in the fall. Seed pods dangle on this tree in winter. Western Redbud prefers full sun but will appreciate afternoon shade in desert areas. It needs well draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. A tree of varying interest all year round!
Designer: Yannis Landscaping | Colorful Shrub Bed |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Check your irrigation controller once a month, and adjust as necessary.
Most plants require only one-third as much water in winter as they do in summer.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.