Common name:Red-Leaf Japanese Barberry
Botanical name:Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea'
A thorny, deciduous shrub growing 4-6' high and as wide, Red Japanese Barberry can be contained with some light pruning in winter. Its purplish-red leaves contrast beautifully against a dark green background. It prefers full sun and regular watering, more in hot summer months. This is a great barrier plant.
Common name:Crimson Pygmy Japanese Barberry
Botanical name:Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy'
Pygmy purple leaf barberry is a deciduous shrub with arching branches which reaches 2 ft high and 3 ft wide. The foliage becomes bronzy red in summer and fall. 'Crimson Pygmy' prefers full sun and regular watering, more in hot summer months. This plant has thorns. It makes a great hedge. Prune in winter to re-shape.
Common name:California Fescue
Botanical name:Festuca californica
The California Fescue is a cool season bunchgrass with blue-green blades that reach 2' high. The violet colored flower stalks are 5' tall, appearing in spring and summer, creating fountain-like clumps. This grass is drought tolerant for sun and shade although it looks better with additional summer water. The California fescue is native to CA and is a beneficial insect plant. Plant on dry sunny slopes or on the edge of a dry creek bed.
Common name:Eulalia Grass, Japanese Silver Gras
Botanical name:Miscanthus sinensis
Miscanthus sinensis is popular ornamental grass. Red flowers are held well above foliage clumps, appearing in summer, and may be cut for fresh or dry arrangements. Miscanthus needs full sun and watering at least once a week and more during hot summers. Foliage is variegated, with a thin white band down the center. This grass does great in coastal as well as warm inland valleys.
Common name:Wheeler's Dwarf Pittosporum
Botanical name:Pittosporum tobira 'Wheeler's Dwarf'
This handsome dwarf form of the Pittosporum tobira grows into a low, dense mound, 2'-3' tall and 4'-5' wide. This shrub is covered with glossy, evergreen foliage. Small, fragrant, white flowers cover this shrub in spring. It prefers full to part sun and has moderate watering needs. Wheeler's Dwarf is dependable and easy to grow. Prune in winter to keep shape.
Common name:Fullmoon Maple
Botanical name:Acer japonicum
Deciduous shrub or tree from Japan. In warm climates, it needs regular moisture and part shade. 20-30 feet tall and wide. Protect from hot drying winds. Leaves are lobed and can be green, red or burgundy. Fall foliage is spectacular, changing to red, orange or yellow.
Common name:Hybrid Tea Rose cultivar
Botanical name:Rosa Hybrid Tea selection
Hybrid tea roses are the traditional classic roses; buds are used for boutonnieres. These roses have long stems with a single rose at the end, which may or may not be fragrant. Blooms typically start in spring until fall. Many colors now available. Roses prefer full to part sun with well draining, rich soil. It needs fertilizer after each bloom period. It prefers medium watering and more in hot summer areas. Mulch well. Prune in winter. It usually grows 2'-6' tall.
Designer: Jody Palmer | Layers of Texture |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.
Water-wise plants can be beautiful as well as practical.
Take your 'My List' Hydrozone Report to a landscape designer, or local nursery, when selecting and purchasing plants.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.