Common name:Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Botanical name:Nandina domestica
Nandina domestica is a graceful upright shrub that grows from 3'-8' in height. It gets its name from its bamboo-like growth habit. When thinned from the center it bears a remarkable resemblance to bamboo, thus the common name. it tolerates full sun to full shade. An interesting feature of Heavenly Bamboo is the bronze color in the new growth when planted in full sun. It also bears clusters of white flowers in the spring, followed by red berries in fall and winter.
Common name:Moonshine Yarrow, Milfoil, Sneezewo
Botanical name:Achillea 'Moonshine'
Long, straight stems with pale yellow flowers are striking on the mats of green to grey-green leaves of this plant, which are flatter and less divided than those of the Achillea millefolium. This Yarrow propagates easily from rooted cuttings or divisions which should be performed in the early spring or fall. Following bloom, one should dead head the plant and divide the clumps when it appears crowded. Introduced by Alan Bloom in the 1950's.
Common name:Mexican Bush Sage, Mexican Sage
Botanical name:Salvia leucantha
The Mexican Sage is a bushy shrub that grows 3'-4' tall and wide. It has hairy white stems, grey-green leaves and velvet-like purple flower spikes that bloom summer through fall. This shrub tolerates sun, light shade, low to moderate water, and is cold hardy to 15 degrees F. The Mexican Sage attracts hummingbirds. Be careful not to overwater.
Common name:Red Star Texas or Autumn Sage
Botanical name:Salvia greggii 'Red Star'
This shrub will grow 1'-4' tall and wide. It has glossy green leaves with red flowers that bloom from spring through fall. It prefers well draining soil with regular watering although it will take drought conditions. It will become leggy looking. Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooming.
Common name:Trailing Lantana
Botanical name:Lantana montevidensis
Lavender flowers accent the trailing growth habit of this lantana. It is excellent for spilling over walls or down banks. Eventually will reach about 2' tall by 6' wide, size controlled by pruning and severity of winter. Full sun, drought tolerant. It is a native of South America. A rapid grower. Tolerates heat, smog and poor soil. Cold hardy to mid 20s degrees F, but quick recovery if frost-bitten. Fruit poisonous. Very attractive to butterflies.
Designer: Marilyn Creel | Water Conservation Office |
Photographer: Marilyn Creel |
Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.
Apply as little fertilizer as possible.
If you use fertilizer make sure it stays on the landscape, and carefully water it in so there is NO runoff.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.