Coreopsis adds a lovely bit of color to the garden. These are tough plants that need little to moderate water and they seem to bloom almost endlessly, especially if deadheaded. They also tend to self-sow, so be prepared for either even more color…
Month: September 2014
Japanese maples
Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are in a slightly different category of tree. Most other trees provide shade whereas Japanese maples require shade. Most can take some morning sun, but afternoon shade is much appreciated in our hot summers. There are…
Olives
There are both fruiting and non-fruiting olives. Since the fruit is known to stain, do not plant fruiting varieties over patios, driveways or any other paved area. Olives are very tolerant of heat and can take poor soil, but will…
Large trees
Large trees grow about thirty feet or more. Most are deciduous, but one of the notable evergreens is Quercus agrifolia or coast live oak, a very common sight in our area. Amongst the deciduous choices are Liquidamber, Morus alba (mulberry,…
Small trees
Small trees generally stay thirty feet or less. There are a very large number of trees that fit in that category, so we are presenting just a few that do well in our area. Evergreen selections are Arbutus ‘Marina’, Laurus nobilis,…
Conifers
Coniferous trees can serve many uses in the garden. They can range in size from a few feet to sixty feet in height. Some, such as Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress) and Cedrus deodara (Deodar cedar), are very drought tolerant once…
Teucrium
Teucrium ( germander) is a genus with some very different looking species. Teucrium cossonii majoricum is a low growing groundcover with grey foliage and whorls of mauvey purple flowers that smell like honey. T. x lucidrys (formerly T. chamaedrys) has dark…
Myrtus communis
Myrtus communis, or myrtle, is a dense shrub that does well in full sun or partial shade. Leaves are small, bright green and aromatic. White, fragrant flowers appear in summer. It generally grows to about six feet (or more with age), but…
Rhaphiolepis
Rhaphiolepis indica, or Indian hawthorn, is a very useful, fairly low-growing shrub to about five feet. Flowers are white or pink. R. umbellata has very dark green leaves and white flowers
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