Abutilon

Correa is a fairly low growing shrub to a little over two feet high and about eight feet wide.  It likes fast drainage and does not need a great deal of water or feeding.  Flowers are mostly pink or white.  It does well in pots and in poor, rocky soil.

Ilex is, of course, holly.  There are many species, all of which will need shade in the north county.  Some species have few spines while other are very pokey indeed.  Hollies prefer slightly acidic soil, so some soil amendment is required.  There are green leaved and variegated versions.

Sarcococca is an evergreen shrub with dark green leaves and very fragrant tiny white flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring.  It is a slow grower that will eventually reach four to six feet.  It can grow even in very deep shade and needs moderate to regular water.

Nandina, or heavenly bamboo, is a versatile shrub that can take sun or shade.  In our climate, it appreciates some shade in the afternoon.  Growth rate is moderate up to eight feet tall, depending on the variety.  ‘Fire Power’ is a nice small plant that only grows to about two feet high and wide and turns…

Hydrangeas come in many sizes and forms.  The two most well-known types are mophead, the old-fashioned large flower with a rounded flower head, and lacecap, in which the small fertile flowers are surrounded by large, colorful flowers.  With some varieties, flower color is determined by the soil pH, with acidity causing blue flowers and alkalinity resulting in pink flowers.  Other varieties…

Loropetalum, or Chinese fringe flower, is a very attractive shrub that thrives in shade.  It is fairly slow growing to six to ten feet high and wide.  Most of the varieties available have purple leaves and pink, fireworks-like flowers, but the green leaved, white flowering varieties are lovely, too.  Flowering is heaviest in the spring,…