Rhamnus californica, or coffeeberry, is an evergreen shrub that can grow from three to fifteen feet, depending on the variety and the climate in which it is planted. The common name comes from the berries that turn black once they…
Author: ClickArtists
Ribes
There are many species of Ribes, both evergreen and deciduous. A very nice evergreen species is Ribes viburnifolium with roundish, dark green leaves and dark red stems. It needs no irrigation, making it ideal for planting under oaks. It grows three…
Nandina domestica
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…
Nerium oleander
This plant, commonly called oleander, is a beautiful shrub that can range in size from three to twenty feet, depending upon the variety. ‘Sister Agnes’ is white and can grow to twenty feet. ‘Little Red’ grows from three to four…
Ilex
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…
Sarcococca ruscifolia
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…
Pittosporum tobira
Pittosporum tobira is an evergreen shrub with either all green or variegated foliage. The species can grow six to fifteen feet, but “Wheeler’s Dwarf’ gets only to three feet and about five feet wide. There are also variegated dwarf forms, ‘Turner’s’ that…
Correa
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. …
Feijoa sellowiana
Feijoa, or pineapple guava, grows to eighteen to twenty-five feet, usually as a multi-trunked shrub. It can, however, take considerable pruning, making it ideal for hedges, espaliering or training as a small tree. The leaves are grey-green on top and…
Loropetalum
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…
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