Commonly called butterfly bush, buddleja can reach fifteen feet and flowers in shades of purple, lavender, pink, white or yellow. It is also available in an increasing number of dwarf varieties, most of which grow to three to five feet. The flowers are a favorite of butterflies, hence the common name. All the Buddlejas perform best if they are pruned severely before spring growth begins. The flowers are fragrant and contain an unusual bright orange eye.
Both E. fortunei and E. japonicus have variegated varieties that brighten up the garden with their foliage. Height ranges from about three to ten feet, depending on the variety. Moderate to regular water is required.
Pyracantha is an evergreen shrub known for its colorful berries in the fall and winter. Most varieties grow to about twelve feet, although there are some outstanding dwarf varieties such as ‘Red Elf’ and ‘Lowboy’. The biggest drawback is the sharp thorns that cover the branches, but the plants are long-lived and the berries brighten up the garden in winter as well as…
Syringa (lilac) is loved for its wonderful fragrance and glorious, showy blooms. Lilacs are a good match for our north county climate as the low winter temperatures encourage blooming. In the south county, grow the Descanso hybrids such as ‘Lavender Lady’ and ‘Angel White’ which have been bred for warmer climates. An unusual and charming lilac, a Korean type, is ‘Miss Kim’. This…
Hibiscus syriacus, or Rose of Sharon, is a deciduous shrub that grows to about ten feet tall and six feet wide. It sports very showy, two to three inch flowers from summer until frost. It is easy to grow, actually likes heat and can tolerate some drought. Flower colors include white, pink, red and shades of purple….
Coleonema pulchellum (or Breath of Heaven) is a charming, wispy plant with very small pink flowers. The flowers themselves are not showy, but the sheer numbers of them in spring make the plant a real sight. It grows to about five feet tall and wide, but ‘Compacta’ gets only about three feet. ‘Sunset Gold’ has…
The most commonly available species is Caryopteris x clandonensis. There are several named varieties, all of which grow to about two feet. They are known for their lovely purple flowers, much loved by bees. Caryopteris loses its leaves in winter, prefers full sun and moderate water.