Lagerstroemia

Usually grown as a shrub or small tree, Vitex (chaste tree) reaches about twelve feet tall and wide.  The very attractive leaves are divided into five to seven leaflets and are a grey green.  The flower spikes appear in summer and are usually purple, although white is also available.  The plant is deciduous and can…

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….

Philadelphus is an old fashioned shrub with wonderfully fragrant white blossoms. It is a deciduous shrub growing four to six feet tall, making it a very good foundation plant.  It is also very effective in lawns and as a background plant.  Shade in the afternoon is preferred and good drainage is essential.

Viburnum is a genus that contains many species, both evergreen and deciduous, and there are several good varieties for our area. Viburnum tinus ‘Robustum’ and Viburnum ‘Spring Bouquet’ are among the earliest spring blooming shrubs. They both have flat heads of pink buds opening to white blossoms which in turn form dark blue berries. The former can grow…

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.

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…