Eleagnus ‘Gilt Edge’

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…

Lagerstroemia (crape myrtle) These shrubs are a great favorite in our area as they adapt so well to heat, bloom in the summer and require little water once established. The plants naturally grow as multi-trunked shrubs, but are often trained as standard trees.  The height varies greatly from three to twenty feet, so be sure to choose the right variety for…

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…

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.

Cistus (rockrose) These are understandably popular in the North County. Some outstanding characteristics include drought tolerance, relative deer resistance and a prolific spring bloom. Flower colors are white and many shades of pink. The lowest growing variety is Cistus salvifolius, a white flowered variety that grows two by six feet. Cistus ‘Sunset’ is a hybrid with…

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.