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.
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…
Abelia grandiflora has arching stems six to eight feet tall and produces large numbers of small white or pink bell-shaped flowers in summer. The variety ‘Sherwoodii’ is three to four feet tall and has lavender flowers and darker green leaves. ‘Kaleidoscope’ is only two to three feet tall with yellow variegated foliage and white flowers in summer. The leaf color tends to redden…
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…
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…
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…