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 being very popular with birds.
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 silvery underneath. Flowers are white with red stamens and are edible. Feijoa can produce fruit…
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….
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 feet and makes a nice informal hedge. Oleanders need little water once established. The primary…
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…