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.
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.
Photinia x fraseri makes a great tall hedge or screen with fast growth to ten to fifteen feet tall and wide. The new growth is bronzy red and adds some nice color to the garden.
Rhamnus alaternus and Rhamnus alaternus variegata(Italian Buckthorn) These shrubs grow twelve to fifteen feet high. They are evergreen and very dought tolerant once established. They can be pruned regularly to maintain a neat appearance.
This is an evergreen shrub that adds color all year round. It can reach up to ten feet and has an upright growth habit It can take sun or partial shade and does best with regular water.
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…