This Plant Palette has been assembled by the Landscape Committee and approved by the OCA Board of Directors.
It is intended for the sole use of the OCA and its residents.
It is a living document which will be continually updated and amended
by the Landscape Committee
6 / 27 / 2012 Updated 4/7/2013
Oceanside Community Association Foreword
This Plant Palette replaces the earlier version that has been in use for several years. One of the primary goals of the new version is to provide the same information about each plant or tree and to produce a document which can be put on our website for the convenience of our residents. In these pages are the approved plants for use on common ground. Only plants on this palette can be used in our community.
Wherever possible we have taken our own photos to illustrate the plant pages. Where this has not been possible and photos have been taken from the web, permission has been obtained for use that is specific to this community and this palette. Any use of these photos that does not adhere to these conditions will violate the copyright use permission. This palette cannot be sold and cannot be distributed for use outside the OCA.
Please remember that only the area within the footprint of your home can be resident-planted. All other land is common ground and the responsibility of the OCA, the BOD, and the Landscape Committee. If you have an idea or an area near your home that needs attention, please submit a work order request – if needed, call your Unit Landscape Volunteer for assistance (listed every month in the “Hilltop Highlights”).
We hope you find the new palette helpful and informative. The Palette will never be truly ‘complete.’ New hybrids and cultivars are being continually released and we will work to keep our palette as up-to-date as possible for our specific landscaping requirements.
Sharon Hall, Landscape Committee Vice-Chair June 2012 Introduction
The palette is divided into sections: 1) groundcover, 2) shrubs and perennials, and 3) trees. The following list provides the criteria for a plant’s inclusion in the Plant Palette. Sunset zone 24 Tolerant of our soil – primarily clay or sand Perennial as opposed to annual No edible fruit/nuts Conservative water use and drought resistant Resistant or unappealing to rabbits (deer)* Hardy and attractive Low maintenance Evergreen preferred * Many websites do not address a plant’s rabbit resistance but do specifically list deer. There is a general agreement that deer and rabbits tend to share the same plant preferences. Therefore, even though our OCA does not have a problem with deer, many of the plant entries will specify a resistance to deer, generalizing it to a tolerance to rabbits.
Each page examines the same characteristics to help compare them for use in a specific area. Some plants that are compatible with our climate and soil have such a wide variety of attributes and types that they are listed in more than one category. Some plants have several varieties, hybrids, or cultivars (a plant bred to strengthen desirable traits or minimize undesirable ones) listed to provide a broader selection. Not every plant will work in every location of the community – we have a variety of soils, sun exposure, water retention that all affect the choice of plants. The right plant in the right place will go far to ensuring that our landscaping thrives and maintains the appearance of Oceana.
Section 1: Groundcover Groundcover is any plant that grows over the soil surface and is specifically used in preventing erosion and/or for a pleasing appearance. The ones we typically think of are a few inches high but many groundcovers can be as high as 2 – 3 feet or even higher. Plants with both shrub and groundcover varieties will have entries in both categories.
Slopes receive the most attention with groundcovers since both erosion control and slope integrity are so important. Generally, the taller the groundcover, the deeper the root system which makes the groundcover not only more efficient at these tasks, but also makes them more drought tolerant. The shorter forms of groundcover often spread by runners which root as they spread but these roots are very shallow and may require more water to maintain.
Section 2: Shrubs and Perennials Shrubs and perennials are the backbone of any landscaping endeavor. A perennial plant is one which lives more than two years. Annuals and biennials live one or two years respectively, set seed, and die. Perennials have developed structures that allow them to live from one year to the next through vegetative reproduction. Some of these structures are bulbs, tubers, woody crowns, and a variety of others. This group is usually divided into woody plants (shrubs, trees) and herbaceous perennials. The herbaceous perennials are non-woody plants whose foliage tends to become dormant or die back during a particular season. In our mild climate the dormancy is often much less pronounced.
Selection of a shrub must consider not only the right mixture of water, sun, and soil, but also the mature size. That very attractive little plant in the 4-inch pot you noticed at the nursery may become a huge shrub very quickly. A shrub that at maturity is appropriate for the space will look better and be less expensive to maintain. A number of the shrub information sheets have a listing at the bottom of varieties/cultivars of different sizes that are available. The location of plumbing lines should also be considered with shrub requests and choices should be confined to those that do not mention aggressive root systems.
Section 3: Trees Trees are woody plants with a single trunk that reach at least 12 feet in height. They are classed into one of two categories; evergreen and deciduous. Those that stay green year round are evergreen and those that shed their leaves for part of the year are deciduous. While some large shrubs may be trimmed as trees, they are usually not as tall and have multiple stems which rise directly out of the ground.
Evergreen trees are either conifers or broad-leaved. Conifers produce their seeds in cones and include those with needles (pines, firs, spruces) and those with scale-like leaves (cedars and junipers).
Some species of trees live several thousand years and cling to life in unbelievable conditions. The trees on our palette with the shortest lifespan can live for 50 years and some exceed 150 years. When trees are aging or diseased they need to be removed and, if appropriate, replaced. Selection and placement of trees is critical – the tree is an investment in the future of our community.
Table of Contents
Common Name Scientific Name Comments
Groundcover Plants
African Daisy/Freeway Osteospermum
Daisy fruticosum Alpine geranium/Cranesbill Erodium reichardii small areas only Bearberry Cotoneaster Cotoneaster dammeri Bougainvillea Bougainvillea Carpet Geranium/Cranesbill Geranium incanum Coyote Brush Baccharis pilularis limited use – slopes only Evening Primrose Oenothera Gazania Gazania Lantana / Trailing Lantana Lantana montevidensis Manzanita Arctostaphylos densiflora Pink Jasmine Jasminum polyanthum Red Apple Aptenia cordifolia Rockrose Cistus Rosemary Rosmariunus officinalis Trachelospermum Star Jasmine jasminoides Thyme / Creeping Thyme Thymus serpyllum
Perennials
Bear’s Breeches Acanthus mollis Bee Blossom Gaura lindheimeri Bird of Paradise Strelitzia reginae Bat-Faced Plant Cuphea llavea Bush Lily or Kaffir Lily Clivia miniata Daylily Hemerocallis Phormium tenax or Flax Phormium cookianum Geranium (Ivy) Pelargonium peltatum Lavender Lavandula dentate Lily of the Nile Agapanthus Mondo Grass Ophiopogon japonicas Sea Lavender or Statice Limonium perezii Society Garlic Tulbaghia violcea
Common Name Scientific Name Comments Shrubs
Abelia (Glossy) Abelia x grandiflora Blue Hibiscus Alyogyne huegelii Bougainvillea Bougainvillea Busus microphylla Boxwood (Japanese) japonica Breath of Heaven or Pink Coleonema pulchellum
Diosma ‘compacta’ Bush Anemone Carpenteria californica Cape Honeysuckle Tecoma capensis Cigar Plant Cuphea ignea Coast Rosemary Westringia fruticosa Escallonia Escallonia fradessii Fringe Flower Lorapetalum chinense Grevillea lanigera and Grevillea Grevillea Noelii Heavenly Bamboo Nandina domestica Indian Hawthorn Rhaphiolepsis indica Juniper Juniperus Kohuhu Pittosporum tenufolium Lantana or Spanish Flag Lantana camara Callistemon viminalis Little John Bottlebrush (dwarf) Manzanita Arctostaphylos densiflora Mexican Heather Cuphea hyssopifolia Mirror Plant Coprosma repens Mock Orange (Japanese) Pittosporum tobira Myrtus communis Myrtle (Dwarf) compacta Pacific Wax Myrtle Myrica californica slope erosion control Petite Butterfly Polygala fruticosa Pride of Madeira Eschium candicans Pyracantha or Firethorn Pyracantha Rockrose Cistus Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis Sage Salvia St. Catherine’s Lace Eriogonum giganteum slope erosion control Sun Camellia Camellia sasanqua Sweet Box/Vanilla Plant Sarcococca rusicfolia shade only Common Name Scientific Name Comments Tree Mallow Lavatera maritime Viburnum Viburnum tinus
Trees
Australian Willow Geijera parviflora Brisbane Box Lophostemon confertus Cape Chestnut Calodendrum capense Chinese Flame Tree Koelreuteria bipinnata Chinese Pistache Pistacia chinesis Chitalpa Chitalpa tashkentensis Lagerstroemia hybrid Crape Myrtle “Natchez” Coral Gum Eucalyptus torquata Deodar Cedar Cedrus deodar Fern Pine Podocarpus gracilior Holly Oak Quercus ilex Indian Hawthorn Rhaphiolepsis indica Archontophoenix King Palm cunninghamiana Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora New Zealand Christmas Metrosideros excelsus Tree Pearl Acacia Acacia podalyriifolia Peppermint Agonis flexuosa Pygmy Date Palm Phoenix roebelenii Queen Palm Syagrus romanzoffianum Sweet Bay Laurus nobilis Tipu Tree Tipuana tipu Western Redbud Cercis occidentalis Pittosporum Willow Pittosporum phillyraeoides
6/2012: rev. 3/2013
Botanical Name: Osteospermum fruticosum Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: African Daisy, Freeway Daisy, Blue-Eyed Daisy Family: Asteraceae (aster family)
Height Range: 1 - 3 ft Sun: full Origin: South Africa
Width Range: 1 - 2 ft Water: - Moderate to regular Attracts: butterflies/hummingbirds
Flower Color: Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: rabbits and most pests pink/magenta/yellow/apricot/ and diseases white-off white/ blue-lav.
Flower Season: intermittently, all Habit: trailing stems that root Features: year where they contact earth
Leaf Color: green / blue-green Growth Rate: rapid
Foliage: 1 - 2 inches long Seasonal Interest: blossoms more profusely during cooler months
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: rock garden, ground cover, mass planting, border
Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Showy blooms usually open fully only in sunlight - 2.5-3" across Established plants will tolerate drought but appearance suffers Ground cover use generally limited to shorter varieties (6 - 12") Taller varieties can be considered a small shrub.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low Photos: Sharon Hall (sketch) http://plantfinder.Sunset.com 7/2011
Botanical Name: Erodium reichardii Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Cranesbill, Storksbill, Alpine geranium (other plants also called Cranesbill) Family: Geraniacea (Geranium)
Height Range: 3 - 6 inches Sun: Sun to part shade Origin: Mediterranean
Width Range: 6 - 12 inches Water: -- Attracts: n/a
Flower: white or rose pink with Soil Info: porous, good drainage Resistant to: rose-veined petals, 0.5 inch wide Flower Season: spring into fall Habit: mound-forming Features:
Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: slow
Foliage: small, round, heart-shaped Seasonal Interest: 1/3 inch long leaves with scalloped edges Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: small scale ground cover but mostly rock gardens Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Not suited to large scale projects due to slow spread, but very adaptable for small areas.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low Photos (from Left): Courtesy www.robsplants.com Courtesy www.robsplants.com The Botanical Magazine: image in the public domain
7/2011
Botanical Name: Cotoneaster dammeri Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Bearberry Cotoneaster
Family: Rosaceae (Rose)
Height Range: under 1 ft. Sun: full Origin: China
Width Range: 6 – 8 ft. Water: Attracts: birds
Flower: abundant small white Soil Info: sand, clay, loam, rocky Resistant to: deer flowers (unparticular) Flower Season: spring Habit: trailing – stems root where Features: they touch the ground Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: fast Consistently listed as one of the most effective erosion control shrubs and Foliage: evergreen, small, shiny Seasonal Interest: fall/winter color groundcovers.
Fruit Color: red to orange Location Uses: groundcover, drape over walls, cascade down slopes Fruit Type: ornamental berry
Comments:
Two varieties most readily available ~ “Coral Beauty” and “Lowfast” . . . Lowfast grows slightly taller and wider with redder berries than Coral Beauty.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
7/2012
Botanical Name: Bougainvillea Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Bougainvillea ‘Monka’ (aka Oo-La-La) or Purple Queen varieties Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four O’Clock Family)
Height Range: 18 in. Sun: full – a minimum of 5 hours Origin: hybridized from large South American vines Width Range: 6 – 8 ft. Water: Attracts: Hummingbirds
Flower: small, generally white but Soil Info: clay, loam, or sand Resistant to: very disease and pest surrounded by colored leaves resistant (purple or magenta bracts) which make it colorful and attract pollinators: floriferous
Flower Season: Feb – Nov in So. CA Habit: it is a vine - compact in Features: Repeat bloomer. height but cascading, spreading in Tolerates significant shearing form without difficulty. Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: moderate Its roots do not like to be disturbed Foliage: heart-shaped, medium Seasonal Interest: bloom periods so transplanting is not advisable. weight, matte finish, woody with thorns Substantial fibrous root system.
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: erosion control, Overwatering will reduce blooms, it color or hanging basket prefers a dryer environment. Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: The use of varieties of large bougainvillea vines as groundcover is being replaced by more compact forms such as these. Other ‘bougie’ vines can be 4 – 6 feet high and spread 15 – 30 feet.
Growth cycles: 1) vegetative growth with new leaves, stems, and buds, 2) bloom period with no vegetative growth
Natural habitat is equatorial with days and nights of nearly equal length. Seasonal variations (long days, short nights) in North American summer diminish bloom cycle.
Another well known plant whose flowers are small with colorful bracts is the poinsettia.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 7/2011
Botanical Name: Geranium incanum Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Carpet Geranium, Cranesbill (Erodium reicharii is also called Cranesbill) Family: Geraniacea (Geranium)
Height Range: 6 - 10 inches Sun: full sun (will tolerate light Origin: South Africa shade) Width Range: 2 feet Water: Attracts: bees, butterflies, birds
Flower: 1", light magenta Soil Info: unparticular, just not Resistant to: rabbits, no notable damp pests or diseases Flower Season: greatest spring to Habit: spreading, trailing Features: In the right hand photo fall but some year round above, above please note the Leaf Color: green, light green Growth Rate: rapid seedpod on its far left which is thought to resemble the bill of a Foliage: finely cut, lacey, ferny Seasonal Interest: crane, hence the common name “Cranesbill.” Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: border, rock garden, ground cover in mass Low maintenance plantings or small areas Fruit Type: n/a Self-seeds and also spreads by underground runners so it renews itself
Comments: The relatively new cultivar of Geranium incanum, Tiny Monster, shown to the left has somewhat different foliage but in other respects is very similar.
Cutting to ground every 2 - 3 years maintains attractiveness and neat appearance
Plants on this page are “true” geraniums . . . the plant commonly called a geranium is actually a Pelargonium!
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
7/2011
Botanical Name: Baccharis pilularis Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: coyote brush
Family: asteraceae (Aster )
Height Range: about 12 inches Sun: full sun preferred Origin: California (native)
Width Range: 12 feet Water: - , highly drought tolerant Attracts: small birds, butterflies (water only about once every 2 weeks)
Flower: white/near-white Soil Info: not particular Resistant to: Deer
Flower Season: August - December Habit: Dense, mounding and Features: Male and female flowers spreading are borne on different shrubs. Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: fast This ground cover version stays low when spaced far enough apart at Foliage: small with serrated edges Seasonal Interest: fall bloom planting. and waxy coating, much branched Low maintenance, adaptable, and Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: Slope stabilization, reliable evergreen groundcover. bad sites
Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: This plant as a California native has very specific requirements for successful cultivation. It cannot be on the same irrigation system with plants that are watered on a regular watering cycle - it must be by itself or with other similar natives. Extensive root system, not appropriate for small areas. Must be planted 6 - 10 feet apart and will fill in within 2 years. Trimming recommended to retain appearance. VERY difficult to remove due to roots.
Pigeon Point is the only recommended ground cover variety of this plant. Use very cautiously, primarily slopes.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low Photos (clockwise from top Left): Courtesy of and © 2008 Gary McDonald Courtesy of Las Pilatas Nursery, Escondido Courtesy of and © 2009 Barry Breckling
7/2011
Botanical Name: Oenothera Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Evening Primrose Family: Onagracea (Evening Primrose family)
Height Range: 8 – 12”. Sun: full or part sun Origin: southwestern U.S./Mexico
Width Range: 2 – 3’. Water: (occasionally extra in heat) Attracts: butterflies, birds
Flower: 2” fragrant blooms white to Soil Info: sand, clay, loam, rock: Resistant to: deer pink – contrary to name, open in the unparticular daytime
Flower Season: spring/summer Habit: can be aggressive and are Features: into fall potentially invasive: limit use to confined or very inhospitable Heat and drought tolerant locations Free flowering Leaf Color: medium green Growth Rate: fast, vigorous, spreads by underground rhizomes Succeeds in tough, rough locations
Foliage: rosettes of oblong to lance- Seasonal Interest: showy flowers in shaped 1 – 3” long leaves bloom and remains green
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: borders, parking strips, mass planting Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: The species described above is the Mexican Evening Primrose.
The California Primrose tends to be smaller and less tolerant of clay soil, preferring sandy or rocky locations. It is less tolerant of irrigation moisture used for surrounding plants – will accept water only once or twice a month. Is a little harder to find. CA native. Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (left to right): Sharon Hall Courtesy of www.Paghat.com Sharon Hall
7/2011
Botanical Name: Gazania Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Trailing or Clumping Gazania Family: Asteraceae (aster)
Height Range: 6 - 12 inches Sun: full sun Origin: South Africa
Width Range: see below Water: - , drought tolerant Attracts: bees, butterflies
Flower: colorful, solitary bloom, Soil Info: not particular but likes to Resistant to: long-stalked, usually close at night or dry out periodically if soil is heavy - overcast conditions tolerates poor soil Flower Season: long season, peak Habit: see "comments" below Features: in late spring and early summer but bloom intermittently all year Leaf Color: silver-grey or light Growth Rate: see below green Foliage: lobed Seasonal Interest: spring/summer
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: xeriscaping, borders, slopes Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: There are over 40 species of gazania, all of which generally fall into one of the following types: Trailing - (Gazania rigens leucolaena) spread by sending out long trailing stems. Height 6 - 12 inches. Examples are Sunrise yellow, Sunglow, Sunburst. Used for ground cover for larger areas - rapid growth. Yellow, orange, white, or bronze blooms.
Semi-trailing hybrid - (mitsui)
Clumping - (Gazania splendens hybrids) make leafy hummocks of gray-backed green leaves, spread by self-seeding. Bold colors, wide choice. Useful for smaller areas, slower growing. Flowering stems 6 - 10" tall and 10" wide. Showier blooms than the trailing variety.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low Photos: Sharon Hall
7/2011
Botanical Name: Lantana montevidensis Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Trailing or Weeping Lantana
Family: Verbenaceae (Vervain or Verbena family)
Height Range: 18 – 24 in. Sun: Sun or light shade, but prefers Origin: South America sun for blooming Width Range: 5 - 8 ft. Water: Attracts: butterflies
Flower: Purple, white, or yellow Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: rabbits appear in domed clusters 2 – 3” across
Flower Season: year-round in mild Habit: trailing Features: climates Reliable source of low- Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: fast maintenance color
Foliage: Stems square, leaves 1” Seasonal Interest: Especially long, rough-textured with coarsely summer toothed edges
Fruit Color: bluish Location Uses: slopes, banks
Fruit Type: small berries
Comments:
Most of the plants sold as lantana are either Spanish Flag (L. camara), Trailing Lantana (L. montevidensis), or hybrids between the two. Trailing lantana has the strongest ground cover attributes.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
7/2011
Botanical Name: Arctostaphylos densiflora Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Manzanita
Family: Ericaceae (heath)
Height Range: varies – see below Sun: full altho will tolerate light Origin: CA Native shade Width Range: varies – see below Water: to Attracts: Birds
Flower: clusters of fragrant upside- Soil Info: tolerate poor soil, Resistant to: deer down pitcher-shaped flowers from relatively unparticular but need to white to pale pink. Color of a plant’s maintain acidic or neutral pH soil blooms may vary from year to year.
Flower Season: winter - spring Habit: low growing, mat forming, Features: spreading Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: moderate For more information, see also Arctostaphylos (Manzanita) in the Foliage: dense, stiff, leathery on Seasonal Interest: attractive all Shrub section reddish stems or branches year
Fruit Color: reddish, ages to Location Uses: ground cover, rock cinnamon brown garden, slopes
Fruit Type: berries
Comments: Varieties usually available locally: “Point Reyes” 1-2 ft. high x 4-6 ft wide
“Emerald Carpet” 12-18” high x 3-6 ft wide
“Wood’s Compact” 3-6” high x 3 ft. wide Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (from Left): Courtesy of Paghat.com CalPhotos. 2012. Regents of the University of California, Berkeley. Accessed on June 2, 2012. Available online at: http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/.
6/2012
Botanical Name: Jasminum polyanthum Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Pink Jasmine Family: Oleaceae (olive family)
Height Range: variable – can form Sun: full or light shade Origin: China dense mat.
Width Range: spread up to 20 ft. Water: Attracts: hummingbirds
Flower: rose-colored buds open to Soil Info: clay, loam, rocky, sand - Resistant to: white highly scented flowers unparticular
Flower Season: late winter, spring Habit: twining, climbing Features: Extremely fragrant
Leaf Color: bright- to dark-green Growth Rate: fast to moderate Can be invasive in optimal growing with paler underside, terminal leaf is conditions – runners spread long longer distances.
Foliage: evergreen Seasonal Interest: showy flowers
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: ground cover in small area Fruit Type: n/a
Comments:
Vines need solid sheering soon after blooming to encourage healthy blooming the following year.
Ground cover recommended for small areas only . . . larger use could cause respiratory symptoms in those sensitive to fragrances. Established plants need pruning to keep them in bounds - ground cover tolerates pruning but the process removes blooms. Otherwise, low maintenance.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Courtesy of www.paghat.com
6/2012
Botanical Name: Aptenia cordifolia Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Red Apple
Family: Aizoaceae (fig-marigold or iceplant family)
Height Range: 6 – 8 in. Sun: full is preferred but will Origin: South Africa tolerate light shade Width Range: runners up to 2 – 3 ft. Water: to Attracts: butterflies, bees
Flowers: 1” across, magenta (pink- Soil Info: sand, loam, rocky Resistant to: purple), fuchsia (red-purple) and resemble daisies . . . open during bright daylight hours
Flower Season: Spring – Fall Habit: mat-forming, prostrate Features:
Leaf Color: emerald to light green Growth Rate: fast
Foliage: succulent, smooth, fleshy, Seasonal Interest: looks tidy flat to oval shaped
Fruit Color: brown capsule Location Uses: groundcover or hanging baskets Fruit Type: rough brown seed
Comments:
NOT intended for use on steep slopes or for controlling significant erosion potential.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: CalPhotos. 2012. Regents of the University of California, Berkeley. Accessed on June 6, 2012. Available online at: http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/
6/2012
Botanical Name: Cistus Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Rockrose
Family: Cistaceae (rockrose)
Height Range: 1 – 2 ft. Sun: full Origin: Mediterranean
Width Range: 6 – 8 ft. Water: to (will NOT tolerate Attracts: hummingbirds, butterflies persistent warm weather dampness) Flower: showy 5-petaled flowers – Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: deer colors vary (see below) – petals thin and crinkly like tissue paper
Flower Season: spring to early Habit: p Features: summer Does not require pruning – should Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: p never be hard pruned but will tolerate light sheering to maintain Foliage: narrow, 2 inches long, Seasonal Interest: blooming shape. oval, crinkled - evergreen
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: excellent groundcover for erosion control on hillside Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Cistus pulverulentus ‘Sunset’ (often called “Brilliancy”) low and evergreen to 1-2 ft. tall x 6-8 ft. wide – wavy edged felty gray-green leaves – 2” wide bright magenta flowers with bright yellow centers
Cistus salviifolius “prostratus” (Sageleaf Rockrose) low and evergreen to 2 ft. tall x 6-8 ft. wide – gray-green foliage is wrinkled like a sageleaf (salvia) – 1 ½ “ wide white flowers with orange yellow centers and yellow spots at the base of each petal
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Courtesy of www.Paghat.com
6/2012
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Rosemary Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae (mint)
Height Range: see below Sun: at least 6 hrs a day direct sun Origin: Mediterranean
Width Range: see below Water: to Attracts: birds, butterflies, bees
Flower: ¼ - ½ inch in various Soil Info: not particular Resistant to: rabbits shades of blue (rarely white or pink) Flower Season: winter, spring Habit: prostrate and spreading Features: *woody perennial herb Leaf Color: dark green above, Growth Rate: moderate to fast *tough and versatile, useful in grayish white below *erosion control *leaves used as seasoning Foliage: resemble pine needles in Seasonal Interest: p *flowers used as garnish shape, 1 - 1 ½ “ long, aromatic *low maintenance Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: single specimen planting, hedges, groundcover (depending on variety) Fruit Type: n/a
Comments, ground cover varieties:
Huntington Carpet has prostrate, spreading, cascading habit. Spreads quickly but retains a dense center. From 1 - 2 ft. high and 6 – 8 ft. wide. Best ground cover choice of all low-growing forms. Pale blue flowers.
Prostratus has trailing habit. With age becomes somewhat woody and bare in center. Pale lavender flowers.
Rosemary, the herb of remembrance, friendship and love, has been used as a medicinal and aromatic herb for thousands of years. In ancient Greece students wore it in their hair to improve memory.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (left to right): Courtesy www.davesgarden.com (welshherblady) Sharon Hall 7/27/2011
Botanical Name: Trachelospermum jasminoides Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Star Jasmine, Confederate Jasmine Family: Apocynaceae (dogbane/periwinkle family)
Height Range: 1.5 - 2 ft. Sun: full sun to part shade Origin: China
Width Range: groundcover runners Water: Attracts: bees, hummingbirds can reach 20-30 feet in length
Flower: very fragrant, long-lasting, Soil Info: adaptable/sandy loam to Resistant to: rabbits clustered white with yellow center, some clay 1" wide with 5 petals in a pinwheel arrangement which extend beyond the leaves
Flower Season: late spring and Habit: irregular, vining Features: intermittent Without support for vining and with Leaf Color: light green when new, Growth Rate: tip-pinching it will become a small then dark green spreading shrub and need pruning to Foliage: elliptical, smooth edges, Seasonal Interest: spring/summer retain desired shape/size. glossy, about 2" long Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: ground cover. raised bed, edging, grass extension, under trees Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Control of vining attributes can be difficult in an HOA where management is critical. Vines should not be allowed to climb into trees as their weight in a storm can contribute to loss of limbs or the entire tree.
Ground cover recommended for small areas only . . . larger use could cause respiratory symptoms in those sensitive to fragrances. Established plants need pruning to keep them in bounds - ground cover tolerates pruning but the process removes blooms. Otherwise, low maintenance.
Not a "true" jasmine (Jasminum) - the name gives tribute to the jasmine-like fragrance of the vine.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low Photos (from left) courtesy of www.paghat.com Sharon Hall Permission use from: Dave's Garden: village1diot (#2,3)
7/2011
Botanical Name: Thymus serpyllum Plant Type: Groundcover Common Name: Creeping Thyme Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Height Range: 3 – 5” with some Sun: sun to light shade Origin: Mediterranean variation depending on variety
Width Range: 2 – 3 feet Water: good drought tolerance Attracts: bees, butterflies
Flower: white, lavender, rose Soil Info: light and well drained Resistant to: rabbits (depending on variety)small but profuse blooms
Flower Season: Late June thru Habit: spreading, low dense mat Features: September Tolerates light foot traffic Leaf Color: light gree, dark green, Growth Rate: slow to moderate, Soft underfoot or gray green (variety dependent) dependent on variety chosen Low maintenance Provides color Foliage: Evergreen, small (.2 to .3”) Seasonal Interest: maintains Easy to grow but dense and finely textured attractiveness year round Tough Tolerates abuse Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: lawn substitute, Non-invasive mass planting, filler Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Leaves can be used as seasoning or potpourri ingredient
Because of soil requirements this ground cover is not ideal for areas with clay or poor drainage – in all other respects it is an ideal selection.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Top: Courtesy Mountain Valley Growers Bottom: Sharon Hall 7/2011
Botanical Name: Acanthus mollis Plant Type: Perennial Common Name: Bear’s Breeches
Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus family)
Height Range: 3 – 5 ft. Sun: full sun to full shade Origin: Mediterranean region from Portugal and northwest Africa, east to Croatia Width Range: 2 – 3 ft. Water: Attracts:
Flower: 3 foot tall, long lasting Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: deer spires. White to pink surrounded with purple bracts Flower Season: mid to late summer Habit: clump forming Features: A big, bold plant with outstanding foliage Leaf Color: deep green and glossy Growth Rate: fast
Foliage: large and deeply lobed Seasonal Interest:
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: Accent planting or placed to rear of others
Comments: A horticultural survivor from Ancient Greek and Roman times, it is one of the earliest cultivated plant species. It was so highly regarded in the ancient world that a motif shaped like an acanthus leaf was used to decorate the tops of Corinthian columns.
Use snail bait in wet weather.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Gaura lindheimeri Plant Type: Perennial Common Name: Bee Blossom or Wand Flower
Family: Onagraceae (evening primrose family)
Height Range: see below Sun: full to partial sun Origin: Texas, Louisiana
Width Range: see below Water: Attracts: bees, butterflies
Flower: 5-petaled blooms tip wands Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: deer of bloom rising above foliage Flower Season: late spring to fall Habit: larger forms = fountain-like Features: dwarf – more upright * Long-lived and hardy Leaf Color: green with some Growth Rate: moderate * Tap root assures drought tolerance variation (see below) but disallows moving once planted. * In a breeze flowers look like a Foliage: leaves grow directly from Seasonal Interest: long bloom cloud of small butterflies main stalks without stems of their season * Removing spent flower stalks own, giving an airy, open look extends flowering but is not essential. Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: depending on size, * Most self-seed to some degree larger forms cascade but smaller are Fruit Type: n/a compact and more versatile
Comments: suggested locally available varieties . . .
‘Whirling Butterflies:’ 2-3 ft. tall and wide – pink buds open to white flowers that age to rosy pink – does not reseed (pictured above, right)
‘Passionate Rainbow:’ 2-2 ½ ft. tall x 1-1 ½ ft. wide – leaves edged in cream and show a flush of red – deep pink
‘Crimson Butterflies:’ 1 – 1 ½ ft. tall x 1 ft. wide – red foliage with red stems and red buds – deep pink flowers (pictured above, left)
‘Passionate Blush:’ 1-2 ft tall and wide – burgundy stems – red buds with bicolor pink and white flowers
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Courtesy of www.paghat.com
6/2012
Botanical Name: Strelitzia reginae Plant Type: Perennial Common Name: Bird of Paradise
Family: Strelitziaceae (bird of paradise family)
Height Range: 5 – 6 ft. Sun: full sun to partial shade Origin: South Africa
Width Range: 5 – 6 ft. Water: Attracts: hummingbirds
Flower: orange, blue, white Soil Info: will tolerate most but Resistant to: prefers loam Flower Season: year round but Habit: upright, clumping Features: peaks in cool season Creates no litter Leaf Color: blue-green Growth Rate: moderate
Foliage: long, leathery stalks 1 ½ ft. Seasonal Interest:
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: accent, border
Fruit Type: n/a
Comments:
A dwarf cultivar is also available that is no more than 36” tall.
Crowded clumps bloom best.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Cuphea llavea Plant Type: Perennial Common Name: Bat – Faced Plant
Family: Lythraceae(Loosestrife)
Height Range: 1.5 – 2.5 ft. Sun: full sun for best blooming but Origin: Mexico will tolerate partial sun Width Range: 2 – 3 ft. Water: (not all varieties are drought Attracts: hummingbirds, butterflies tolerant) Flower: prolific bicolor, most Soil Info: loam or sand but some Resistant to: purple and red or orange, but pink varieties will do well in clay or lavender varieties also available Flower Season: blooms freely from Habit: compact and clump-forming Features: spring through fall Leaf Color: light green Growth Rate: moderate to fast Low maintenance.
Foliage: narrow, fine-textured Seasonal Interest: showy flowers leaves with long bloom season Fruit Color: Location Uses: beds, edging, color, containers Fruit Type:
Comments:
Unique flower – each tubular bloom is tipped with purple and with two upward facing ear-like red petals. Collectively they resemble the face of a bat.
Can become leggy and need cutting back.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Hortipedia: Non-commercial use of photo permitted under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial- Share Alike 3.0 License. Alfred Osterloh 2007 and 2010.
7/2012
Botanical Name: Clivia miniata Plant Type: Perennial Common Name: Bush Lily or Kaffir Lily
Family: Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis)
Height Range: 1 – 2 ft. Sun: full to partial shade with good Origin: South Africa indirect light (will burn in full sun) Width Range: 1 – 2 ft. Water: Attracts: snails
Flower: clusters of funnel shaped Soil Info: loam Resistant to: blooms in shades of orange (apricot, salmon, bright orange, red orange), yellow, or creamy white.
Flower Season: usually spring but Habit: clumping Features: Strap-like leaves can flower in early winter
Leaf Color: dark green usually but Growth Rate: slow to moderate some varieties are variegated
Foliage: shiny strap-shaped leaves Seasonal Interest: bloom season that arise from the soil directly opposite each other
Fruit Color: red Location Uses: borders, containers
Fruit Type: ornamental berries
Comments: Sensitive to freezing – should be placed in a protected area.
Clivia do not have bulbs or rhizomes, but as it evolved early in the botanical world, has a more primitive system of abundant rope-like bulbous roots.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: (top from left) #1 and #2 Sharon Hall ~ #3 Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder (www.missouribotanicalgardens.org) (lower right) wikipedia Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License 7/2012 Botanical Name: Hemerocallis Plant Type: Perennial Common Name: Daylily
Family: Hemerocallidaceae
Height Range: 1 – 3 ft. Sun: prefer full sun or light, dappled Origin: mixed – generally tropical (dwarf to standard) shade and temperate Eurasia and Austrailia Width Range: width generally Water: Attracts: approximates height Flower: clusters resembling lilies Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: Rabbits appear at the ends of leafless stems – each flower lasts only one day but flowers are numerous and bloom in turn
Flower Season: spring/summer Habit: clumping Features:
Leaf Color: variations of green Growth Rate: moderate to fast
Foliage: arching, sword-shaped Seasonal Interest: blooming leaves
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: raised planter, entryway, border, foundation, medians, color accent Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Daylilies have been widely hybridized – from the 1930’s when there were about 20 species of this plant, there are now 45,000 available in an incredible array of colors. An ever-expanding range of colors and patterns available.
Some varieties are bred for colder climates and are deciduous in the winter months. Temperate weather varieties are generally evergreen.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Phormium tenax/cookianum Plant Type: Perennial Common Name: Flax
Family: Phormiaceae or Agavaceae
Height Range: 18 in. to 8 ft. Sun: full sun to partial to full shade, Origin: New Zealand Many Selections depending on variety Width Range: same Water: to Attracts:
Flower: Some varieties of Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: established plants have annual branched clusters of tubular flowers rising on stems above the foliage. Flower Season: spring or summer Habit: bunching Features:
Leaf Color: Solid and variegated Growth Rate: moderate to fast Hardy, low maintenance selections. Colors intensified by cool weather. Some hybrids have color that is Foliage: dramatic, strap-like with Seasonal Interest: Variegated more stable (does not revert to many size and color choices selections provide year round color. green) with age. Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: focal point, border (smaller variety) foundation Phormium have leaves that are Fruit Type: n/a either upright, semi-arching, or arching.
Comments: Please ask your landscape volunteer for help in selecting the best for your needs. The photos above are only a sample of what is available.
Note: Phormium are often confused with cordyline (insert photo)which have a single exposed stalk from which stiff leaves grow. The flax foliage emerges from the crown at soil level.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012
Botanical Name: Pelargonium peltatum Plant Type: Perennial Common Name: Ivy Geranium Family: Geraniaceae (geranium)
Height Range: 1 – 1.5 ft. Sun: full or partial (blooms best in Origin: South Africa more sun) Width Range: 3 – 5 ft. Water: Attracts: hummingbirds, butterflies
Flower: Red, white, all shades of Soil Info: sandy, rocky, loam Resistant to: pink, rose, lavender. Inch-wide single or double flowers in clusters of 5 – 10 blooms
Flower Season: warm weather Habit: trailing Features:
Leaf Color: bright green Growth Rate: fast Considered “self-cleaning” as the flowering stem with time will drop Foliage: succulent, glossy 2 – 3” Seasonal Interest: off, keeping the plant looking neat. wide leaves with 5 lobes similar in This is a special asset on steep shape to ivy leaves hillsides/slopes.
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: ornamental, color, Prefer warm dry days and cool ground cover (NOT for erosion nights – our Sunset zone (24) is control) considered ideal. Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Newer cultivars of this variety may differ somewhat from the description above due to the hybrid process.
While they belong to the geranium family, they are not “true” geraniums – see Geranium incanum.
There are many pelargonium varieties. The Ivy Geranium is chosen as the ground cover choice because it is somewhat shorter and has a more naturally trailing habit. More varieties continually being produced.
Can develop aphids or whitefly. Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (from Left): #1: Use allowed by Creative Commons Attribution Attribution: Stojanoski Slave – Silfiriel, 2008 # 2, 3, 4: Sharon Hall
7/2011
Botanical Name: Lavandula dentata Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial Common Name: French Lavender
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae (mint family)
Height Range: 3 - 4 ft. Sun: Full sun Origin: Mediterranean
Width Range: 4 - 6 ft. Water: Attracts: Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, birds Flower: Purple/lavender flowers Soil Info: loam or sand, well drained Resistant to: are borne in whorls, held on spikes rising above the foliage
Flower Season: Spring & summer Habit: Erect Features: Fragrant Can be used for potpourri or dried Leaf Color: Green or gray-green Growth Rate: Moderate flowers.
Foliage: Narrow but thick leaves 1 - Seasonal Interest: 1.5 in. long with characteristic square teeth on the edge
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: Low hedges, edging, small spaces Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Many forms – shapes and sizes of lavender are available, well beyond the space available here. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) also widely available which is more fragrant, lower growing (8 - 24 inches) and very hardy; actually native to southern Europe.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low Photos (from Left): www.herbgarden.co.za wikimedia Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License wikipedia Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License Mountain Valley Growers/www.mountainvalleygrowers.com 6/2012
Botanical Name: Agapanthus Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial Common Name: Lily-of-the-Nile
Family: Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis or daffodil family)
Height Range: 1 – 3 ft. Sun: full sun to light shade Origin: South Africa (representing both standard and dwarf forms) Width Range: 1 – 2 ft. (varies with Water: to Attracts: butterflies age and bulb reproduction) (wide range of tolerance) Flower: colors range from white or Soil Info: unparticular as to type, Resistant to: no significant pests cream to pink, light to dark but not water logged or soggy soil blue/indigo/lavender. Flower clusters are born at the end of long bare stalk rising above the leaves.
Flower Season: summer Habit: clumping, pendulous Features:
Leaf Color: deep green Growth Rate: moderate Dwarf varieties in blue or white flowers with green leaves also Foliage: fountain-like clumps of Seasonal Interest: summer blooms available with variegated foliage strap shaped leaves up to 2ft. long which is attractive even tho it is a poor bloomer Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: accent, border, mass planting Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: An herbaceous perennial plant with bulbous underground stems called rhizomes - not actually a lily. Should be divided only infrequently – every six or seven years (bloom best when somewhat root-bound).
Standard varieties should not be planted along narrow walkways as they tend to droop into the path – safety hazard. Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012 Botanical Name: Ophiopogon japonicus Plant Type: Perennial Common Name: Mondo Grass or Monkey Grass
Family: Asparagaceae (asparagus)
Height Range: standard 6 – 12 in. Sun: partial/half shade or full shade Origin: Japan/Korea dwarf 4 – 6 in. Width Range: (see * below) re: Water: Attracts: spreading or clumping Flower: varies - white, blue, lilac, Soil Info: sandy, clay, loam, rocky Resistant to: pest and disease free purple but very inconspicuous and (unparticular) hidden by foliage Flower Season: summer Habit: (see * below) Features:
Leaf Color: Usually dark green altho Growth Rate: standard forms are Low maintenance variegated and other colored moderate while dwarfs are slow available Mat of tuberous roots make this Foliage: Evergreen – grows in tufts Seasonal Interest: Foliage is perennial drought tolerant. with glossy grass-like leaves 1/16 to attractive year round 1/4 in. wide
Fruit Color: blue or blue-black Location Uses: borders, foundation, small areas of ground cover, containers Fruit Type: berry
Comments: Not really a “grass.” Foliage resembles that of Liriope or lily-turf.
* Growth habit – some cultivars have runners which grow more quickly, producing a mat of foliage while others form more open patches or clumps. Clump varieties tend to be as wide as the clump is tall.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (clockwise from Left): #1 and #2 ~ Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder #3 (lower right) Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. 7/2012
Botanical Name: Limonium perezii Plant Type: Perennial Common Name: Sea Lavender, Statice
Family: Family: Plumbaginaceae (plumbago family)
Height Range: 2 - 3 ft. Sun: full sun or light shade Origin: Canary Islands
Width Range: 2 - 2.5 ft Water: Attracts: butterflies
Flower: large flower head of purple and white Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: usually not papery blooms on stiff stems – only the white is sought by rabbits actually the flower (as is true of the poinsettia)
Flower Season: long lasting blooms in spring Habit: upright Features: sturdy and and summer tolerant of a variety of conditions Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: moderate blooms can be used as dried Foliage: thick, simple, lobed leaves up to 1ft. Seasonal Interest: p flowers long (including stalks) and 4 in. wide
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: border, small area Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Removal of oldest looking flowers every month or so improves the appearance. Cutting back dead leaves once or twice a year protects the plant from overgrowing. The leaves grow mainly from the base and if dead leaves are not removed it invites a snail invasion. The true flower is white which does not survive as long as the purple bracts surrounding it. Unrelated to any of the lavenders except in name.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (clockwise from Left): PlantFiles at davesgarden.com (PotEmUp) PlantFiles at davesgarden.com (Happenstance) www.marciaritz.com 6/2012
Botanical Name: Tulbaghia violcea Plant Type: Perennial Common Name: Society Garlic
Family: Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis family)
Height Range: 1 – 2 ft. Sun: Full sun for maximum bloom Origin: South Africa but will tolerate partial shade Width Range: 12 – 18 in. Water: (adaptable) Attracts:
Flower: Flower cluster of 8 – 20 Soil Info: Not particular Resistant to: deer small, trumpet-shaped pinkish- lavender flowers on top of stems that rise from center of plant
Flower Season: Spring through Habit: Clump forming Features: summer to early fall Although there are no studies to Leaf Color: Blue-green or with Growth Rate: moderate prove that it works, many gardeners white/cream in variegated variety rely on society garlic to control the population of burrowing rodents. Foliage: Clumps of bluish-green Seasonal Interest: straight, narrow, evergreen leaves
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: Rock gardens, borders/edging, herb gardens, containers
Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: “Alba” variety has white flowers and “Silver Lace” has variegated leaves
USE SPARINGLY; NOT FOR MASS PLANTINGS – More than a few in proximity yield a strong garlic smell which is offensive to many.
Grown from rhizomes
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012
Botanical Name: Abelia x grandiflora Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Glossy Abelia
Family: Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle)
Height Range: varies, see below Sun: full to partial sun, BUT avoid Origin: China reflected heat Width Range: varies, see below Water: to (wide tolerance except Attracts: bees, birds, butterlies with extremes of water logged or very dry) Flower Color: light pink to lavender Soil Info: mostly sand to mostly Resistant to: deer / no serious or white, bell shaped in clusters and clay, unparticular disease or insect problems 0.7” in size Flower Season: spring and summer Habit: dense and rounded with Features: long bloom season graceful, arching branches blooms are very small but so profuse Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: moderate to fast they are showy - pleasant fragrance
Foliage: evergreen. small leaves Seasonal Interest: remains of flowers on new growth so pruning (0.5-1.5 in.), usually glossy with summer bloom and leaves often has shorter effect on bloom bronze cast to new leaves that bronze in fall become dark green (see variation selective pruning is best altho below). shearing is tolerated
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: border, foundation, rapid growth of spring shoots can or hedge appear untidy and leggy Fruit Type: n/a low maintenance
Comments: Selected Varieties – others are available. “Edward Goucher 4 – 6 feet high and 4 – 6 feet wide "Prostrata" low grower to 1.5 - 2 ft. tall and spreading to 4-5 ft. wide. Useful as ground cover or low shrub. "Kleidoscope" 2-3 ft. tall and 3-4 ft wide with colored variegated foliage (changes with season) and white flowers. "White marvel" 4-6 ft. high and wide with variegated green foliage with cream to gold margins and pink flowers. "Sunrise" 3-5 ft. high and 4-6 ft. wide with glossy green leaves with bright gold margins maturing to creamy yellow.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012
Botanical Name: Alyogyne huegelii Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Blue Hibiscus
Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)
Height Range: 5 – 8 ft. Sun: full to partial Origin: Australia
Width Range: 4 – 6 ft. Water: to Attracts: Butterflies
Flower: large flowers of various Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: deer colors but usually shades of violet, lilac, mauve.
Flower Season: spring through Habit: open, spreading Features: summer New shoots grow from old wood so Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: fast pruning is well tolerated with a good recover. Foliage: deeply cut evergreen Seasonal Interest: profuse leaves with rough finish flowering Pruning helps maintain fullness, shape. Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: accent plants, walkways, mass planting Fruit Type: n/a
Comments:
The “Blue Hibiscus” is neither blue nor a hibiscus.
Pronounced: Ally-OG'unny
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Bougainvillea Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Bougainvillea
Family: Nyctaginaceae (Four O’Clock Family)
Height Range: wide variety but Sun: full – minimum 5 hours Origin: hybridized from large South smaller shrubs are 2 – 4 ft. American vines Width Range: varies - smaller Water: Attracts: hummingbirds shrubs average 3 – 4 ft. Flower: small, generally white but Soil Info: clay, loam, or sand Resistant to: very disease and pest surropunded by magenta, purple, resistant pink, red, or white leaves (bracts): floriferous Flower Season: Feb – Nov in So. CA Habit: mounding, compact with Features: repeat bloomer spreading habit Tolerates trimming and shearing to maintain desired size. Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: moderate but varies Roots do not like to be disturbed so Foliage: heart-shaped, medium Seasonal Interest: bloom periods transplanting is not advised. weight, matte finish, woody with thorns Overwatering reduced blooms – Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: erosion control, prefers dryer environment.
Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: There are many sizes and colors of bougainvilleas from which to choose, all of which have been derived or hybridized from three species. “Bambino” collection has numerous types and colors that are dwarf shrubs generally 2 – 4 feet high and 3 – 5 feet wide – these smaller plants do not have the vining characteristics of the species “Ice” collection with variegated foliage and several color choices, slower growing compact form La Jolla (red), Rosenka (gold-pink), Singapore Pink and Singapore White (both relatively thornless), Temple Fire – example of larger shrub 4 – 6 feet high and wide, free standing and upright Growth cycles: 1) vegetative growth with new leaves, stems, and buds, 2) bloom period with no vegetative growth
Natural habitat is equatorial with days and nights of nearly equal length. Seasonal variations (long days, short nights) in North American summer diminish bloom cycle.
Another well known plant whose flowers are small with colorful bracts is the poinsettia.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012
Botanical Name: Buxus microphylla japonica Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Japanese Boxwood
Family: Buxaceae (box)
Height Range: 2 – 4 ft. Sun: full sun to shade Origin: Japan/Korea some variance, see below Width Range: 3 – 5 ft. Water: will tolerate lower water Attracts: levels when established Flower: insignificant – usually small Soil Info: sand/clay/loam Resistant to: rabbits yellow Flower Season: spring Habit: rounded, upright, compact Features: -Low maintenance Leaf Color: light to darker green Growth Rate: slow -Can be sheared or left unpruned Foliage: small, glossy, rounded Seasonal Interest: leaves of fine texture growing -Can be successfully grown in densely containers. Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: hedge, border, small spaces -Preferred to English Boxwood due Fruit Type: n/a to tolerance of drought, heat, and alkaline soil Comments: Varieties ‘Golden Dream’ : 2 – 3 ft. tall x 3 – 5 ft. wide; winter foliage turns yellow-green/bronze, returning to green in spring
‘Green Beauty’ : 4 – 6 ft. tall and wide
‘Green Mountain’ : naturally has a pyramidal shape, approximately 5’ high and 3’ wide
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (from Left): Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder Sharon Hall Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder 6/2012
Botanical Name: Coleonema pulchellum Plant Type: Shrub ‘compacta’ Common Name: Breath of Heaven or Pink Diosma
Family: Rutaceae (citrus family)
Height Range: 2 – 3 ft. Sun: full sun or light shade Origin: South Africa
Width Range: 4 – 6 ft. Water: to Attracts:
Flower: tiny, star-like, light pink Soil Info: avoid heavy soils unless Resistant to: rabbits on a slope Flower Season: late winter into Habit: graceful, rounded Features: spring, intermittent at other times This plant indeed has an ethereal Leaf Color: light green Growth Rate: moderate quality as it sways in the wind.
Foliage: delicate appearance with Seasonal Interest: attractive year delicate leaves which have a heath- round but particularly when like fragrance when brushed against blooming
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: accent plant
Fruit Type: n/a
Comments:
A larger variety of this plant is available “Coleonema pulchellum” 4 – 6 feet tall and wide. Non-compact form but other characteristics are similar.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
June 2012
Botanical Name: Carpenteria californica Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Bush Anemone
Family: Philadelphaceae (Mock Orange) (some sources say Hydrangaceae family)
Height Range: 4 – 6 ft. Sun: full or half Origin: CA Native
Width Range: 6 – 8 ft Water: but will accept garden Attracts: irrigation and conditions Flower: single anemone-shaped, Soil Info: clay or loam – the heavier Resistant to: deer scented flowers , 2-3 in. across, are soil mandates less water use glistening white with yellow centers Flower Season: summer Habit: many branching, dome Features: shaped Leaf Color: dark green above, Growth Rate: slow white underneath
Foliage: evergreen, 3 – 4 in. long, Seasonal Interest: bloom glossy and eliptical
Fruit Color: leathery cone-shaped Location Uses: hillsides/slopes for pod erosion control or accent plant
Fruit Type: seeds
Comments: The variety described above is “Elizabeth” which is more compact than the species. The Bush Anemone has become rare in nature.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (from Left): #1: Courtesy of Las Pilitas Nursery #2: CalPhotos. 2012. Regents of the University of California, Berkeley. Accessed on June 2, 2012. Available online at: http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/. #3: Courtesy of Las Pilitas Nursery June 2012
Botanical Name: Tecoma capensis Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Cape Honeysuckle
Family: Bignoniaceae (trumpet creeper/jacaranda)
Height Range: 6 – 8 ft. Sun: full sun or half Origin: South Africa
Width Range: 4 – 5 ft. Water: Attracts: hummingbirds, butterflies
Flower: brilliant orange-red in Soil Info: clay Resistant to: compact clusters at tips of stems
Flower Season: fall to spring or Habit: sprawling, rambling shrub Features: longer with vine-like attributes Easy to grow, vigorous, resilient. Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: fast Cape Honeysuckle looks best with Foliage: glossy, dark green – what Seasonal Interest: peak flowering trimming to keep its rambling appears to be a leaf is actually a in cooler months when other blooms growth under control ‘leaflet’ – leaves are composed of 7-9 are absent leaflets on a stem
Fruit Color: insignificant Location Uses: barrier hedge, slopes, screen Fruit Type: small capsule with seeds
Comments:
This shrub has a very aggressive root system and should NOT be placed near plumbing lines or walkways.
Tecoma capensis “Aurea” has a more subdued nature, although less vigorous, is somewhat smaller and has lighter green leaves with yellow-gold or yellow-orange flowers.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Cuphea ignea Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Cigar Plant
Family: Lythraceae (Loosestrife)
Height Range: 1.5 – 2.5 ft. Sun: full (but will tolerate some Origin: Mexico and West Indies shade) Width Range: 1.5 – 2.5 ft. Water: Attracts: hummingbirds, butterflies
Flower: small tubular bright red to Soil Info: sandy, loam Resistant to: no serious insects or orange flowers diseases known Flower Season: summer Habit: dense, rounding, compact Features:
Leaf Color: bright to dark green Growth Rate: fast
Foliage: evergreen, small narrow Seasonal Interest: long bloom and elliptical season Fruit Color: inconspicuous Location Uses: borders, accent, containers Fruit Type: capsules
Comments:
Flowers are tipped with a thin white rim and two purple-black petals, giving the appearance of a tiny burning cigar – therefore the common name “Cigar Plant.”
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (from Left): Wikipedia: Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License Southern Illinois University (www.phytoimages.siu.edu). Copyright © 2009 by D. L. Nickrent, [ref. DOL16897].
7/2012
Botanical Name: Westringia fruticosa Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Coast Rosemary
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Height Range: 3 – 6 ft. Sun: full to bright filtered shade Origin: Australia
Width Range: 6 – 8 ft. Water: Attracts:
Flower: white Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: rabbits
Flower Season: year round but Habit: spreading, rounded Features: peak in spring and summer * very hardy Leaf Color: medium green to gray- Growth Rate: moderate green * tolerate shearing
Foliage: evergreen, loose, Seasonal Interest: cool weather * long lived resembling rosemary at first glance, blooms but finer and softer to the touch – stems do not get as woody as the rosemary
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: foundation plantings (smaller forms) accent, hedge Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Varieties Available:
‘Wynabbie Gem:’ 3-6 ft. tall x 5-10 ft. wide – faster growing, upright, light lavender flowers
‘Smokey:’ 4-5 ft. tall x 4-5 ft. wide - crowded leaves with cream variegation along the margins, similar to Morning Light but more upright
‘Morning Light:’ 3-4 ft. tall x 3-4 ft. wide – cream and green variegated leaves – white flowers only in spring
‘Mia’s Wonder:’ 3 ft. tall x 3 ft. wide – smaller leaves and smaller overall – white to pale pink flowers
‘Mundi:’ 1 ½ ft. tall x 5 ft. wide – white flowers larger than typical for this plant
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Escallonia fradessii Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Escallonia
Family: Escalloniaceae (Escallonia family)
Height Range: variable, see below Sun: full to partial sun Origin: South America
Width Range: variable, see below Water: Attracts: birds, butterflies, bees
Flower: pink to rose, small trumpet Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: rabbits shaped blooms in clusters
Flower Season: spring – summer Habit: foliage fills to ground which Features: and intermittently prevents ‘leggy’ look – grows as wide Low maintenance or wider than height Leaf Color: dark glossy green Growth Rate: moderate Robust, hardy plant
Foliage: delicate in appearance, Seasonal Interest: may feel slightly sticky to touch
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: slopes, hedge or accent – use compact versions for foundation planting Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Varieties available: “Escallonia fradesii” aka “Pink Princess” 5 – 6 ft. tall and wide with rose flowers
“Lou Allen” (dwarf) 2 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide with shell pink flowers
“Newport Dwarf” 2 – 2 ½ ft. tall and 2 – 4 feet wide with red flowers
“Red Elf” 4 – 5 ft. tall and wide –pinkish red flowers
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2010
Botanical Name: Lorapetalum chinense Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Fringe Flower
Family: Hamamelidaceae (witch-hazel)
Height Range: varies – see below Sun: full sun to partial shade Origin: southeast Asia
Width Range: varies – see below Water: Attracts:
Flower: 2 inch clusters of blooms Soil Info: ideally loam but will be Resistant to: no major insect or with four ribbon-like petals – white successful in other soil types disease problems to pink or almost red Flower Season: heaviest in spring Habit: loose, open form with Features: but intermittent through summer graceful arching branches Can be pruned freely – after bloom Leaf Color: varies – see below Growth Rate: moderate when needed to maintain desired size. Foliage: evergreen – varies, see Seasonal Interest: year round below Heat and drought tolerant when Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: depending on established. height, taller as screen and shorter as hedge, specimen plant Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Lorapetalum chinense species shrub has white flowers with tiers of arching branches which can grow 6 – 10 feet tall and wide but most often is 3 – 5 feet. It has round, tapering light green leaves 1 – 2 in. long. From this shrub other varieties with pink to red colored foliage and pink blooms have become available.
Pipa’s Red is an example of a newer variety with dark purple foliage and bright pink flowers – 5 ft. tall and wide.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder
9/2012
Botanical Name: Grevillea lanigera Plant Type: Shrub Grevillea Noelii Family: Proteaceae (Protea family)
Height Range: see below Sun: full Origin: Australia
Width Range: see below Water: Attracts: hummingbirds
Flower: long, slender, curved Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: deer flowers – these two are pink Flower Season: intermittent year Habit: spreading Features: round Flower clusters unlike anything else in the gardening world – all colors Leaf Color: green Growth Rate: moderate but most commonly orange, pink, red, yellow. Foliage: fine textured Seasonal Interest: long bloom period A member of the Protea family, this Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: group of striking and diverse plants is one of the oldest types of Fruit Type: n/a flowering plants on earth.
Comments: Other, larger varieties are available.
Grevillea laningera ‘Coastal Gem:’ 1 ft. tall x 4-5 ft. wide
Grevillea Noellii: 4 ft. tall x 4-5 ft. wide
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Nandina domestica Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Heavenly Bamboo
Family: Berberidaceae (barberry family)
Height Range: many variations Sun: full or part sun: will tolerate Origin: China and Japan Larger varieties: 4 – 8 ft. full shade but leaf color, blooms, and Compact varieties: 2 – 4 ft. fruit will be less vibrant
Width Range: 2 – 4 ft. Water: Attracts: birds
Flower: pinkish white or creamy Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: rabbits white in 6 – 12 inch clusters at branch ends
Flower Season: late spring or early Habit: upright Features: Appearance is summer reminiscent of bamboo with lightly branched, cane-like stems and Leaf Color: light green Growth Rate: slow to moderate delicate, fine-textured, lacy-looking foliage Foliage: emerges pinkish then Seasonal Interest: year-round green but to bronze/purple in fall/often crimson in winter
Fruit Color: red (if more than one Location Uses: foundational hedge plant, single shrubs seldom bear) planting, group for color accent Fruit Type: decorative berry
Comments: Dwarf forms (18”) are available.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012
Botanical Name: Rhaphiolepsis indica Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Indian Hawthorn
Family: Rosaceae (rose)
Height Range: 4 – 5 ft. Sun: full sun to light shade Origin: Southern China
Width Range: 4 ft. Water: to Attracts: bees, butterflies, birds
Flower: profuse 5-petaled star Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: deer shaped white to pink flowers in loose clusters with mild fragrance Flower Season: spring Habit: dense, rounded Features:
Leaf Color: dark green – young Growth Rate: moderate Can develop leaf spot fungus, but is a leaves may emerge reddish-orange remarkably resilient and hardy Foliage: evergreen, thick/leathery Seasonal Interest: plant. leaves 2-3” long by 1-1¼” wide – some with smooth margins, others serrated Fruit Color: blue-black Location Uses: foundation, divider, informal hedge Fruit Type: small berries enjoyed by birds Comments: Variation in size/flower: “Clara” – white flowers “Enchantress” – 2-4 ft. high x 3-4 ft. wide with rose-pink flowers “Jack Evans” – 4-5 ft. high x 4 ft. wide with bright pink flowers “Pinkie” – 4 ft. high x 4 ft. wide with rose pink flowers “Majestic Beauty” – 8-10 ft. high x 8 ft wide – can be trained as small tree to 10 or 20ft. in height with pink flowers Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012
Botanical Name: Juniperus Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Juniper
Family: Cupressaceae (Cypress)
Height Range: see below Sun: full sun to partial sun Origin: Asia
Width Range: see below Water: Attracts: birds
Flower: n/a Soil Info: sandy, clay, loam, rocky Resistant to: rabbits
Flower Season: n/a Habit: highly variable – mounding, Features: spreading, arching, twisting, spirelike. The juniper is a conifer even though Leaf Color: dark or light green, Growth Rate: moderate to fast it produces a berry instead of a cone. silvery blue, gray, creamy yellow, variegated shading
Foliage: needles or overlaid scales Seasonal Interest:
Fruit Color: blue Location Uses: groundcover to large shrub Fruit Type: berry, often aromatic
Comments: Few plants come in as many forms and shapes. Foliage (juvenile) may consist of small, prickly needles or (mature) tiny overlapping scales – or both may be on the same plant. The wide variety of selections range from a few inches high to very tall shrubs.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (left to right):
CalPhotos. 2012. Regents of the University of California, Berkeley. Accessed on August 7, 2012. Available online at: http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/. © 2006 Louis-M. Landry
Arizona State University (http://public.asu.edu/~camartin/Martin%20landscape%20plant%library.htm), Dr. Chris A. Martin, photographer.
7/2012
Botanical Name: Pittosporum tenufolium Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Kohuhu
Family: Pittosporaceae (pittosporum family)
Height Range: varies, see below. Sun: sun or shade Origin: New Zealand
Width Range: varies, see below. Water: to Attracts:
Flower: dark reddish purple, not Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: showy – scent only at night
Flower Season: spring Habit: upright, nice shape, airy, Features: graceful, and open Leaf Color: medium green Growth Rate: moderate to fast Easily kept trimmed/sheared to smaller sizes. Foliage: evergreen; small, glossy, Seasonal Interest: foliage oval held on dark, nearly black stems Low maintenance and reliably hardy.
Fruit Color: often orange Location Uses: dependent on size
Fruit Type: spherical woody fruit open to reveal sticky seeds
Comments: (varieties available) ‘Irene Patterson;’ 6 ft. tall x 6-8 ft. wide (variegated) ‘Kirsti;’ 4 – 6 ft. tall x 4 – 6 ft. wide ‘Marjorie Channon;’ 8 ft. tall x 8 ft. wide (variegated) ‘Silver Nugget;’ 4 ft. tall x 3 ft. wide ‘Theodore;’ 3-6 ft. wide x 4-5 ft. wide – bright green leaves are larger than most tenufoliums
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Lantana camara Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Lantana or Spanish Flag
Family: Verbenaceae (Vervain or Verbena family)
Height Range: 3 – 4 ft. Sun: Full sun for blossoms but will Origin: Tropical Americas, Africa survive in partial shade Width Range: 1 – 3 ft. Water: to Attracts: butterflies
Flower: domed flower clusters, Soil Info: p Resistant to: often mixed, in white, yellow, orange, red, or purple. Flowers often change color as they mature.
Flower Season: Some year-round, Habit: Mounding Features: Reliable source of color, depending on specific type but at low-maintenance, hardy. least April - November
Leaf Color: green Growth Rate: fast
Foliage: Stems square, leaves up to Seasonal Interest: Year-round 2 ” wide, long, rough-textured with coarsely toothed edges (very similar to the ground cover variety, but larger)
Fruit Color: blue-black Location Uses: Dependent mostly on height of cultivar chosen – background or foreground, erosion control, walkways, foundational plantings, slopes, banks, planters. Fruit Type: small berry
Comments: This is the most common Lantana species in cultivation – there are many from which to choose with a fair amount of variety in height and spreading tendency. Some are hybrids combining the ground cover variety with the bushier camara. The shorter cultivars may bloom more profusely than the taller. New versions are released frequently.
Numerous cultivars of this species exist, including 'Irene', 'Christine' and 'Dallas Red' (all tall-growing cultivars) and several recently introduced shorter ones.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low Photos (from Left): #1: Wikimedia Commons: Attributed to Forest and Kim Starr #2, 3, 4: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Callistemon viminalis (dwarf) Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Little John Bottlebrush
Family: Myrtaceae (myrtle family)
Height Range: 2 – 3 ft. Sun: Full for peak blooming but will Origin: Australia tolerate partial shade Width Range: 2 – 3 ft. Water: but tolerates regular Attracts: Hummingbirds, bees irrigation Flower: red, dense bristle-like Soil Info: loam, sand Resistant to: deer spikes resembling a ‘bottlebrush’
Flower Season: Spring/Summer Habit: Mounding, compact Features: Low maintenance peak and intermittent year round Drought tolerant when established. Leaf Color: blue-green or grey- Growth Rate: Medium green
Foliage: 3” long, fine textured, Seasonal Interest: matte finish, new growth has fuzzy texture - evergreen
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: Small spaces
Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Pollen is an allergen.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012
Botanical Name: Arctostaphylos densiflora Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Manzanita
Family: Ericaceae (heath)
Height Range: varies widely – see Sun: full with exceptions below Origin: CA Native below Width Range: see below Water: to Attracts: birds, hummingbirds, bees
Flower: clusters of fragrant upside- Soil Info: generally unparticular Resistant to: deer down pitcher-shaped flowers from altho clay and other heavy soil not white to pale pink. Color of a plant’s tolerated by all – see below blooms may vary from year to year. Flower Season: winter-spring Habit: Manzanitas tend have an Features: interesting form and structure Manzanita are classic chaparral Leaf Color: varies – see below Growth Rate: see below plants – widely distributed from the coast to lower mountain ranges. Foliage: stiff, leathery on reddish Seasonal Interest: handsome and stems or branches attractive year round, neat looking The larger smooth barked shrubs Fruit Color: reddish, ages to Location Uses: Primarily for slopes shed their bark every year at the end cinnamon brown and erosion control. MUST be paired of growing season, marking the start only with low-water use plants. of the warm weather dormancy. Fruit Type: berries
Comments: Varieties available: “Howard McMinn” (aka Vine Hill Manzanita) 7ft x 7ft (accepts pruning for smaller size) – tolerates partial shade – slow growth – glossy green smooth leaves – tolerates clay soil – tolerates garden irrigation – most tolerant of regular garden conditions (photo above, left)
“Dr. Hurd” 12ft x 15ft – particularly intended for slopes – open structure showing off dark mahogany red stems – moderately fast growth – light green leaves - tolerates clay soil
“John Dourley” 2-3 ft x 6-8 ft – does not tolerate clay well – slow growth – blue-green leaves
“Pacific Mist” 2-3 ft x 6-10 ft – tolerates clay – moderately fast growth – gray-green leaves
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Courtesy of El Nativo Growers (www.elnativogrowers.com)
6/2012
Botanical Name: Cuphea hyssopifolia Plant Type: Shrub(sub) Common Name: Mexican or False Heather
Family: Lythraeae (Loosestrife family)
Height Range: 12 – 18 in. Sun: full to light shade Origin: Mexico, Hoduras, and Guatemala Width Range: 12 – 18 in. Water: Drought tolerant Attracts: butterflies, hummingbirds
Flower: tiny pink, purple, or (less Soil Info: sand, clay, loam, rocky Resistant to: deer commonly) white emerge where leaf (unparticular) attaches to stem
Flower Season: spring – fall with Habit: compact, flat-topped Features: other intermittent periods mounding Pruning rarely needed except to Leaf Color: bright glossy green Growth Rate: fast to moderate make it fuller.
Foliage: flat feathery sprays, highly Seasonal Interest: spring, summer, Fern-like appearance branched, finely textured fall Tough, resilient Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: borders, containers, small spaces, with other taller, or Well developed root system ground cover Fruit Type: n/a Low maintenance
Comments: Does not tolerate severe frost.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (clockwise from Left): #1 and 2: Sharon Hall #3: Wikimedia - use licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike: by Titanium 22/Tokyo, Japan
6/2012
Botanical Name: Coprosma repens Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Mirror Plant
Family: Rubiaceae (coffee family)
Height Range: varies, see below Sun: partial to full sun except as Origin: New Zealand noted below Width Range: see below Water: Attracts:
Flower: insignificant Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: deer
Flower Season: n/a Habit: spreading Features:
Leaf Color: varies Growth Rate: moderate Tolerate shearing without damaging appearance, shape. Foliage: shiny, glossy Seasonal Interest: year round foliage interest – colors deepen in winter Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: accent plant, hedge, foundation Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: Varieties Available:
Black Cloud – 3ft. tall x 3ft. wide – glossy green leaves stained with black
Evening Glow – 5ft. x 3-4 ft. – glossy green leaves with gold variegation in summer and rusty orange-red in winter
Rainbow Surprise – 4 ft. tall and wide – glossy green and cream leaves tinged wit gold and pink
Marble Queen (shown above) – part sun only – 3-5ft. x 4-6ft. – glossy white and green variegated foliage
Tequila Sunrise – full sun only – pyramidal shaped – 5 ft. tall
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Pittosporum tobira Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Japanese Mock Orange
Family: Pittosporaceae (pittosporum family)
Height Range: 6 – 12 ft. Sun: full sun to shade Origin: China, Japan
Width Range: 6 – 12 ft. Water: to Attracts:
Flower: clusters of small, fragrant Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: rabbits white-to-cream 5-petaled flowers at branch ends Flower Season: spring Habit: upright, dense, rounded Features: *long life span Leaf Color: green Growth Rate: moderate to slow *blossoms smell like citrus blossoms *low maintenance Foliage: evergreen, oval/elliptical Seasonal Interest: *smaller varieties can be grown in with edges that curl under, leathery, containers arranged in whorls around branch *lower branches of older plants can Fruit Color: small round woody Location Uses: hedges, privacy be removed to make a small tree capsules that open to small orange screen – does not shear well – for covered seeds areas where shearing (as opposed to Fruit Type: seeds selective pruning) will be used, use a smaller variety (below)
Comments: Can develop leaf spot, mealybugs, aphids
Other Smaller Varieties Variegated – 4-6 ft. tall and wide – gray-green leaves with irregular cream margins
Wheeler’s Dwarf – 2-3 ft. tall x 4-5 ft. wide – same green leaves as the standard larger version
Turner’s Dwarf – 30 inches tall x 2-3 ft. wide – variegated dwarf with leaves similar to the standard variegated above
Cream de Mint – 2-2.5 feet tall and wide – variegated leaves similar to Turner’s
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012
Botanical Name: Myrtus communis compacta Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Dwarf Myrtle Family: Myrtaceae (myrtle family)
Height Range: 2 - 3' Sun: full sun to partial shade or Origin: Mediterranean reflected light Width Range: 2 - 3' Water: - drought tolerant, low Attracts: bees, butterflies, birds to moderate Flower Color: very small, pale pink Soil Info: any, prefers good Resistant to: deer (3/4") drainage
Flower Season: late fall, early Habit: rounded Features: fragrant blooms winter Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: relatively slow growing Foliage: evergreen, dense, small Seasonal Interest: glossy 1" leaves Fruit Color: Location Uses: small shrub, low hedge, topiary Fruit Type: small blue-black berries after flowering Comments:
1. takes pruning/shearing well 2. variegated variety sometimes available
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: #1 Sharon Hall #2 and 3 Courtesy Mountain Valley Growers (www.mountainvalleygrowers.com)
6/2012
Botanical Name: Myrica californica Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Pacific Wax Myrtle
Family: Myricaceae (wax-myrtle/bayberry family)
Height Range: 10-30 ft. (usually Sun: full to partial shade Origin: Native to the Pacific Coast smaller – can be kept smaller) and coastal valleys from Washington to southern California Width Range: 10-20 ft. Water: - tolerates wide range of Attracts: birds, butterflies water conditions Flower: inconspicuous yellow- Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: deer green flowers
Flower Season: spring Habit: densely branched – can be Features: trimmed to small tree shape Leaf Color: new growth is apple- Growth Rate: fast High wind tolerance. green but matures to forest green Very resilient and long-lived. Foliage: glossy, leathery ¾ inch Seasonal Interest: handsome large wide and 4 inches long – gray bark. shrub Evergreen
Fruit Color: purple-brown Location Uses: screen or soften visual impact of unattractive buildings or sites Fruit Type: berries
Comments:
Leaves have a subtle spicy fragrance and can be used to flavor sauces and other foods, similar to the use of bay leaves.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (from Left): #1: Courtesy of Las Pilitas Nursery #2 and 3: CalPhotos. 2012. Regents of the University of California, Berkeley. Accessed on June 2, 2012. Available online at: http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/. June 2012
Botanical Name: Polygala fruticosa Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Petite Butterfly
Family: Polygalaceae (milkwort family)
Height Range: 2 – 3 ft. Sun: full sun to light shade Origin: South Africa
Width Range: 2 – 3 ft. Water: to Attracts:
Flower: pinkish purple winged Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: blooms with white crest
Flower Season: strongest spring Habit: compact, rounded Features: and summer but also year-round Does well as a container plant. Leaf Color: soft green Growth Rate: moderate
Foliage: evergreen, round, smooth, Seasonal Interest: glossy
Fruit Color: Location Uses: color, small spaces
Fruit Type:
Comments:
A similar shrub, slightly larger, is also available: Polygala virgata ‘Portola’ (4-6 ft. tall x 3-5 ft. wide)
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Echium candicans Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Pride of Madeira
Family: Boraginaceae (borages)
Height Range: 4 – 6 ft. Sun: full Origin: Madeira Islands
Width Range: 4 – 6 ft. Water: to Attracts: bees, butterflies, birds
Flower: varies (white, blue, violet, Soil Info: clay, rocky (prefers poor Resistant to: deer or pink) with cultivar, borne on tall soils) stalks
Flower Season: spring to summer Habit: shrubby, branching Features:
Leaf Color: gray-green - silvery Growth Rate: fast
Foliage: evergreen; long, lance- Seasonal Interest: flowering shaped leaves
Fruit Color: brown Location Uses: hillsides, slopes
Fruit Type: seed
Comments:
Should be severely cut back before winter – reseeds itself – spent flower stalks should be pruned for appearance.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (Left to Right): #1- CalPhotos. 2012. Regents of the University of California, Berkeley. Accessed on August 2, 2012, © 2009 Neal Kramer. # 2 - Courtesy Cal-IPC, Joseph DiTomaso #3-4 - CalPhotos 2012. Regents of the University of California, Berkeley. Accessed on August 2, 2012, © Neal Kramer.
7/2012
Botanical Name: Pyracantha coccinea Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Pyracantha or Firethorn
Family: Rosaceae (rose family)
Height Range: see below Sun: prefers full sun Origin: eastern Mediterranean
Width Range: see below Water: Attracts: bees, birds
Flower: clusters of small, fragrant, Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: white
Flower Season: spring Habit: rounded, arching, spreading Features:
Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: fast This shrub is naturally arching, flowing, and wide-spreading. Its Foliage: small, glossy, rounded at Seasonal Interest: flowers (spring) appearance and berry production ends with thorny stems berries (winter) will be improved with very little pruning. Select the right size plant Fruit Color: bright red or orange Location Uses: hedge or privacy (at maturity) and then prune only to screen remove wayward branches. Fruit Type: berries – winter, persist until eaten by birds Low maintenace
Comments: Varieties Available:
“Kasan” – 8-10 ft. tall x 6-8 ft. wide with orange-red berries
“Lowboy” – 2-3 ft. tall x 6-8 ft. wide with bright orange berries
“Rutgers” – 2-3 ft. tall x 4-5 ft. wide with orange berries and excellent disease resistance
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Cistus Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Rockrose
Family: Cistaceae (rockrose family)
Height Range: varies by variety but Sun: full Origin: Mediterranean averages about 4 ft. – see below
Width Range: varies by variety – Water: to (will NOT tolerate Attracts: butterflies, hummingbirds see below persistent warm weather dampness) Flower: showy 5-petaled flowers Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: deer ranging from white to purple and dark pink – petals thin and crinkly like tissue paper Flower Season: spring to early Habit: dense, bushy - Does not Features: summer require pruning – should never be hard pruned but will tolerate light Each flower lasts only one day but is sheering to maintain shape. a prolific bloomer, producing large Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: moderate to fast numbers of flowers.
Foliage: narrow, 2 inches long, Seasonal Interest: blooming Useful in fire-hazard areas. oval, crinkled - evergreen Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: border, accent, Good erosion control. slopes Fruit Type: n/a Groundcover variety also available.
Comments: Varieties Available
Cistus “purpureus” 4-6 ft. tall and wide (often wider than tall) with magenta-purple flowers
Cistus “ladanifer” 5-6 ft. tall and slightly narrower, upright, with bright white flowers with a bold red spot at the base of each petal (largest flowers of the rockroses), leaves are slightly sticky and fragrant in summer heat
Cistus “skanbergii” 2-3 ft. tall x 4-5 ft. wide, low dense with gray-green foliage, 1” pale pink blooms with yellow centers – smaller than most rockroses but so profuse they cover the plant and have an attractive metallic sheen
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012
Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Rosemary
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae (mint)
Height Range: see below Sun: at least 6 hrs a day direct sun Origin: Mediterranean
Width Range: see below Water: to Attracts: birds, butterflies, bees
Flower: ¼ - ½ inch in various Soil Info: not particular Resistant to: rabbits shades of blue (rarely white or pink) Flower Season: winter, spring Habit: some upright, some Features: prostrate and spreading *woody perennial herb Leaf Color: dark green above, Growth Rate: moderate to fast *tough and versatile, useful in grayish white below *erosion control *leaves used as seasoning Foliage: resemble pine needles in Seasonal Interest: p *flowers used as garnish shape, 1 - 1 ½ “ long, aromatic *low maintenance Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: single specimen planting, hedges, groundcover (depending on variety) Fruit Type: n/a
Comments: A wide variety of shapes and sizes are available, including:
Tuscan Blue: tall, upright, dense, bushy, width usually less than height. Olive green foliage with red-brown stems. Good flavor. Ht. 3 – 6 ft and 3 – 5 ft wide. Lavender blue flowers larger than other varieties.
Rosea: Compact, even growth with semi-prostrate habit, Ht. 3 – 3.5 ft and 3 feet wide. Mid-green foliage with strongest scent of best known varieties. Pink flowers.
Majorca Pink: Tender with an arching habit, small, dull green leaves. Dense, bushy, upright branches eventually droop under their own weight. Ht. is 4' and 12-24" wide. Picturesque shape. Lilac-pink flowers.
Ken Taylor sprawling habit with arching branches up to 3 ft long. Reaches 2 – 4 ft tall and 4 – 5 ft wide. Deep blue flowers.
Rosemary, the herb of remembrance, friendship and love, has been used as a medicinal and aromatic herb for thousands of years. In ancient Greece students wore it in their hair to improve memory.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (from Left): 1 and 2: Courtesy Mountain Valley Growers (www.mountainvalleygrowers.com) 3 and 4: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Salvia Plant Type: Shrub/Perennial Common Name: Sage
Family: Lamiaceae (mint)
There are many kinds of salvias but not all salvias are appropriate for our irrigation system and landscape maintenance. If they are to be kept well they are not a low maintenance plant – most require deadheading and removal of spent flower stalks regularly. They can be a great asset to landscaping when chosen and placed correctly. This main description discusses the general attributes of the salvia as a group. Specific examples are shown below.
Height Range: varies, see below Sun: generally full sun, see below Origin: varies
Width Range: varies, see below Water: Attracts: hummingbirds, butterflies
Flower: two lipped flowers, spaced Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: evenly along stalks or tightly crowded, resembling on long spike of color. Many colors, pastel to brilliant. Some are fragrant. Flower Season: varies Habit: varies Features:
Leaf Color: varies Growth Rate: generally moderate The largest group of plants in the to fast mint family with over 900 species Foliage: all sages have square stems Seasonal Interest: worldwide. Very diverse. evergreen Fruit Color: Location Uses: dependent on size
Fruit Type:
Comments: (shrubs are somewhat woodier than herbaceous perennials) Salvia chamaedryoides (Germander Sage, a perennial). 1-2 ft. tall x 2-3 ft. wide, rounded shape native to Eastern Mexico – silvery foliage – true blue flowers – sun or light shade S. clevelandii (Cleveland Sage, a shrub). Use only compact form such as ‘Winifred Gilman,’ mounding, upright 3’x 3’ native to CA – aromatic gray-green foliage – clusters of electric blue-purple flowers S. greggii (Autumn Sage, a shrub) – Use compact form or similar as the Heatwave series (8 types of plants) bushy 30”x 36” – native to Texas, Mexico – green foliage – salmon, red, shades of pink, white flower choices S. microphylla (a shrub, ‘Hot Lips’ variety or similar) – 3’ x 3-4’ with bushy habit native to AZ and Mexico – dark gray-green foliate with bi-color red and white flowers S. nemorosa, a perennial – 1½ - 3’ x 2-3’ – erect, branching flower spikes rise from tight foliage rosettes – somewhat sprawling - native to Eastern Europe across Central Asia – wrinkled dull green foliage S. spathacea (Hummingbird Sage, a perennial) – 1-2’ x 3-4’ but flower stems rise 2-3’ above foliage native to CA – wrinkled, lance shaped leaves 6 – 10” long – a “hummingbird magnet” Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Courtesy of Mountain Valley Growers (mountainvalleygrowers.com)
6/2012
Botanical Name: Eriogonum giganteum Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: St. Catherine’s Lace
Family: Polygonaceae (buckwheat)
Height Range: 4 – 8 ft. Sun: full or half Origin: CA Native (Catalina, San Clemente, and Santa Barbara Islands) Width Range: 6 – 8 ft. Water: Attracts: butterflies
Flower: flat-topped, lacy clusters of Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: deer pinkish-white flowers which bloom in summer and mature into a warm reddish rust color – clusters may be 1 ft. across and rise above the foliage
Flower Season: summer thru fall Habit: rounded, maturing to a more Features: irregular sculptural quality Leaf Color: gray (silvery green on Growth Rate: fast top and felty white underneath)
Foliage: crinkly, oval 1-2 ½ inches Seasonal Interest: attractive most long with overall fuzzy texture of year, blooms are spectacular
Fruit Color: grayish-brown Location Uses: slopes for erosion control or privacy screen, accent specimen Fruit Type: seed
Comments:
Flower clusters make excellent and very long-lasting dried flowers.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Courtesy of Las Pilitas Nursery
June 2012
Botanical Name: Camellia sasanqua Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Sun Camellia
Family: Theaceae (tea family)
Height Range: see below Sun: part-sun to filtered shade Origin: Japan
Width Range: see below Water: Attracts:
Flower: pink, red, white, multi- Soil Info: loam, loam-clay, sandy Resistant to: colored – semi double, ruffled, double or semi-double Flower Season: cool weather Habit: upright, spreading Features:
Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: moderate Some of the larger sasanquas are vining and tall – the pallet includes Foliage: shiny, 1 ½ - 3 ½” long Seasonal Interest: only those that are shrubby and more compact. Fruit Color: brown Location Uses: accent, hedge, or foundation plant Fruit Type: seed pods
Comments: The camellia that is most commonly seen is Camellia japonica – only Camellia sasanqua is on the OCA Palette because it has much lower water requirements than the japonica. Sasanqua has smaller leaves and flowers.
‘Chansonette:’ 2 – 3 ft. tall x 6 ft. wide – pink flower
'Shishi Gashira:' 4-5 ft. tall x 6 ft. wide – pink flower
‘Bonanza:’ 4 ft. tall x 6 ft. wide – red flower
‘White Doves:’ 4 – 5 ft. tall and wide – white flower
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (from Left): Courtesy of Rainy Side Gardeners (www.rainyside.com) Courtesy of www.paghat.com 6/2012
Botanical Name: Sarcococca ruscifolia Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Sweet Box
Family: Busaceae (boxwood)
Height Range: 3 ft. Sun: partial to full shade Origin: China
Width Range: 3 ft. Water: - Attracts: birds
Flower: small, fragrant, milky white Soil Info: sandy loam to some clay Resistant to: deer, most garden pests Flower Season: late winter, early Habit: irregular to rounded with Features: spring upright arching branches - will naturally espalier against walls Unpretentious but graceful in Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: slow to moderate appearance - very sweet blossoms (often called "vanilla plant") Foliage: leathery, lustrous, glossy Seasonal Interest: winter color
Fruit Color: red berries Location Uses: shade
Fruit Type: berries are ornamental only and do not attract wildlife
Comments: sar-ko-KOHK-a rus-si-FOH-li-a
Tolerates trimming for shape
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (from Left): #1 and 2: Sharon Hall #3: Courtesy Rainy Side Gardeners (www.rainyside.com)
6/2012
Botanical Name: Lavatera maritima Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Tree Mallow
Family: Malvaceae (mallow family)
Height Range: 4 – 6 ft. Sun: full sun to light shade Origin: Mediterranean
Width Range: 4 – 6 ft. Water: Attracts:
Flower: large (2-3”) light lavender Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: rabbits to pink flowers with lavender veins running from center
Flower Season: year round with Habit: rounded, open Features: peak in summer/fall
Leaf Color: gray-green Growth Rate: moderate
Foliage: evergreen, fuzzy, maple- Seasonal Interest: like, spirally arranged on stem
Fruit Color: n/a Location Uses: background, accent, erosion control Fruit Type: usually does not set seed
Comments:
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Viburnum tinus Plant Type: Shrub Common Name: Viburnum
Family: Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle)
Height Range: 4 – 6 ft. Sun: full sun to light shade Origin: Mediterranean
Width Range: 4 – 6 ft. Water: Attracts: birds, butterflies
Flower: lightly fragrant pink-white Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to: deer flowers clustered at branch tips
Flower Season: fall to spring Habit: dense, upright, compact Features:
Leaf Color: dark green Growth Rate: moderate
Foliage: evergreen, oblong shiney Seasonal Interest: grows densely to the ground, avoiding a ‘leggy’ look
Fruit Color: emerges metallic-blue, Location Uses: hedge or accent fading to blue-black with age plant
Fruit Type: ornamental berries
Comments:
The description above is that for the variety ‘Spring Bouquet.’ Most Viburnums are 2 – 3 times the size so selection of the right plant for the space is critical. Other small varieties are available.
Does not lend itself to trimming by shearing – requires selective pruning, a factor to be considered in selection.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Courtesy of www.rainyside.com
6/2012
Botanical Name: Geijera parviflora Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Australian Willow
Family: Rutaceae (citrus family)
Height Range: 20 – 30 ft. Sun: full sun Origin: Australia
Width Range: 15 – 20 ft. Water: to Attracts:
Tree Shape: upright, oval, Soil Info: clay, sandy, loam Resistant to: symmetrical – single trunk with low branches – dense crown Habit: young trees are oval but Growth Rate: moderate – fast Susceptible to: No known major increasingly weeping with age, (24 – 36 inches per season) diseases or pests moderate shade Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: white/cream/grey (small, Location Uses: Street sides, not showy) medians, parks, lawns. Leaf Color: olive green Flower Season: spring or fall Features: * deep, non-invasive roots Foliage/Bark: thin, narrow leaves Fruit Color/Type: inconspicuous * trouble-free maintenance 3 – 6 inches long, ¼ inch wide. Bark capsules (greenish-brown) do not * needs trimming only for shaping, becomes reddish brown with age. attract wildlife, minor litter problem much less than the true willow Branch Strength: medium * great ornamental features
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: attractive year Low round but not showy Comments: Inner branches strong, wind-resistant, directed upward while outer branches tend to hang down (especially with age), giving it a weeping look.
Has the toughness of the eucalyptus with the grace of a willow.
Low branches and weeping habit can become sidewalk or pathway obstacles.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012
Botanical Name: Lophostemon confertus Plant Type: Tree (formerly Tristania conferta) Common Name: Brisbane Box
Family: Myrtaceae (myrtle family)
Height Range: 30 – 45 ft. Sun: full sun to partial shade Origin: Australia (somewhat variable)
Width Range: 20 – 30 ft. Water: to Attracts: birds
Tree Shape: oval/erect when young Soil Info: clay, loam, or sand Resistant to: becoming rounded and spreading with age Habit: erect, moderately dense Growth Rate: moderate to fast (24” Susceptible to: No known shade per season) significant pest problems
Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: ¾-in. white-cream color in Location Uses: street sides, clusters of 3 – 7; showy and fragran medians, parks, and lawns Leaf Color: red, bright green, Flower Season: summer Features: maturing to green with matte finish
Foliage/Bark: lance shaped, Fruit Color/Type: woody capsules leathery 4 – 6 inches long in whorl. similar to eucalyptus – dry fruit litter Showy reddish bark exfoliates with smooth, light bark beneath.
Branch Strength: medium
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: moderate Comments: Polished and clean looking year round. young mature
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012: rev 7/12
Botanical Name: Calodendrum capense Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Cape Chesnut
Family: Rutaceae (rue or citrus family)
Height Range: 20 – 40 ft. Sun: full sun Origin: South Africa
Width Range: 25 – 40 ft. Water: Attracts: butterflies
Tree Shape: rounded – see sketch Soil Info: light clay or loam Resistant to:
Habit: spreading and dense with Growth Rate: slow (12”/season) Susceptible to: no significant pest low, rounded canopy problems known Foliage Season: Deciduous Flower: rose lilac candelabra-like Location Uses: medians, parkways, (briefly) flowers clusters carried upright specimen or street trees above foliage on branch tips – individual flowers have 5 narrow petals 1.5” long – lightly scented Leaf Color: light to medium green Flower Season: spring or summer Features: with some color in fall Foliage/Bark: oval, smooth edged, Fruit Color/Type: brown woody, Fire resistant and highly ornamental 3-6” long and 1-2” wide, showing its 1.5” capsule with a burr-like surface relation to citrus. Moderately dense. of knobbly prickles Leaves studded with oil cysts that Trunk smooth and mottled gray. appear transparent when held to Branch Strength: medium light.
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: blooms low Comments:
Young trees require several years to become established before blooming.
Requires protection from strong, sustained winds. spreading
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (from Left): Pieter Severynen, “Tree of the Week: Calodendrum capense,” Los Angeles Times 6 June, 2009. (far left only) SelecTree. "Calodendrum capense Full Tree Record." 1995-2011. Nov 6, 2011. 6/2012
Botanical Name: Koelreuteria bipinnata Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Chinese Flame Tree
Family: Sapindaceae (soapberry family)
Height Range: 20 – 35 ft. Sun: full, partial sun Origin: China
Width Range: 25 – 35 ft. Water: to Attracts:
Tree Shape: rounded Soil Info: clay, loam, or sand Resistant to: rabbits
Habit: spreading, low canopy, Growth Rate: slow/moderate (12 – Susceptible to: No significant pest provides moderate shade 24” per season) problems known
Foliage Season: Deciduous Flower: small yellow flowers with 4 Location Uses: streets, medians, petals and touch of red in base parks, lawns produced in sprays at end of stems – showy and fragrant Leaf Color: medium green, turning Flower Season: long season of Features: yellow or brown before dropping in prolific colorful flowers and fruit fall from late spring, usually into fall
Foliage/Bark: oval smooth-edged Fruit Color/Type: 2” long papery, or slightly irregular leaflets – light showy, 3-sided lantern shaped green, furrowed bark capsules (containing several nut-like seeds) – turn color (orange, red, or Branch Strength: medium rose) in late summer or fall
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: spring through low fall Comments: Fruit resembles Chinese lanterns.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012
Botanical Name: Pistacia chinensis Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Chinese Pistache
Family: Anacardiaceae (sumac or cashew family)
Height Range: 30 - 40 ft. Sun: full preferred, but tolerates Origin: China, Taiwan, Philippines partial shade Width Range: 30 - 40 ft. Water: Wide tolerance – coexists Attracts: with lawn irrigation Tree Shape: oval to rounded, Soil Info: clay, loam, or sand Resistant to: spreading Habit: Young trees may show Growth Rate: moderate (24” per Susceptible to: No significant pest asymmetrical limb structure, but season) problems known mature structure is good Foliage Season: Deciduous Flower: cream-white, not showy Location Uses: parks and lawns
Leaf Color: shiny dark green with Flower Season: spring Features: bright fall coloring Tolerates wide variety of conditions, Foliage/Bark: Dense foliage, foot Fruit Color/Type: bright red, reliable. long leaves made of 10-16 narrow 2 turning dark blue, flat and round, ¼” to 4” leaflets. Bark color varies with diameter in clusters (only if female furrowed surface. Moderately dense tree and male is nearby) folige. Branch Strength: strong
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: fall foliage low Comments:
Grafted male is recommended.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 6/2012
Botanical Name: Chitalpa tashkentensis Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Chitalpa
Family: Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Creeper family)
Height Range: 25 feet. Sun: full sun Origin: hybrid between a desert willow and a catalpa Width Range: varies but has a full Water: - Attracts: Hummingbirds, bees, crown beneficial insects. Tree Shape: rounded, vase- Soil Info: sandy, loam Resistant to: powdery mildew spreading with low canopy Habit: branching Growth Rate: fast (>36”/season) Location Uses: variety – good for used along sidewalks and slopes, screen Foliage Season: Deciduous Flower: erect clusters of frilly trumpet-shaped flowers in white or Features: This tree has a tap root pale pink which makes it very drought Leaf Color: green Flower Season: late spring through tolerant and good choice for slopes. summer Foliage/Bark: leaves 4 – 5 inches Fruit Type/Color: n/a Small to medium sized shade and/or long and 1 inch wide. Trunk light ornamental tree. green. Unlike many fully crowned trees, it is Branch Strength: medium-weak hardy and very wind tolerant, withstanding strong winds without Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: showy summer breakage. low blossoms, foliage gold in fall Comments: ‘Morning Cloud’ is the chosen variety as the only other (‘Pink Dawn’) reportedly has a tendency to powdery mildew in cooler coastal areas. Pink Dawn with pinker flowers is somewhat showier. Flowers are sterile so do not form the messy seed pots of its catalpa parent. Flowers tend to dry on the tree and not fall fresh so sidewalks do not become slippery.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (from Left): #1: Cal-IPC (recommended use) – www.cal-ipc.org. Photographer Bob Perry #2 and 3: Courtesy Mountain Valley Growers 9/2012
Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia hybrid “Natchez” Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Crape Myrtle
Family: Lythraceae (Loosestrife)
Height Range: 20-30 ft. Sun: full sun (will grow in light Origin: Asia shade but flowering suffers) Width Range: 18-25 ft. Water: Attracts:
Tree Shape: stately; oval or vase Soil Info: clay, loam, sand Resistant to: powdery mildew, with multiple or single trunk rabbits, wind Habit: tall, arching Growth Rate: slow to moderate Susceptible to: (12 – 24” per season) Foliage Season: Deciduous Flower: white flowers in large Location Uses: street trees, clusters ranging from 8 – 16” long individual or grouped (doesn’t mind small areas) Leaf Color: glossy, dark green Flower Season: late June through Features: leaves . . . fall color is yellow but may September (about 110 days), prolific show some red rebloomer This hybrid was developed specifically to be resistant to Foliage/Bark: 1 ½ -3.0 in. long and Fruit Color: small, brown in Fall powdery mildew. ¾ to 1 ½ inches wide trunk is mottled, peels to cinnamon-brown Considered to be mostly allergy free. Branch Strength: Medium Fruit Type: dark brown woody capsule Fire resistant Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: blooming Low Low maintenance, requires minimal pruning. Comments:
‘Natchez’ is the preferred cultivar for our community.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low Photos (clockwise from Left): #1: Steve Nix: About.com; Forestry #2: Sharon Hall #3 and 4: SelecTree. "Lagerstroemia 'natchez' Full Tree Record." SelecTree. 1995-2011. Oct 1, 2011. #5: Sharon Hall 9/2012
Botanical Name: Eucalyptus torquata Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Coral Gum
Family: Myrtaceae (myrtle)
Height Range: 20 ft. Sun: full sun to partial shade Origin: Western Australia
Width Range: 20 ft. Water: Attracts:
Tree Shape: variable; round or Soil Info: clay, loam, sand Resistant to: p spreading Habit: erect or weeping Growth Rate: moderate Susceptible to: p (24”/season) Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: decorative buds open to Location Uses: street sides, coral pink or yellow-white medians, parks, lawns Leaf Color: light green or gray- Flower Season: most pronounced Features: green between October and June, intermittent in summer Foliage/Bark: narrow pointed Fruit Color/Type: purple or red leaves are 4 – 6” long and ½-1 ½” cup-shaped seed capsules ¼ - ½ wide inch.
Branch Strength: medium
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: low Comments: Weight of flowers and seed capsules cause branches to droop
Young trees will be shaped by prevailing winds unless staked to prevent.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (clockwise from Left): Courtesy: The Arboretum at Arizona State University – Azarboretum.org. SelecTree. "Eucalyptus torquata Tree Record." 1995-2012. Sep 3, 2012. < http://selectree.calpoly.edu/treedetail.lasso?rid=572 > 9/2012
Botanical Name: Cedrus deodar Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Deodar cedar
Family: Pinaceae (pine family)
Height Range: 40 – 60 ft. Sun: full sun to partial shade Origin: western Himalayas
Width Range: 20 – 30 ft. Water: Attracts:
Tree Shape: pyramidal Soil Info: clay, loam, sand Resistant to:
Habit: spreading or weeping Growth Rate: fast (36”/season) Susceptible to: no pests or diseases of major concern Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: Inconspicuous Location Uses: wide areas where pruning of lower branches won’t be necessary.
Leaf Color: medium or blue-green Flower Season: Fall Features:
Foliage/Bark: needles less than 2”, Fruit Color/Type: Brown cone moderately dense. Dark gray, greater than 3” in length furrowed bark.
Branch Strength: medium
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: moderate Comments:
This tree will live to be over 150 years and is one of the best true cedars. Several cultivars are available.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Podocarpus gracilior Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Fern Pine
Family: Podocarpaceae (podocarpus family)
Height Range: 60 – 62 ft. Sun: full sun to partial shade Origin: East Africa
Width Range: 60 – 65 ft. Water: Attracts:
Tree Shape: oval or rounded Soil Info: clay, loam, or sand Resistant to: rabbits
Habit: erect Growth Rate: slow-moderate Susceptible to: no significant pest (12-24”/season) problems known Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: inconspicuous on female Location Uses: street sides, trees only medians, parks, lawns
Leaf Color: gray green or light to Flower Season: spring Features: dark green (see comments below)
Foliage/Bark: Elongated 1-2” long Fruit Color/Type: small fleshy and ½” wide. (see comments below) pods ¼ - ½” follow blooms, only if Dense growth, finely textured. Bark male tree is nearby has flaking gray platelets on straight trunk.
Branch Strength: medium
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: low Comments:
This evergreen conifer is also known as Afrocarpus gracilior or Podocarpus elongates. Cutting-grown specimens, usually sold as P. elongates, are more limber and weeping in shape and have shorter, grayish leaves. Seedlings are sold as P. gracilior with longer, glossy, dark green leaves.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: SelecTree. "Afrocarpus gracilior Tree Record." 1995-2012. Sep 3, 2012. < http://selectree.calpoly.edu/treedetail.lasso?rid=1114 >
9/2012
Botanical Name: Quercus ilex Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Holly Oak
Family: Fagaceae (Beech family)
Height Range: 40 – 50 ft. Sun: full sun or partial shade Origin: Mediterranean
Width Range: 40 – 50 ft. Water: Attracts:
Tree Shape: rounded Soil Info: clay, loam, sand Resistant to: oak root fungus
Habit: spreading Growth Rate: Moderate Susceptible to: no significant pest (24”/season) problems Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: male flowers are cream- Location Uses: street sides, colored catkins, 3-4” long windbreak, medians, parks, lawns
Leaf Color: dark green upper with Flower Season: winter or spring Features: yellow or silver underside
Foliage/Bark: stiff, glossy oval or Fruit Color/Type: acorn-type elliptical 1½-3” long. Dense foliage. grouped 1 – 3 with top-shaped cap Trunk is gray and smooth when young, roughens with age.
Branch Strength: strong
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: low Comments:
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (from Left): #1: Dr. Chris A. Martin (http://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/Martin%20landscape%20plant%20library.htm) #2&4 SelecTree. "Quercus ilex Full Tree Record." 1995-2011. Nov 7, 2011. #3 Wikipedia: under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 6/2012
Botanical Name: Rhaphiolepsis indica Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Indian Hawthorn
Family: Rosaceae (rose)
Height Range: 15 - 20 ft. Sun: full sun to partial shade Origin: hybrid (parent from east Asia) Width Range: 8 – 10 ft. Water: Attracts: birds
Tree Shape: spreading or vase Soil Info: clay, loam, or sand Resistant to:
Habit: compact with dense foliage Growth Rate: moderate Susceptible to: aphids 24”/season
Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: showy, fragrant, pink Location Uses: accent tree for clusters – repeat bloomer smaller areas
Leaf Color: 4”, dark green, glossy, Flower Season: cool weather Features: leathery bloomer (fall, winter, or spring)
Foliage/Bark: glossy leaves, wider Fruit Color/Type: small blue at one end, with stem most often at berries, typical of shrub cousins. narrow end – gray-brown, furrowed bark
Branch Strength: medium
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: blooming season low Comments:
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall 3/2013
Botanical Name: Archontophoenix cunninghamiana Plant Type: Tree Common Name: King Palm
Family: Palmae (Palm family)
Height Range: 40 – 60 ft. Sun: full sun to shade Origin: Austrailia
Width Range: 10 – 20 ft. Water: Attracts:
Tree Shape: feather palm Soil Info: loam or sand Resistant to:
Habit: erect, handsome, stately Growth Rate: moderate Susceptible to: (24”/season) Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: clusters of lavender flowers Location Uses: parkways, medians, specimen planting
Leaf Color: green above and gray Flower Season: spring and early Features: below summer
Foliage/Bark: feathery fronds are Fruit Color/Type: groups of small, 8 – 10’ long waxy bright red fruits that are 3/8” long Branch Strength: n/a (self-pruning)
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: moderate Comments:
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall
6/2012
Botanical Name: Magnolia grandiflora Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Little Gem Magnolia
Family: Magnoliaceae (Magnolia family)
Height: 20 ft. Sun: full sun Origin: Southern U.S.
Width: 12 ft. Water: - somewhat drought Attracts: birds in fall tolerant Tree Shape: narrow, broadly Soil Info: clay, loam, sand Resistant to: pyramidal Habit: compact, upright Growth Rate: slow (12” per season) Susceptible to: Relatively disease and pest free Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: prolific - large fragrant Location Uses: street sides creamy white, saucer shaped
Leaf Color: glossy green on top Flower Season: warm weather, 6 Features: with bronze-brown underside months in length Begins to bloom when very small. Foliage/Bark: stiff and leathery Fruit Color/Type: large purple or leaves with light green and furrowed red follicle (many-seeded fruit) 1.5 – bark / dense 3 inches long following blooms
Branch Strength: medium
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: blooming but low attractive year round Comments: Broadly pyramidal ‘Little Gem’ is the only cultivar of the magnolia on the palette. (The top is usually fuller than shown Deadheading encourages reblooming. here) and may become even more rounded in maturity.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: Sharon Hall Far right: Erv Evans, Consumer Horticulturist Shoprights NC State University, Cooperative Extension 6/2012
Botanical Name: Metrosideros excelsus Plant Type: Tree Common Name: New Zealand Christmas Tree
Family: Myrtaceae (myrtle)
Height Range: 30 – 35 ft. Sun: full sun to partial shade Origin: New Zealand
Width Range: 10-15 ft. (varies Water: Attracts: hummingbirds, butterflies considerably with individual trees) Tree Shape: shrubby, round headed Soil Info: loam or sand Resistant to: with low canopy Habit: oval or rounded, often multi- Growth Rate: moderate Susceptible to: no significant pests trunked (24”/season) Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: bright red bottlebrush-like Location Uses: street sides, parks, lawns, screen
Leaf Color: glossy dark green Flower Season: summer Features:
Foliage/Bark: Oblong, leathery, Fruit Color/Type: small (1/4 – densely spaced on branches in 1/2”) woody brown or gray capsules maturity they become grayer and coated with a white down have a white downy underside. Moderate to dense in leaf.
Branch Strength: medium
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: moderate Comments: Called the New Zealand “Christmas” tree because New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere where Christmas occurs during the summer.
Occasionally will develop aerial roots that descend toward the ground.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: SelecTree. "Metrosideros excelsa Tree Record." 1995-2012. Sep 3, 2012. < http://selectree.calpoly.edu/treedetail.lasso?rid=939 >
Botanical Name: Acacia podalyriifolia Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Pearl Acacia
Family: Fabaceae (legume, pea, or bean family)
Height Range: 10 – 20 ft. Sun: full sun to partial shade Origin: Australia
Width Range: 12 – 15 ft. Water: Attracts: birds
Tree Shape: oval to rounded Soil Info: clay, loam, sand Resistant to:
Habit: erect or spreading with a low Growth Rate: 24 – 36” per season Susceptible to: beetle borers, root canopy, moderate shading capacity rot, sooty mold Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: profuse, bright yellow, Location Uses: protected areas, fragrant, fluffy in long clusters grassy parks
Leaf Color: silvery-gray Flower Season: fall or winter Features:
Foliage/Bark: roundish, 1 ½ in. Fruit Color/Type: legume (see long, soft, satiny to touch photo)
Branch Strength: weak
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: good winter low color Comments:
Will not tolerate heavy summer irrigation.
or
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: SelecTree. "Acacia podalyriifolia Full Tree Record." 1995-2012. April 7, 2012.
6/2012
Botanical Name: Agonis flexuosa Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Peppermint
Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)
Height Range: 25 - 35 ft. Sun: full sun to partial shade Origin: Australia
Width Range: 15 - 30 ft. Water: Attracts:
Tree Shape: rounded or vase Soil Info: clay, loam, sand Resistant to:
Habit: spreading or weeping, low Growth Rate: moderate-fast Susceptible to: canopy (24 – 36”/season) Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: abundant small white Location Uses: medians, cutouts flowers cluster along branch tips
Leaf Color: dull light to medium Flower Season: June Features: green with red cast Foliage/Bark: long and narrow Fruit Color/Type: small capsules Leaves have unique peppermint foliage 4 – 6” and ¼” wide. Dense. forming inconspicuous balls of ¼ - odor when crushed. Trunk low branching, rough red ½” which persist on the tree brown bark. Trunk becomes large with age.
Branch Strength: strong
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: moderate Comments:
General Shape Foliage Habit
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: SelecTree. "Agonis flexuosa Full Tree Record." 1995-2011. Nov 7, 2011.
6/2012
Botanical Name: Phoenix roebelenii Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Pygmy Date Palm
Family: Arecacea/Palmae (palm)
Height Range: 6 – 10 ft. Sun: full sun to partial shade Origin: Southeastern Asia
Width Range: 4 – 6 ft. Water: to Attracts: does not attract wildlife
Tree Shape: palm Soil Info: unparticular Resistant to:
Habit: single-stemmed feather palm Growth Rate: moderate Susceptible to: scale, leaf spot with elegant arching full rounded crown Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: white/cream attractive but Location Uses: Use as specimen inconspicuous blooms held on foot plants, focal points – plant far long stalks – male and female enough away from structure to avoid flowers grow on separate plants eaves or roof overhang
Leaf Color: bright green Flower Season: spring Features:
Foliage/Bark: Stem or trunk Fruit Color/Type: on female plants, Small stature, low maintenance, and covered with old leaf bases, fronds in the fall red to black small elliptical delicate lacy appearance but sturdy are long gently arched leaf stems dates (1/2”) which are primarily in nature. from 2 – 4 ft long seed with very thin layer of fruit Most often sold in containers with Branch Strength: n/a multiple specimens - stems tend to grow gracefully away from the Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: attractive year low round center of the clump. Comments: Grows well in containers. Plant away from walkways!
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (clockwise from Left): #1 and 2 Sharon Hall #3 Courtesy Virtual Library ASU (www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/Martin%20landscape%20plant20%library.htm), Dr. Chris Martin, photographer 3/2013
Botanical Name: Syagrus romanzoffianum Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Queen Palm
Family: Arecaceae (palm family)
Height Range: 40 – 50 ft. Sun: full sun Origin: South America
Width Range: 20 ft. Water: Attracts:
Tree Shape: feather palm Soil Info: clay, loam, or sand Resistant to:
Habit: erect, graceful, arching Growth Rate: moderate Susceptible to: (24”/season) Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: cream to yellow flowers Location Uses: street tree, become showy hanging clusters of specimen plant, buffer strip decorative dates on 3’ stalks
Leaf Color: green Flower Season: varies widely Features:
Foliage/Bark: graceful, arching Fruit Color/Type: Orange husk (½ fronds with blades attached to a to 1½” ) following flower central midrib. Fronds 10 – 15’. Foliage open and sparse. Trunk gray or light green, smooth.
Branch Strength: n/a (self pruning)
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: Low Comments:
Shallow root base makes it susceptible to strong winds.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos: W. Mark and J. Reimer: SelecTree. "Syagrus romanzoffiana Full Tree Record." 1995-2011. Nov 7, 2011.
6/2012
Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Sweet Bay
Family: Lauraceae (Laurel family)
Height Range: 35 – 40 ft. Sun: full sun or partial shade Origin: Mediterranean
Width Range: 20 – 25 ft. Water: to Attracts:
Tree Shape: broader at base, erect Soil Info: clay, loam, sand Resistant to:
Habit: compact and erect Growth Rate: slow-moderate Susceptible to: psyllids (12 – 24”/season) Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: inconspicuous, tiny creamy Location Uses: Background, parks in clusters early spring and lawns
Leaf Color: dark green or gray- Flower Season: February/March Features: green, lighter underside Leaves are the traditional source of Foliage/bark: stiff, leathery, Fruit Color/Type: Olive-shaped ½- bay leaves for cooking. aromatic, lance shaped 2 – 4” leaves, 1" long one-seeded fruits, hanging in 3/4” glossy on top, dull underside. groups of 2 or 3, black or dark Smooth, light or dark gray. Dense to purple. very dense foliage.
Branch Strength: medium
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: moderate Comments: Photos above (clockwise) shows the tight floral buds, resultant tiny cream colored flowers which produce black berries, and the new light-colored foliage which follows.
The cultivar “Saratoga” is somewhat smaller, more open in habit, and grows somewhat faster.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low Photos: Courtesy of Mountain Valley Growers (www.mountainvalleygrowers.com) 6/2012
Botanical Name: Tipuana tipu Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Tipu Tree
Family: Fabaceae (legume or pea family)
Height Range: 25 – 50 ft. Sun: full sun to partial shade Origin: Argentina, Bolivia, Southern Brazil Width Range: 30 – 40 ft. Water: Attracts: hummingbirds drought tolerant when established Tree Shape: oval or spreading – Soil Info: loam, sand, clay Resistant to: with high, broad flattened crown Habit: erect or spreading Growth Rate: moderate-fast (24 – Susceptible to: no significant pest 36” per season) problems known Foliage Season: Deciduous Flower: clusters apricot or yellow Location Uses: park areas, lawns (briefly) or Semi-deciduous sweet pea-shaped flowers, ¾” across, showy Leaf Color: Light green with gold Flower Season: late spring or early Features: or bronze in fall summer Rapid growth, excellent shade. Foliage/Bark: 1 – 1½ “ long & ½ “ Fruit Color/Type: single-wing wide oblong leaflets, moderately green to brown 2½ “ seed pods dense. Bark is fissured, either dark follow blooms brown or streaked gray
Branch Strength: medium weak
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: blooming moderate Comments: Juvenile trimming to train growth is important to mature shape and tree strength.
A tough tree with a vigorous root system but susceptible to wind damage so avoid placing in an area of constant wind exposure. Growth rate and shade capacity makes this a good choice for open areas.
Umbrella shape Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (from left): Sharon Hall http://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin 6/2012
Botanical Name: Cercis occidentalis Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Western Redbud
Family: Fabaceae (legume/pea family)
Height Range: 15 -18 ft. Sun: full sun, light shade Origin: California, Arizona, Utah
Width Range: 15 – 18 ft. Water: to Attracts: hummingbirds
Tree Shape: small canopy Soil Info: sand, clay, loam, rocky Resistant to: (unparticular) although improving drainage is recommended Habit: small, usually multi-trunked Growth Rate: moderate (24 inches Susceptible to: Shade rated as moderate in or out of per season, average) leaf. Foliage season: Deciduous Flower: 5-petaled magenta, usually Location Uses: low potential for appear before foliage, showy root damage makes this tree widely useful – especially for erosion control. Leaf Color: blue-green in summer Flower Season: 2-week period Features: and light yellow to red in fall between February and April Especially good for stabilizing or Foliage/Bark: notched or rounded Location Uses: banks, street trees restoring disturbed or degraded at time, 3-in. leaves (heart-shaped). areas – erosion control Dark brown or red-brown bark. Photos show young and more Branch Strength: medium Fruit Color/Type: lime-green seed mature tree, distinctive leaf, flower, pods follow flowers, becoming young seed pods developing after reddish-brown and remain through flowering, and mature pods which winter remain on tree during winter. Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: year round low Comments: *Winters milder than normal may interfere with flowering – this tree needs four distinct seasons. *Does not transplant well once established.
Rounded, small canopy Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low Photos (clockwise from top left): #1, 2: www.cuyamaca.edu # 3 – 6: SelecTree. "Cercis occidentalis Brief Tree Record." SelecTree. 1995-2011. Jul 31, 2011. 6/2012
Botanical Name: Pittosporum phillyraeoides Plant Type: Tree Common Name: Willow Pittosporum
Family: Pittosporaceae (Pittosporum)
Height Range: 25 ft. Sun: full sun best, tolerates partial Origin: Australia shade Width Range: 10 – 15 ft. Water: Attracts: butterflies, hummingbirds
Tree Shape: slender, weeping Soil Info: clay, loam, sand Resistant to:
Habit: willow-like, graceful Growth Rate: slow Susceptible to: aphids, scale (12–24”/season) Foliage Season: Evergreen Flower: light yellow, bell-shaped, Location Uses: street sides, showy, fragrant, solitary or clustered medians, parks, lawns
Leaf Color: light gray green Flower Season: late winter or early Features: spring Foliage/Bark: narrow 1 ½ - 4” Fruit Color/Type: bright yellow to long with hooked point at tip. Bark orange berry-like capsules, ½ “ in smooth, light gray. Moderate in leaf diameter – conspicuous and density. attractive
Branch Strength: medium
Rating – Root Damage Potential: Seasonal Interest: low Comments: There are no good photos without copyright to show for this tree. This variety has received excellent reviews for our area and its tolerance of low rainfall. Attractive and noninvasive.
Fruit and flowers are very similar to others in this family such as the mock orange.
Water Use Symbols: Regular Moderate Low Very Low
Photos (clockwise from Left): #1 Courtesy of Dr. Chris A. Martin www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/Martin%20landscape%20plant%20library.htm #2-5 SelecTree. "Pittosporum phillyraeoides Tree Record." 1995-2012. Sep 1, 2012. 9/2012