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Gallery: California Native Gardens

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Stacked Stone Water Feature
Gray Globe Mallow
Western Redbud
Island Tree Mallow
Cedros Island Verbena
Border or Garden Penstemon
Gray Globe Mallow

Common name:Gray Globe Mallow
Botanical name:Sphaeralcea incana ‘Kathy Echols’

My favorite prolific bloomer in our dry garden! I love its dense upright 3’-2’ bushy habit, absolutely stunning silvery foliage, and wow, then there are these unusual flowers. Beloved Bay Area horticulturalist Kathy Echols somehow came across this beautiful variant with orchid pink flowers (instead of the usual dull orange) that are larger than normal- 1.25” across. and this marvelous DROUGHT TOLERANT North American native blooms from late Spring through Fall! What more do you need? Deer resistant? Yes! I cut ours back to 1’ tall in late Fall for perfect form next season. Well-drained soil is a must and a smidge of compost side-dress in Spring is not a bad thing. Root hardy to 10 degrees F.

Western Redbud

Common name:Western Redbud
Botanical name:Cercis occidentalis

This deciduous shrub ranges from 6-20 ft. tall and 10-15 ft. wide. It is desirable for its magenta spring flowers, yellow to red fall color, and dangling winter seed pods. It is tolerant of many soil types, drought and oak root fungus. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. The Western Redbud can be found statewide in California in the foothills below 4500 ft. elevations in chaparral and woodland communities - Cornflower Farms

Island Tree Mallow

Common name:Island Tree Mallow
Botanical name:Lavatera assurgentiflora

This is a fast growing, evergreen, flowering shrub that works great as a foundation planting or windbreak. They require little maintenance other than occasional shearing to keep it dense.

Cedros Island Verbena

Common name:Cedros Island Verbena
Botanical name:Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina'

Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina' is a selection introduced by the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden. It follows the same wonderful characteristics described under the general species V. lilacina.

Border or Garden Penstemon

Common name:Border or Garden Penstemon
Botanical name:Penstemon hybrids selection

This perennial plant will reach 3' high and has medium-sized, glossy dark green leaves with red, pink, lavender or purple flowers that bloom in summer and fall. It needs a bit extra water in the summer and no water in the winter. Hummingbirds love the flowers. This plant is great for cut flowers and color borders.

Designer:

Stacked Stone Water Feature
Image: 2 of 16

Photographer: Vicki Anderson

Soils and Compost:

Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.

Integrated Pest Management:

Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.