Common name:Pride Of Madeira
Botanical name:Echium fastuosum
Mature specimens of this evergren shrub can grow to a size of 6-8' tall and 8-10' wide. In the spring, spikes of rosy violet to blue purple flowers appear. It should receive sun to part shade, with little or no summer watering when established.
This plant can be severely damaged by frost below 25 degrees F. -Monterey Bay Nursery
Common name:Lion's Tail
Botanical name:Leonotis leonorus
This is an upright shrub to about 6' tall and wide. Lion's Tail provides both lush greenery and a durable, drought-tolerant shrub. Tubular bright orange flowers are produced from summer through fall. Plants thrive in desert heat, and can be grown in containers, so plants can be moved to sheltered locations for frost protection.
Common name:Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera 'Spangles'
This perennial will grow to about 3' tall and has green leaves with pink flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
Common name:Maiden Grass
Botanical name:Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus'
The 'Gracillimus' is a taller variety, often growing to 6-8' tall with delicate feathery plumes and very thin graceful leaves. It should receive sun to part shade, and average to little summer watering. -Monterey Bay Nursery
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Common name:New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum'
Phormium tenax 'Atropurpureum' is an evergreen perennial. Big, dramatic plant composed of many swordlike, stiffly vertical leaves (9 ft. long, to 5 in. wide) in a fan pattern. Leaves are purple red. Flowers stems reach high above leaves, bearing clusters of 1-2 in. blossoms in dark red to yellow.
Designer: Michelle Derviss
Photographer: Michelle Derviss
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.