Common name:Shrimp Plant
Botanical name:Justicia brandegeana
This shrub will reach 6' tall and has small, light green leaves with yellow and white flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and fall.
Common name:Shrimp Pink Aloe
Botanical name:Aloe saponaria
Great flower display in late winter. A slow to moderate grower forms a large rosette. Fleshy leaves are pale gray and broad at the base. Leaves have fine longitudinal lines and also pink margins. Clusters of flowers are coral red to orange on 3' stalks. South African native. Best with filtered sun.
Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana
Fast growing to about 6-10' tall x 8-13' wide. Wide, grey leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. Prefers full sun and well-drained situations. Prone to agave snout weevil which will eat the roots and heart out. After blooming, which could take several years. it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. Removal is difficult if unwanted.
Common name:Standard Rose
Botanical name:Rosa species
These shrubs and vines are the most-loved in the West and are very resilient. They come in a wide variety of sizes and colors and are easy to maintain with proper care.
Common name:Artichoke Agave
Botanical name:Agave parryi melampodium
This succulent resembles a large artichoke because of the flat-topped rosettes of leaves. This plant can reach 2'-4' tall and 5' wide. It will spread from its pups. This plant has flat, blue gray broad leaves that have sharp spines and tips. A stalk of yellow flowers emerge from the center but it may take 20 years to see a bloom, which marks the death of the plant. This plant tolerates full sun in coastal as well as desert areas. It prefers sandy, well draining soil. It is drought tolerant.
Designer: Homeowner
Photographer: Vicki Anderson
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.