Common name:Century Plant
Botanical name:Agave americana variegata mediopicta
This form has arching leaves with a creamy white stripe down the center of the blue-green leaf. The leaves are outstanding with their arching form and are well armed with a stout, terminal spine as well as marginal teeth. It is somewhat smaller than americana getting to around 4.' It prefers full sun, well drained soil and will perform well in containers. This form also will die after bloom but will survive in the form of new pups around the old plant.
Common name:California Poppy, Golden Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia californica
This small annual (sometimes acts as a perennial) plant will grow to less than 1' tall and has light, small blue/green leaves with gold and orange flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
Common name:Prickly Pear
Botanical name:Opuntia macrocentra violacea
This plant grows 4' tall x 4' wide and has grayish/green leaf pads that tint purple when it gets really cold out. It produces yellow flowers with red centers that bloom in late spring.
Common name:Blue Glow Agave
Botanical name:Agave 'Blue Glow'
This beautiful succulent slowly reaches 2' tall and 3' wide. Leaves are thick, blue green, 18" long, 2.5" wide, with red and yellow margins. The tip of the leaf has a red spine. It tolerates full sun although it needs shade in low desert areas. It needs well draining soil. Sap from plant irritates some people's skin. It is drought tolerant once it's established.
Designer: Homeowner
Photographer: Vicki Anderson
Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.