Common name:Red Star Cordyline
Botanical name:Cordyline australis 'Red Star'
The 'Red Star' cultivar is an evergreen shrub that grows 12' to 30' tall and 10' to 15' wide with sword-like leaves with a reddish color. It likes full sun, and is very tolerant of heat and drought. It will live in any type of soil that is well drained. Cut back to develop multiple trunks.
Common name:Bougainvillea
Botanical name:Bougainvillea spectabilis
This species is hardy and vigorous, with a showy, ornamental display of purple color. It blooms well in areas with cool summers.
Common name:Lily of the Nile hybrids
Botanical name:Agapanthus hybrids
This evergreen groundcover/shrub will grow about 3' tall and has large green leaves with blue flowers (there is a white variety and dwarf varieties) that bloom in spring and summer. It will grow in all soils but prefers loam soil.
Common name:Mediterranean Fan palm
Botanical name:Chamaerops humilis
Slow growing to 20' tall but very hardy, the Mediterranean Fan palm is clump forming with rich green foliage. It can be used as a good container subject. It does best in full sun or partial shade. Petioles have sharp spines.
Common name:Ivy Geranium
Botanical name:Pelargonium peltatum
Clouds of single or double flowers are produced from spring through fall on this plant, which should be planted in areas that receive afternoon shade in warm inland valleys. Foliage resembles ivy (pointed lobes) and are bright green and glossy. Ivy Geranium looks great in hanging baskets, window boxes or in planters. Do not use for erosion control.
Designer: Anon | Elegant Entry |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.