Common name:Pride Of Madeira
Botanical name:Echium candicans
Mature specimens of this evergreen 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.
Common name:Iceberg Floribunda Rose
Botanical name:Rosa 'Iceberg'
This is a shrub rose (there are climbing varieties) with an abundance of fragrant, medium sized, white blooms. It is one of the most popular roses and very tough.
Common name:Mexican Feather Grass
Botanical name:Nassella tenuissima
This ornamental grass grows to 2' tall. It goes partially dormant during the summer but green in spring and fall. It prefers a sunny, well drained site. This plant can be invasive in some areas, so use caution. To keep reseeding to a minimum, drip irrigation will be best. Cut back in early spring to remove dormant foliage and dried seed heads. It can also tolerate dry shade. It grows to 10" wide and is the finest textured of the ornamental grasses.
Common name:Checkerbloom
Botanical name:Sidalcea malviflora
This native perennial will grow about 2' tall and 2' wide. It has lobed, dark green leaves with pinkish purple flowers that bloom in early spring. It prefers limited water in summer; it will come back with winter rains.
Common name:Dwarf Morning Glory
Botanical name:Convolvulus sabatius
Convolvulus sabaticus is a perennial that grows 1'-2' high, with branches that spread to 3' or more. It produces blue to lavender flowers with blooms of 1"-2" wide. The soft, evergreen leaves are 1/2" to 1.5" long.
Common name:Sky Flower. Golden Dew-Drop
Botanical name:Duranta erecta
This vining shrub grows from 15'-25' tall and 8'-12' wide. This plant blooms profusely with clusters of blue flowers all through the summer. Orange-yellow berries follow the flowers. Full sun and regular water are necessary to keep this shrub looking and performing its best.
Common name:White Gaura
Botanical name:Gaura lindheimeri
White Gaura is a profusely flowering perennial for all zones; it grows 2'-4' high. It has pink buds that open to showy white flowers in spring and fall. It needs full sun and is drought tolerant.
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 is a fast-growing shrub that reaches 3' tall and 3' wide. Flowers are purple and fragrant and bloom all year long in coastal areas. These star-shaped flowers are held high above the mound shaped foliage. It does well in sun and part sun and is considered drought tolerant. It is a beautiful shrub that attracts butterflies.
Common name:Jacaranda
Botanical name:Jacaranda mimosifolia
This irregular to rounded deciduous tree will reach about 40' tall and has fine, compound green leaves with blue flowers. Jacaranda's main blooming season is in spring and summer, but it will often produce sporadic blooms in fall as well.
Designer: Dustin Gimbel | Gimbel Walk |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Irrigate in the early morning to minimize evaporation.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.