Common name:Pink Coral Rockrose
Botanical name:Cistus X skanbergii
This Rockrose is a bushy evergreen shrub 4? high and 6? across with narrow, gray green leaves and complimentary clear pink flowers. Flowers appear in great profusion in mid-spring and can continue well into summer. It is more refined in character than most other rockroses, and well-suited to smaller gardens. -Native Sons Nursery
Common name:Orchid or Purple Rockrose
Botanical name:Cistus X purpureus
Orchid rockrose is an evergreen shrub growing to 4? tall and wide, often shorter in stressful situations. The rosy-crimson flowers to 3" wide exhibit a dark purple blotch at the base of each petal, and bloom early to mid-summer. The flowers also feature a contrasting yellow cluster of stamens in the center. It does well in salt spray and cool winds. It is relatively long-lived, tolerant of heat and aridity as well as accepting many soil conditions. -Native Sons Nursery
Common name:Sageleaf Rockrose
Botanical name:Cistus salviifolius
This low-spreading shrub reaches a size of 2' tall by 6'-8' wide. It bears white flowers that are 1" wide with yellow centers. This variety makes a good groundcover. The plant requires average to good drainage, and little or no summer watering when established. It should be grown in sun or part shade. -Monterey Bay Nursery
Common name:Bougainvillea, Torch Glow
Botanical name:Bougainvillea spectablis 'Torch Glow'
The large amount of flamboyant color on this species creates a wonderful accent in a garden. Varieties can be in bush or vine form; colors vary. Once established, they tend to be carefree. All varieties are susceptible to frost damage. 'Torch Grow' grows up to 6' tall and produces deep magenta blooms with tiny white flowers in the center and is surrounded by light green, crisp looking foliage.
Common name:Kangeroo Paws Tall Red
Botanical name:Anigozanthos flavidus 'Tall Red'
Anigozanthos flavidus 'Tall Red' is a perennial with dark green, smooth, swordlike evergreen leaves. It produces spikes of striking, fuzzy, tubular flowers in yellow-green, tinged with red that are curved at the tips. The flowers attract hummingbirds. Flowers bloom from late spring to fall if spent flowering spikes are cut to the ground. It makes for a good cut flower.
Designer:
Photographer: Helix Water District
Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.
Be sure to fix all leaks promptly no matter how small they may seem.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.