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Strawberry Madrone
Dwarf Orange Bulbine
Fan Aloe
Kangaroo Paws, Red
Kangaroo Paws, Green
Purple Hopseed Bush or Hop Bush
Olive, European Olive
Apple Blossom Penstemon
Strawberry Madrone

Common name:Strawberry Madrone
Botanical name:Arbutus 'Marina'

The 'Marina' has gorgeous bark, with leaves that are smaller and not as glossy as Pacific Madrone. Its flowers are pink, borne in pendant clusters in the summer. The fruit is large, red and quite ornamental. The plant should be grown in sun to part shade, with little or no summer watering when established. The 'Marina' prefers good drainage. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Dwarf Orange Bulbine

Common name:Dwarf Orange Bulbine
Botanical name:Bulbine frutescens 'Hallmark'

This bulbine is the compact variation of yellow bulbine. This plant grows to about 1' tall by 1'-2' wide. Orange flowers bloom almost all year long. Plants stay evergreen, but will freeze to the ground in the event of serious frost. However, frost- damaged plants will regrow in spring. Delicate coppery orange flowers with fluffy yellow centers are on tall spikes that rise above the foliage. This selection is free flowering in spring, summer and fall.

Fan Aloe

Common name:Fan Aloe
Botanical name:Aloe plicatilis

This wide succulent shrub grows 3'-6' tall and wide, with fan-like clusters of the bluish-gray round tipped leaves. From each fan emerges an open terminal cluster of tubular, orange red flowers in late winter to early spring. Plant in full sun if on the coast or in shade if inland. It is hardy to about 23 degrees F. It needs winter and spring irrigation if grown where does does not receive adequate water from rainfall.

Kangaroo Paws, Red

Common name:Kangaroo Paws, Red
Botanical name:Anigozanthos hybrids

This tender perennial is a clump-forming evergreen that produces fuzzy, yellow green flowers that bloom in spring and last for over 2 months. Many sizes and varieties are available including yellow and pink flowers.

Kangaroo Paws, Green

Common name:Kangaroo Paws, Green
Botanical name:Anigozanthos flavidus

This tender perennial is a clump-forming evergreen that produces fuzzy, yellow green flowers that bloom in spring and last for over 2 months. It comes in other colors, like red also.

Purple Hopseed Bush or Hop Bush

Common name:Purple Hopseed Bush or Hop Bush
Botanical name:Dodonaea viscosa 'Purpurea'

This fast-growing shrub has an upright, branching habit that reaches a height of 12'-15', with willow-like leaves that are 4" in length. Its foliage is bronzy-green in color, which turns a reddish-purple shade in the fall and winter. It has compact growth and requires full sun for the best results.

Olive, European Olive

Common name:Olive, European Olive
Botanical name:Olea europaea

This broad tree will grow to 40' tall and has small, gray green leaves with fleshy black fruit that appears in fall.

Apple Blossom Penstemon

Common name:Apple Blossom Penstemon
Botanical name:Penstemon hybrids 'Apple Blossom'

This Penstemon is a showy perennial that remains 2'-4' high. It has light pink, tubular blossoms on long flower spikes with white throats. It blooms from spring through the fall and is hardy to 15 degrees F. It is also drought tolerant, and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. -Cornflower Farms

Designer: Homeowner

Mindful Garden

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.

Integrated Pest Management:

Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.