Common name:Kleinia
Botanical name:Senecio mandraliscae
This succulent perennial will grow to about 1.5' tall and 2' wide. It has curved, bluish gray leaves that are about 3.5" long and very slender.
Common name:White Sage, Sacred White Sage
Botanical name:Salvia apiana
This woody shrub has long stems with silvery white leaves and fragrant white flowers that bloom in the spring. It provides a strong structural form as a garden focal point. It can reach 6' tall and 6' wide.
Common name:Canyon Prince Wild Rye
Botanical name:Leymus condensatus 'Canyon Prince'
One of the best known and utilized native grass selections in Southern California, this beautiful, blue gray foliage spreads out 3'-4' or more. It will reach a height of 2'-3'. It rarely flowers. It does spread by rhizomes although not as vigorously as some closely related species. It can be extremely drought tolerant and care must be taken not to over water this species as it can rot from the center. Otherwise, it is carefree and requires virtually no maintenance.
Common name:Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia indica
The new leaves of this species are 2" long, bright green, and tinged with bronze. Its fall color is affected by the weather. While it has a bare outline, its rounded seed capsules add interest. Its delicate flowers bloom in 6"-12" long clusters. The colors of its flowers are shades of red, rose, pink, purple, and white. It thrives on heat and new cultivars have been created that resist mildew.
Common name:Curly Top Sedge
Botanical name:Carex buchananii
This orange bronze ornamental grass is 2'-3' tall and 1'-2' wide and does best in full sun to part shade. It needs moderate amount of water. Blades have gentle curls. This grass looks great when planted with green or gray colored foliage plants.
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:Blue Elf Aloe
Botanical name:Aloe 'Blue Elf'
This incredibly drought-tolerant plant grows into a dense mound 1' to 2' high and wide and has steel-blue foliage. Spikes of orange red flowers appear in winter and early spring. Hummingbirds love the flowers. It does well in full and part sun, even in desert areas. This Aloe looks great in containers or in mass plantings.
Designer: | Grasses and Friends |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.