Common name:Australian Grass Tree
Botanical name:Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata
This grassy perennial will eventually grow to 15' high. It is a tree-like plant. Foliage is fiber optic looking with linear green leaves that are 2'-4' long and shimmer in the wind. The long flowering stalk resembles a jousting lance and is a stunning accent plant. Tall grasses are highly combustible.
Common name:Pindo or Jelly Palm, Yatay
Botanical name:Butia capitata
This slow-growing tree has leaves that vary from bluish gray to green and has round, yellow to orange fruit that is edible and delicious. Arching leaves spread 10'-15' wide; palm can reach 20' tall.
Common name:Tower of Jewels
Botanical name:Echium wildprettii
This plant will grow 6-10' tall and has silvery/gray/green leaves with small rose or red flowers that bloom in spring.
Common name:Purple Tree Aeonium
Botanical name:Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop'
Aeonium arboreum 'Zwartkop' is a succulent perennial that is used for accenting effect. Aeonium arboreum grows 3' tall and wide. Each branch has a 6"-8 " wide rosette of dark green, fleshy leaves.The flowers are yellow in clusters.
Common name:Norfolk Island Pine, Star Pine
Botanical name:Araucaria heterophylla
This very large tree will grow to about 100' tall and 60' wide with narrow, sharp leaves that are a deep, dark green. It is a popular Christmas tree in Hawaii. It is a good indoor plant with sunny exposures.
Common name:Adam's Needle
Botanical name:Yucca filamentosa
WIth stemless leaves that grow 2.5" long and 1.5" wide, the Yucca filamentosa produces tall, white flower spikes during the summer months.
Common name:Sago-Palm
Botanical name:Cycas revoluta
Sago Palm resembles small palms; it is evergreen. It can slowly grow to 10'. It is used for a tropical effect and also looks great in planters. In the low desert, light shade and additional moisture are best. Side sprouts can form multi-trunked individuals. Apply fertilizer at leaf expansion. This plant has few pests.
Common name:Protea
Botanical name:Protea cultivars
This attractive flowering plant produces large tight clusters that are tubular in form and are surrounded by colored bracts. Therefore, a very colorful artichoke or thistle will bloom.
As cut flowers, their color will endure for weeks, and their shape will remain long afterward.
Designer: Lynn Woodbury
Photographer: GardenSoft
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.