Common name:Catalina Evergreen Currant
Botanical name:Ribes viburnifolium
The Evergreen Currant is a fragrant evergreen shrub that grows 3'-6' tall and 6'-10' wide. It has red stems and small rose-colored flowers with red berries between February and April. This shrub tolerates moist conditions and needs partial shade inland. The Evergreen Currant is native to California and is drought tolerant.
-Cornflower Farms
Common name:Bush Anemone
Botanical name:Carpenteria californica
This California native is a dense, clean evergreen shrub that grows 6'-8' high and 5' wide. It is tolerant of sun or shade. It has white fragrant flowers with yellow stamens flowers that bloom in spring and summer. This shrub makes a great privacy hedge. It is drought tolerant once it's established but will appreciate extra watering during hot summer months.
Common name:Western Redbud
Botanical name:Cercis occidentalis
This deciduous shrub or small tree reaches 15' tall and 10' wide. Beautiful magenta flowers appear in spring, before the leaves appear. Foliage is apple green , turning yellow to red in the fall. Seed pods dangle on this tree in winter. Western Redbud prefers full sun but will appreciate afternoon shade in desert areas. It needs well draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. A tree of varying interest all year round!
Common name:Island Alum Root
Botanical name:Heuchera maxima
Heuchera maxima will reach about 3' tall when in bloom and has deep green, lobed, evergreen leaves. Small white flowers with a touch of pink bloom in spring, rising above the foliage. This perennial can tolerate full sun in coastal areas but prefers part sun to shade in inland valleys. It looks great under oak trees, planted in masses. It is drought tolerant once it's established.
Common name:Foothill Penstemon
Botanical name:Penstemon heterophyllus
This perennial will grow 1.5'-2' tall and 2'-3' wide. It has glossy, blue-green foliage with violet colored, tubular flowers that bloom from spring through summer. Flowers are spectacular. This plant prefers full sun, well draining soil is drought tolerant once it's established. Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooming. Do not overwater or fertilize often, as it is hardy. This plant does well in coastal, desert and mountain areas.
Designer: Armstrong and Walker LA
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.
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.