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Gallery: California Native Gardens

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Backyard Native Delight
Sea Pink, Common Thrift
Ruby King Penstemon (deep pink)
Dwarf Jerusalem Sage
Prostrate Trailing Germander
Sea Pink, Common Thrift

Common name:Sea Pink, Common Thrift
Botanical name:Armeria maritima

This clumping, grass-like perennial can be planted in full sun in coastal areas but needs afternoon shade in warm inland areas This CA native has small pink flowers that resemble pom poms that bloom in spring and summer. This cute flower can be used between pavers as it can tolerate light foot traffic. Overall height of plant is about 1' tall. It is drought tolerant near coastal areas but requires more water in hot summer areas.

Ruby King Penstemon (deep pink)

Common name:Ruby King Penstemon (deep pink)
Botanical name:Penstemon 'Ruby King'

Penstemon 'Ruby King' is an attractive perennial, reaching 3' tall. Red tubular flowers appear in summer and fall. Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers. Evergreen leaves are pointed and bright green. Penstemons need well draining soil and full sun in coastal areas. It prefers afternoon shade in warm inland areas. It is not cold hardy. It is usually short lived (3-4 years) but well worth the effort for the spectacular blooms.

Dwarf Jerusalem Sage

Common name:Dwarf Jerusalem Sage
Botanical name:Phlomis lanata

Phlomis lanata is a dense, compact, shrubby perennial to 2.5' tall, with 1" wide, woolly, wrinkled leaves and whorls of 1/2", tubular, yellow flowers. It is nearly everblooming if old, faded stems are cut out.

Prostrate Trailing Germander

Common name:Prostrate Trailing Germander
Botanical name:Teucrium X lucidrys 'Prostratum'

This cushion-like ground cover reaches only 6" tall and 2' spreading. White or red-purple summer flowers appear in loose spikes, attracting bees. Leaves are evergreen, toothed and densely cover this ground cover. This plant needs well draining soil as it cannot stand wetness around its roots. It tolerates poor and rocky soil and full sun.

Designer: C&K Landscape Design

Backyard Native Delight
Image: 9 of 12

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:

Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.