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Sun-splashed Patio
Dragon Tree
Coast Sunflower, Coast Encelia
White Gaura
Wide-leaf Myoporum
Mexican Fan Palm
Laurel Sumac
Coral Bells
California Fuchsia, Zauschneria
Dragon Tree

Common name:Dragon Tree
Botanical name:Dracaena draco

This evergreen is similar to a palm tree and will grow 30' high and 20' wide. It produces clusters of green white flowers on the end of the branches and also produces orange berries. It has a very distinct appearance when mature.

Coast Sunflower, Coast Encelia

Common name:Coast Sunflower, Coast Encelia
Botanical name:Encelia californica

Encelia californica is a fast growing woody subshrub with bright green foliage and yellow daisy-type flowers. It can be used effectively in the natural landscape with regular pruning to maintain form. It is more commonly used in native restoration work. In inland situations, it requires more regular water. It grows to 3'-5' tall and 3'-5' wide.

White Gaura

Common name:White Gaura
Botanical name:Gaura lindheimeri

White Gaura is a profusely flowering perennial for all zones; it grows 2'-4' high. It has pink buds that open to showy white flowers in spring and fall. It needs full sun and is drought tolerant.

Wide-leaf Myoporum

Common name:Wide-leaf Myoporum
Botanical name:Myoporum parvifolium 'Putah Creek'

This evergreen ground cover grows 1' high and 8' wide. It is drought tolerant once established and blooms with white flowers. It cannot take foot traffic.

Mexican Fan Palm

Common name:Mexican Fan Palm
Botanical name:Washingtonia robusta

The Mexican Fan Palm is a very tall, rapidly growing palm with large, fan-shaped leaves. It has a tropical look, and can grow several feet a year. This species is excellent for larger yards and lining streets.

Laurel Sumac

Common name:Laurel Sumac
Botanical name:Malosma laurina

This evergreen shrub has dark green foliage that is red when it is young. This is a good plant for dry slopes.

Coral Bells

Common name:Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera cultivars

These perennials have wonderful flowers in colors ranging from white to deep crimson. The flowers bloom in spring and these plants are popular in masses or borders.

California Fuchsia, Zauschneria

Common name:California Fuchsia, Zauschneria
Botanical name:Epilobium canum

The California fuchsia is a perennial with dense, narrow, green gray foliage and red orange summer flowers. The growth habit of this plant is sprawling and low. The California fuchsia is native to California, is drought tolerant, and attracts hummingbirds.

Designer:

Sun-splashed Patio

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.

Water Saving Tip:

Mulching around plants helps retain water and improves the soil.

Integrated Pest Management:

Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.