Common name:Italian Cypress
Botanical name:Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta'

Italian Cypress is often associated with Italian and Spanish architecture, providing columns in the landscape. They often reach 60' tall. 'Stricta' is compact, columnar and produces long, straight branches with deep green foliage.

Common name:Bougainvillea, La Jolla
Botanical name:Bougainvillea 'La Jolla'

The large amount of flamboyant color on this species creates a wonderful accent in a garden. Varieties can be in bush or vine form; colors vary. Once established, they tend to be carefree. All varieties are susceptible to frost damage. 'La Jolla' blooms in bright red; it is a compact shrub and good for containers.

Common name:Purple Fountain Grass
Botanical name:Pennisetum 'Rubrum'

This grass will reach 6' high and has deciduous, purplish red leaves with clusters of purple flowers that appear in summer and fall. Tall grasses are highly combustible.

Common name:Pride Of Madeira
Botanical name:Echium candicans

Mature specimens of this evergreen shrub can grow to a size of 6'-8' tall and 8'-10' wide. In the spring, spikes of rosy-violet to blue-purple flowers appear. It should receive sun to part shade, with little or no summer watering when established. This plant can be severely damaged by frost below 25 degrees F.

Common name:Coyote Bush
Botanical name:Baccharis pilularis 'Pigeon Point'

'Pigeon Point' is a compact, evergreen ground cover that grows 18"- 24" tall and 10'-12' wide. It is the preferred form of the Coyote Bush. Its leaves are green; it has white flowers that bloom in the fall. It is important to plant this groundcover that are at least 6' -10' apart. Otherwise they will overgrow each other and create a high groundcover. 'Pigeon Point' is tolerant of ocean spray and is deer resistant.

Common name:Orchid or Purple Rockrose
Botanical name:Cistus X purpureus

Orchid rockrose is an evergreen shrub growing to 4' tall and wide, often shorter in stressful situations. The rosy-crimson flowers to 3" wide exhibit a dark purple blotch at the base of each petal, and bloom early to mid-summer. The flowers also feature a contrasting yellow cluster of stamens in the center. It does well in salt spray and cool winds. It is relatively long-lived, tolerant of heat and aridity as well as accepting many soil conditions.

Managing Your Soil

Healthy soil is the cornerstone of a vibrant landscape. It provides oxygen and nutrients vital to plant growth and sustenance. It provides protection from the sun and stability for root systems.

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