Common name:Shrimp Plant
Botanical name:Justicia brandegeana
This shrub will reach 6' tall and has small, light green leaves with yellow and white flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and fall.
Common name:Shrimp Pink Aloe
Botanical name:Aloe saponaria
This succulent plant will grow about 2' high and has large, greenish/white leaves with orange, pink, and red flowers that bloom in spring and fall.
Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana
This plant is fast growing to about 6'-10' tall and 8'-13' wide. Wide gray leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. It prefers full sun and well-drained situations. After blooming, which could take several years, it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. Removal is difficult if unwanted.
Common name:Species Rose
Botanical name:Rosa species
These shrubs and vines are the most-loved in the West and are very resilient. They come in a wide variety of sizes and colors and are easy to maintain with proper care. They can be used in a water-conserving garden with careful attention to irrigation practices.
Common name:Artichoke Agave
Botanical name:Agave parryi melampodium
This succulent resembles a large artichoke because of the flat-topped rosettes of leaves. This plant can reach 2'-4' tall and 5' wide. It will spread from its pups. This plant has flat, blue gray broad leaves that have sharp spines and tips. A stalk of yellow flowers emerge from the center but it may take 20 years to see a bloom, which marks the death of the plant. This plant tolerates full sun in coastal as well as desert areas. It prefers sandy, well draining soil. It is drought tolerant.
Designer: Homeowner
Photographer: Vicki Anderson
Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.
In general, lawns only need to be watered once every three days.
Check your irrigation controller and reduce watering times if necessary.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.