Common name:Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Botanical name:Nandina domestica
Nandina domestica is a graceful upright shrub that grows from 3'-6' in height. It gets its name from its bamboo-like growth habit. When thinned from the center it bears a remarkable resemblance to bamboo. It is best used in groups. It can be used in a shaded patio or out in a shrub border with full sun. An interesting feature of Heavenly Bamboo is the bronze color in the new growth when planted in full sun. It also bears clusters of white flowers in the spring.
Common name:Santa Ana Cardinal Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera 'Santa Ana Cardinal'
This Heuchera is believed to be a hybrid between the native Heuchera maxima and the non-native Heuchera sanguinea. The name is a little misleading as the flower is more pinkish red than it is red or cardinal. It is best used in dry shady conditions with well drained soil. Once established, it requires little care. It is susceptible to mealy bugs and root rot if it receives too much water. It grows to 18"-24" tall and wide. It looks great in mass plantings.
Common name:Blue Fescue, Blue Fescuegrass
Botanical name:Festuca glauca
This groundcover/grass will grow less than 1' tall and has small, blue green leaves.
Common name:Blue Oat Grass
Botanical name:Helictotrichon sempervirens
The Blue Oat Grass is an evergreen, blue clumping grass that grows 12"-18" tall and wide. Its showy flowers are 1'-2' above the foliage. This plant looks good alone as well as in mass plantings. The blue oat grass likes dry hill sides and is drought tolerant. -Cornflower Farms
Common name:Mexican Feather Grass
Botanical name:Nassella tenuissima
This ornamental grass grows to 2' tall. It goes partially dormant during the summer but green in spring and fall. It prefers a sunny, well drained site. This plant can be invasive in some areas, so use caution. To keep reseeding to a minimum, drip irrigation will be best. Cut back in early spring to remove dormant foliage and dried seed heads. It can also tolerate dry shade. It grows to 10" wide and is the finest textured of the ornamental grasses.
Photographer: GardenSoft
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Water-wise plants can be beautiful as well as practical.
Take your 'My List' Hydrozone Report to a landscape designer, or local nursery, when selecting and purchasing plants.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.