Common name:Spanish Bayonet
Botanical name:Yucca aloifolia
This shrub becomes a large sprawling plant, reaching 10' tall and 10' wide. Growth is slow. Stiff dense leaves are medium green with sharp points; they reach 2.5' long and 2" wide. It tends to bloom when under drought stress situations. This variety is more tolerant of cold than Y. gloriosa. Cold weather can turn leaves purple. Leaf margins are smooth. Weevils can damage this plant.
Common name:Olive
Botanical name:Olea europaea
This broad tree will grow to 40' tall and has small, gray green leaves with fleshy black fruit that appears in fall.
Common name:Kleinia
Botanical name:Senecio mandraliscae
This succulent perennial will grow to about 1.5' tall and 2' wide. It has curved, bluish gray leaves that are about 3.5" long and very slender.
Common name:Fox Tail Agave, Velvet Agave
Botanical name:Agave attenuata
This Agave has a dramatic tropical form. Even light frost can damage its succulent leaves. It is great for containers. In the low desert, partial sun will be best. If it becomes top heavy, simply cut and stick in the ground to root. It is not a fast grower and has light green foliage. It will also die after flowering but pups around the mother will survive. Distinctive with its large rosette of leaves perched on a long curving trunk, it is a native from Mexico.
Designer: Stephanie Blanc | Cal Greek Entryway |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.