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

The California Fuchsia is a perennial with dense, narrow, silver foliage and orange summer flowers. The growth habit of this plant is sprawling and low, 2' tall and 4' wide. This perennial is a California native and attracts hummingbirds. It prefers full sun and is drought tolerant once it's established.

Common name:Purple Smoke Tree
Botanical name:Cotinus coggygria 'Purpureus'

A deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 10' tall, the "Purpureus" is grown for its wispy, thread-like flower clusters in summer. Its green foliage turns a brilliant purple and then yellow to red in the fall. This shrub is a show stopper! It prefers full sun but will do better with afternoon shade in hot inland areas. This attractive shrub is drought tolerant once it's established.

Common name:Cleveland Sage, Calif. Blue Sage
Botanical name:Salvia clevelandii

The Aromas Sage is a selection that stays more compact than the Cleveland Sage and grows to about 3'-5' high and wide. It has distinctively fragrant grey-green foliage and whorls of violet-blue flowers in spring/summer. It can withstand strong winds and is deer resistant. Prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Common name:Evergreen or Flowering Pear
Botanical name:Pyrus kawakamii

This tree grows quickly to about 20' tall and wide. It is has evergreen, glossy, oval, and pointed leaves. White, fragrant, spectacular flowers bloom in spring. Leaves may fall in winter if very cold. It prefers full sun and regular watering, more in hot summer months. Prune in winter. This tree looks great if espaliered. Fruit is inedible.

Common name:White Alder, Western Alder
Botanical name:Alnus rhombifolia

White Alder is a deciduous tree with spreading or ascending branches and downward pointing tips. It has coarse teeth and dark green leaves. It is very fast growing 50'-90' tall with a 40' spread. It is very heat and wind tolerant and is a native to California. Green yellow flowers appear in spring. During winter, small cones decorate bare limbs.

The Magic of Mulch

In the natural world the endless cycle of birth, growth, decay, death and rebirth flows throughout the seasons. Plants die, leaves fall and new growth springs up in its place. Nothing is lost and the fallen leaves and dead plants decay into the soil, enriching it for the next generation of growth.

Click in the green box for more information