Common name:Century Plant
Botanical name:Agave americana

This agave 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. It is prone to agave snout weevil which will eat the roots and leaves. 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. Water once a month during the summer.

Common name:Lamb's Ears Silver Carpet
Botanical name:Stachys byzantina 'Silver Carpet'

This variety of Lamb's Ears does not produce significant flowers. It is grown for the beautiful and soft silver grey foliage.

Common name:Mendocino Reed Grass
Botanical name:Calamagrostis foliosa

This tufted perennial bunchgrass is native to the Northern California coastal scrub. It forms a beautiful, dense mound of grey-green leaves that reach 2' tall, with showy arching buff colred flower stalks to 3' tall in spring and summer. Reed Grass foliage turn into an attractive purple coloration in the fall and winter. This evergreen should be grown under sun, with little or no summer watering required. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Common name:Giant Catmit
Botanical name:Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'

From the early summer and into the fall, this aromatic plant will bloom with grey-green foliage and lavender blue flowers. This perennial grows from 30" to reach a height and width of 3'. It is tolerant of both humidity and drought. This perennial is effective when grown below roses, as a filler in perennial gardens, and as an edging plant. It also is complemented by pines and pale yelow flowers. The perennial should be placed in a well-drained location.

Common name:Ivy Geranium
Botanical name:Pelargonium peltatum

Clouds of single flowers are produced from spring through fall on This perennial, which should be planted in areas that receive protection from afternoon sun in warm inland areas. Ivy geranium reaches 2' tall and spreads to 3' wide. Leaves are shaped like ivy leaves, thus its common name. Flowers bloom from spring through fall in pink, white, red or violet. It looks great in containers as it spills over. Deadhead to encourage more blooming and keep plant bushy.

Common name:Red-Hot Poker, Torch Lily
Botanical name:Kniphofia hybrids

This perennial will grow to about 6' tall and has large green leaves and has red, orange, and yellow flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and fall.

Common name:Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac
Botanical name:Buddleja davidii

Butterfly bush is a fast growing deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub ranging from 3' up to 10'. It has an open, rangy growth habit. It should be cut back nearly to the ground in fall or spring for size control and appearance. - Cornflower Farms There are various cultivars that come in pinks and purple flowers.

Common name:Yellow Margin Century Plant
Botanical name:Agave americana marginata

This form has a creamy yellow margin around the edge of the leaves and will grow 6-10' tall x 13' wide. It is a native to Mexico, and has a very open growth habit with leaves that recurve along their length. -Mountain States Nursery

Common name:Flamingo Green Eulalia Grass
Botanical name:Miscanthus sinensis 'Flamingo'

These deciduous grasses grow from 4-7' tall, and often turn pink-tinged inflorescences before going dormant. Tall, showy spikes of feathery, curved seed heads are borne and retained well into the winter or the following spring. It should receive sun to part shade, and average to little summer watering. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Common name:Autumn Moor Grass
Botanical name:Sesleria autumnalis

A small, mounding grass with yellow-green leaves that reaches 12" high. In the fall, it sends up narrow flower stems that have a silvery-white inflorescence. When planted in masses, it has a striking appearance. It is drought tolerant.

Sustainable Landscaping Fundamentals

Sustainable landscaping is a term coined to mean sensible landscape practices that work within the limits of the Eco-system. This means within the limits of your local rainfall, soil conditions and sun patterns.

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