Plant of the Month Pennisetum spatheolatum RYE PUFFS This is an ornamental, evergreen, non-invasive grass that likes full sun or partial shade. From a central grass clump of approx. 12-18", arise long slender stems adorned by a miniature cattail-like "puff". It can be a spectacular vertical accent as the stems wave in even the most gentle breeze. Normal to wet garden conditions. Probably our all-around favorite of the grasses!

The Beauty of Structure

In the world of Succulents, Cactus and Cactus-likes, you will find varying degrees of structure. Some of the most dramatic and impressive landscapes I’ve seen are extremely structural. Stately verticals combined with golden orbs, or fans of slender spikes lit by the morning or evening sun cast artistic shadows. Creating just the right balance of “structural” plant specimens is akin to creating contemporary art. A blend of foliage color adds an even greater impact. So, if you’d like to meet a few interesting elements of structure in the landscape, let me introduce…

Agave filamentosa
NEEDLES AND STRINGS AGAVE
Diminutive rosettes of slender, dark green leaves heavily laced with white, fibrous strings that peel off of the edges as they emerge and unfold from center. Usually no wider than 12" and under 6-8" tall, they start clumping nicely with maturity. Manageable size for containers and do well in full sun or dry, partial shade. Because of its interesting lines and "laciness," this slow growing little Agave is a favorite of everybody's who love unusual plants with an artistic appeal!

Cereus peruvianus
PERUVIAN ORGAN PIPE CACTUS
Probably one of the most popular and well known of the Cereus family, this big boy has the traditional organ-pipe shape with large upright columns branching from the base. Mature plants bear hundreds of fragrant, white, night-blooming flowers that last into most of the next day, up to 6 inches across. Though its size can easily be contained as a large potted plant, in the ground it can get up to 10 feet tall and easily as wide, although this does take some years. There are many cultivars of Cereus peruvianus in the trade, however ours was selected for its excellent blue color and symmetrical form. Full sun, very tolerant of different conditions from cool coastal climates to blazing desert sun (more water in hotter climates). Hardy to low 20s

Agave americana
CENTURY PLANT
Certainly the most classic and best known of all of the "Century Plants." Large, toothy, blue-grey leaves. Despite its name, the flower spike may develop in as little as 15 to 20 years, rather than 100. Overall size to 5' around and clumping. Hardy to high teens, full sun- extremely drought resistant when established.

Aloe cameronii
STAR FISH ALOE
This is a crazy, fantastic plant with leaves that can turn completely red, especially in the winter, or when dry. Its shape when viewed from above is like peering down into the depths of underwater upon a great, big, red starfish! Its color is best contrasted against lush green succulents, or soft, verdant green ornamental grasses to really bring out the maximum contrast and complimentary color. It stays fairly low, in clumps rarely over two feet tall, but can develop some width to the cluster over time, becoming as wide as 3 to 4 feet. And, bonus upon bonus, if the leaves weren't colorful enough, then maybe the brilliant spikes of orange flowers in the dead of winter will do it for you!

Dasylirion longissimum
GRASS PALM
Straight grass-like leaves radiate out from the base in a symmetrical fashion. Grows 6-8’ in height. Hardy to the mid 20s; full sun. This plant is drought tolerant and fire retardant.

Euphorbia flannenganii
MEDUSAE'S HEAD
If you're looking for one of the all time "curio" plants of the world, then why not a green head with green snakes for hair!? That's what this unusual plant looks like! A central, main stem, or "head" bears thinner side branches that radiate outward from the center looking just like snakes. The overall form of this weird plant is flat, pan-like, only growing 2-3 inches tall and fanning out up to 12 inches wide. During the late winter/early spring months it can be found almost covered with tiny, brilliant yellow flowers. Full sun to light, partial shade coastal and coastal plain; substantial shade in hot desert climates. Appreciates extra water and fertilizer during warm season. Very good as a potted plant, in order to bring this oddity up to eye level. Frost tender.

Euphorbia mauritanica
LIME-LINES
Long green gray cylindrical stems sprouting in the shape of a bush form this unusual succulent. Bright yellow mini flowers bloom throughout winter to add additional color and beauty. It can grow to a height of 34-36”. Drought tolerant. Full sun to partial shade. Hardy to the mid 20s.

Pedilanthus macrocarpus
DESERT PENCIL BUSH
Very vertical, pale lime green stems are about the diameter of a fat pencil and grow to about 2 1/2 feet tall, branching freely from the base or slightly under-ground. A native American member of the Euphorbia family from Baja and northern Mexico, there is no other succulent plant like this with such pretty, multiple, straight up vertical lines and it's as impressive in containers as it is in the southwest or succulent garden. If its unique and striking form were not enough, the added bonus of colorful flowers shaped like tiny little red slippers dance on the tips of the stems during summer (hence its other common name-"Lady Slippers") Full sun; tender to frost, and really appreciates some extra water and fertilizer in the warm growing season, especially in hot, inland, desert climates.

Agave desmetiana
SMOOTH AGAVE
Smooth leaved, all green, clumping rosette growing to 3 ft. round. This Agave loves the sun or shade. Drought tolerant and hardy to 25 degrees. Older plants will form pale yellow flower on an 8-10' tall panicle.

Crassula falcata
PROPELLER PLANT
Long, 4-6" leathery leaves are arranged on the stem opposing each other, looking somewhat like curious, grey-green, succulent propellers. Now, so far, that's just plain weird looking, laying kind of flat toward the ground and not really looking like much of anything, until the big surprise in August! That's when spectacular, brilliant red flowers arranged in table-top flat clusters arise on short stems about 8-10" above the plant. They are only in bloom for a very short period of about 4 to 6 weeks! Use in the landscape as oddities, or curiosities, in low-bowl, shallow containers, in the nooks and crannies of rock or succulent gardens, and in retaining walls. Very drought tolerant when established, needs full sun, and is tender to frost.

Chitalpa tashkentensis
PINK DAWN
This desert tree is drought tolerant and can withstand high temperatures as well as very low temperatures. Features long dark green leaves and beautiful pink flowers that bloom from late spring to late fall. It grows quickly and reaches a maximum height of 30’ tall.

Hesperaloe parviflora
CORAL YUCCA
This is an old reliable when it comes to plants that flower beautifully and consistently in the desert. But what is not known, is that it performs equally as well in the cooler coastal plain areas. And if you really want to know how versatile it is, I have some planted up in my folks yard in the high Sierras where it frequently gets down to minus 10 degrees, and it's thriving up there! Long, slender, yucca-like leaves form clumps up to 2 1/2 feet high and very slowly to a few feet wide, seemingly always bearing beautiful coral-pink stems and flowers up to 4 feet tall. Amazingly, the whole stem makes a very exotic, tropical looking, long lasting, cut flower in a flower arrangement. Very drought resistant when established; full sun; hardy to below 0 degrees.

Lantana
ALL VARIETIES
Our Lantanas have some of the brightest and intense colors known in the Lantana group- deep carmine red, brilliant orange and yellow, deep purple and snow white. Evergreen on coast. Full sun. Loves heat. Drought tolerant.

Buddleja davidii
BUTTERFLY BUSH
Fragrant, lilac-like, deep cornflower blue cones of flowers on tough shrub up to 5 feet. Attracts butterflies; beautiful and hardy from coast, to mountains, to desert. Full sun.

Geranium sanguineum and cantabrigensis
MOUNTAIN GERANIUMS
Fluffy, low growing (about a foot tall), perennial with beautiful green foliage that turns red in cold temperatures. Light pink flowers begin to form in late winter to early spring and continue blooming throughout most of the summer. Beautiful choice for borders, or rock gardens. This lovely, little gem will add grace to your garden and is still hardy to the low 20's.

Calyophus hartwegii
TRAILING BUTTERCUPS
A carpet of yellow buttercups in your landscape or garden will cheer up the gloomiest day. This low-growing eye-catching perennial is about 8 inches tall and spreads to a little over two feet round packing a punch of color that will send you running for your sun glasses! Rich yellow flowers with a long blooming season. It goes dormant in the winter.

Lavandula sp.
ALL VARIETIES
Fragrant foliage produces hundreds of flower stems, year round covered with blue/purple flower. The worst drawback is they bloom too much! Requires frequent pruning of dead flower stems.

Silene uniflora
BALLOON FLOWER
This unique little perennial is perfect for containers, rock gardens, or ponds. It has smooth, grey-green foliage growing in a low matt, bearing unusual white flowers with a balloon-like shape at the base. They love full sun and need normal watering, but do not like to be over-watered. This cute little oddity is blooming now in winter, and continues to bloom on and off through spring and summer.

Gaura lindheimeri "Pink Blush"
PINK GAURA
Perennial with soft burgundy tint to foliage. Blooms pink butterfly-like flowers on 1 - 1 1/2' slender stems most of the year, excluding winter. Full sun, good drainage. Nice wildflower look!

Featuring...

Pachypodium lamaerii
"MADAGASCAR 'PALM'"
Young plants grow up in a straight, single trunk, crowned by a symmetrical crown of leaves on top in “palm-like” fashion. As it grows older, the base becomes fat and swollen, and beautiful white, fragrant flowers emerge at the crown. Growth is slow and can eventually reach heights of 10’; tender to frost; full sun. Appreciates ample watering with a brief dry interval between, fertilize as needed to keep its lush appearance.

Duranta repens variegata
VARIEGATED BRAZILIAN SKYFLOWER
Shiny leaves of bright green and cream variegation. A most attractive large shrub to small tree. Lavender blossoms like "mini" wisteria hang from stems most of spring and summer. Loves the sun, but will take part shade too. Regular water. Hardy to high 20's. It's appearance is as refreshing as a cool mint in the summer!

Synadenium grantii
COAT OF MANY COLORS
This succulent shrub or small tree has brilliantly colored leaves of purple-red, striped with green striping and grows to 6-7' tall x 3' wide. Loves full sun; drought tolerant. Dramatic accent in large containers. Frost sensitive. Deciduous in cold climates.

Bougainvillea ‘Afterglow'
OCOTILLO BOUGAINVILLEA
A great marriage of interesting form and brilliant color! This bougainvillea is different in form to what you would normally recognize as a bougainvillea appearing more leggy and spindly. Now, that probably doesn't sound pretty, but it gives it a unique shape making it "Ocotillo-like" in appearance. It can reach heights of 12 - 15' tall, but also can be managed nicely in containers. Very drought tolerant and appreciates partial shade to full sun. Its brilliant Hot Pink blossoms continue almost year-round making it quite an accent!

Aloe bainsesii hybrid
NEANDERTHALOE
If you like the exotic and unusual, this tree Aloe just might be for you! Blooming in the winter with masses of puffy orange/apricot flowers on its tangled crown, it looks something like a "pretty" monster. Is that an oxymoron or what? Relatively young plants take only a few years to develop heavy, sculptured trunks with arching, broad, strap-like, dark green leaves forming the canopy. It can only be described as "weird and wonderful" to tree Aloe enthusiasts. Needs full sun, and drought tolerant when established, however it exhibits much faster growth with frequent deep watering between dry periods. Can be damaged by freezes in low 20s. Rapid growth to 12' tall.

Agave sisaliana var.
CREAM STRIPE AGAVE
This truly striking variety with long, broad leaves of green and cream will definitely get your attention! It’s upright, symmetrical growth, color and size makes it a focal point or accent in the landscape. With an all around size of 5 – 6 feet, you’ll need to give it some growing room when planted. This sun-loving Agave looks wonderful surrounded by succulents, grasses and perennials with that “wildflower” look. DRAMATIC!

Opuntia verschaffeltii "Thumb Buttons" is the perfect name for this low-growing mound of tightly packed branches. Green most of the year, it turns purple in the winter as the temperatures drop. Come springtime, you will find it displaying small, pink flowers. Makes a great specimen for rock gardens, or containers. Needs good drainage and dry intervals between watering. Growing slowly, this opuntia gets to be about 4-5 inches tall and 1-2 feet wide when full grown. Hardy to high teens.

Big, fat, round, doughy, blue-grey leaves of the Crassula arborescens are held on stocky stems, growing very slowly to 3 feet outdoors. Each leaf has a very nice red margin highlighting its striking grays. Grows to 1' by 1'. Likes full sun in the areas of the coast and coastal plain. Is unaffected by salt spray, so it works well right up to the coast. In the hottest inland desert areas, it needs a little shade, and is actually quite tolerant of partial, or filtered shade, everywhere. Very drought tolerant, but is appreciative of additional watering. Will not cause problems even if given frequent and regular garden watering.

Aeonium arboreum atropurpureaum 'Zwartkopf' has "Pinwheels" of deep purple leaves that look like year-round flowers. 3-5 feet tall. It has huge, brilliant, canary yellow flower spikes in winter and loves full sun to part shade. Frost tender.

The soft blue-green color of this exotic Agave 'Blue Moon' makes it a landscape specialty! Smooth leaved, clumping rosettes grows to 18-24" tall. Loves the full sun and is drought tolerant.

The chiseled, triangular leaves of the Aloe striata form ghostly colored rosettes of 1 to 1 1/2 feet across, and never exceeding 8 inches tall. The frosty light colored leaves pick up an interesting amethyst tint when dry, or during cool winter temperatures. The gardener is then startled by brilliant orange flowers by the hundreds, suspended 2-3 feet above the plant on tall candelabra stems in the late winter/early spring. "Pups," or offshoots, form around the base of the "mother" plant, eventually producing nice clumps of up to 3 feet across. Full sun to part shade, very salt tolerant at ocean-side locations, does well from regular garden watering to very drought tolerant situations. Hardy to low 20s.

Euphorbia tirucalli 'Flame' is an unusual color morph of the "pencil plant", and amazingly the normally deep green, fleshy stems are brilliant reds and pinks- colors are most intense in the winter months. From a distance it looks as if the bush is literally on fire with color. Much slower growing than its green progenitor, and more tender- both to intense sun as well as frost. Full sun coastal, partial shade in inland, hot desert climates. Makes a very striking indoor plant as well as sunny, untinted window areas. Up to 6' tall x 2' wide. Very tender to frost. Appreciates increased water and fertilizer during warm growing season.

Oscularia deltoides "Ice Crumbles" has gray, green leaves set on red stems that give this ice plant a unique look. It blooms pink flowers throughout spring. This low spreader gets about 2-3' wide. Plant in full sun to light shade. Drought tolerant but also handles coastal regions.

Looking for fantastic golden foliage in a succulent?... well Crassula argentea "Sunset Jade" will bring sunshine right into your landscape when grown in the full sun. Brilliant yellow leaves are accented by crimson margins on a slow-growing 3 x 4 foot succulent shrub. Tender to frost.

Succulents are so versatile! Being used completely on their own, they can be uniquely spectacular in their combinations of colors and foliage. However, we often combine them with cactus, or for quite the opposite look, are teamed up with ornamental grasses and perennials. They are quickly becoming our most popular and most purchased plant variety! So, the next time you sit down at your desk to plan a landscape, put the pencil down and pick up a paint brush and have some fun!