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Giraffe in our Midst
Ocotillo
Purple Fountain Grass
Anthony Waterer Spirea
Ocotillo

Common name:Ocotillo
Botanical name:Fouquieria splendens

Deciduous succulent grows at a moderate rate to 12' x 10'. Slender spined branches ascend from a common base. Medium green leaves appear when there is ample moisture. Drought deciduous. In spring, spiky clusters of red orange flowers appear. Too much water can kill this plant. Good drainage is important. Accepts full fun. Striking silhouette. Attracts hummingbirds. Native to Sonoran, Chihuahuan and Mojave Deserts.

Purple Fountain Grass

Common name:Purple Fountain Grass
Botanical name:Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'

This grass will reach 6' high and has deciduous, purplish/red leaves with clusters of purple flowers that appear in summer and fall. Cut back hard in the winter to avoid frost damage and to allow vibrant new growth in the spring.

Anthony Waterer Spirea

Common name:Anthony Waterer Spirea
Botanical name:Spiraea japonica 'Anthony Waterer'

This 'Anthony Waterer' is a broad shrub, growing 2'-3' with a flattop and dark, blue green leaves. The immature growth is a pinkish red color. From summer until early fall, the flowers are a deep carmine pink color. The pink color of the shrub's flowers makes a nice focal point, and the plant provides structure to a perennial border. It is presented well around lilacs.

Designer:

Giraffe in our Midst
Image: 14 of 36

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.

Water Saving Tip:

Use multiple cycles of irrigation on watering days. Most sprinklers deliver water faster than soils can absorb it.

By breaking up the watering time into smaller segments, runoff can be greatly reduced.

Integrated Pest Management:

Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.