Common name:Lady Banks' Rose
Botanical name:Rosa banksiae
This vigorous climbing evergree vine reaches 20' x 15' very qucikly. It has glossy, medium green leaves an is thornless. White or pale yellow clusters flowers appear in spring. Good cover for walls, fences or an arbor. Requires little maintenance. Native to China.
Common name:Mexican Gold Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia mexicana
Mexican Gold Poppy is similar to the California Poppy, but smaller. Upward-facing, four petaled orange blooms. Grows to 8" high. It is drought tolerant but extra summer water will extend the flowering season.
Common name:Bush Morning Glory, Silverbush
Botanical name:Convolvulus cneorum
This evergeen mounding groundcover quickly grows to 2' x 3'. The leaves are slivery gray. Showy white flowers appaer in spring. Accepts reflected sun. Low maintainance. Attracts pollinators. Is native to southern Europe.
Common name:Trident Sage
Botanical name:Salvia Trident'
This is a 3 way hybrid between Salvia mojavensis, Salvia clevelandii and Salvia dorrii. It keeps the interesting flowering spikes of the S. clevelandii but introduces compactness. Flowers are dark cobalt blue and while not large are showy. This salvia is one that has done well in the low desert where many have met their death. Attracts hummingbirds.
Designer: Margaret Joplin
Photographer: Tim Fuller
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Water-wise plants can be beautiful as well as practical.
Ask for low water use plants at your local nursery.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.
