Common name:Mexican Bush Sage
Botanical name:Salvia leucantha
Semievergreen low growing perennial grows to 4' x 4'. It has hairy white stems and gray-green leaves. Velvety purple flower spikes appear late spring through fall. Accpets full sun or partial shade. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Cut back hard in the winter to avoid frost damage and to allow vibrant new growth in the spring.
Common name:Violet Silverleaf
Botanical name:Leucophyllum candidum
Evergreen shrub grows at a moderate rate to 3' x 3'. Silvery leaves provide striking backdrop to deep violet flowers. Silvery leaves also contrast well with other green plants in the landscape. Flowers appear summer to fall following rains. Accepts reflected sun. Native to the Chihuahuan Desert.
Common name:Oleander
Botanical name:Nerium oleander
Oleander is a dense, upright evergreen shrub that grows quickly to 6' x 4'. Leaves are dark green, leathery, and glossy. Accepts reflected sun. Flowers appear spring to fall. Excellent screen. Good summer color. Native to the Mediterranean.
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Photographer: GardenSoft
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Group plants according to their water needs.
Creating separate zones for drought-tolerant plants, medium water-use plants, and water-thirsty grass will help prevent overwatering.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.