Common name:Medio Picta Century Plant
Botanical name:Agave americana v. medio-picta
This form has arching leaves with a creamy white stripe down the center of the blue-green leaf. The leaves are outstanding with their arching form and are well armed with a stout, terminal spine as well as marginal teeth. It is somewhat smaller than the americana variety, growing to around 4.' It prefers full sun, well drained soil and will perform well in containers. This form also will die after bloom but will survive in the form of new pups around the old plant.
Common name:Golden Barrel Cactus
Botanical name:Echinocactus grusonii
Globe shaped cactus grows slowly to 1-1/2' x 2'. Golden spines line medium green ribs. Yellow flowers appear in spring. Full sun but prefers some shade in low desert. Striking accent. Looks attractive in groupings. Native to southern Mexico.
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.
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.
Common name:Bottlebrush Little John
Botanical name:Callistemon X viminalis 'Little John'
The 'Little John' exhibits very dense, compact growth to 3' x 3'. It produces clusters of blood red flowers and grey green foliage. A very regular, almost symmetrical, spiral patten of dense oval leaves is shown along the stems.
Designer:
Photographer: GardenSoft
Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.
The best time of day to water is in the early morning when there is no wind or hot drying sun.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.