Common name:Red Clusterberry Cotoneaster
Botanical name:Cotoneaster lacteus

This is an evergreen shrub that grows to a size of 8' tall with long, arching branches. Cotoneaster exhibits dark green leaves above and gray beneath with dusky red fruit. It requires sun to part shade with little or no watering. This plant is tough enough to naturalize in many areas in CA, and should be considered potentially invasive.

Common name:Carnival Lantana
Botanical name:Lantana hybrids

Delightful accents of color in natural gardens are found with this informal shrub. It can be controlled with pruning and is a reliable bloomer intermittently throughout the year, benefitting from infrequent, deep waterings and a little pruning.

Common name:Lion's Tail
Botanical name:Leonotis leonorus

This is an upright shrub to about 6' tall and wide. Lion's Tail provides both lush greenery and a durable, drought-tolerant shrub. Tubular, bright orange flowers are produced from summer through fall. Plants thrive in desert heat, and can be grown in containers, so plants can be moved to sheltered locations for frost protection.

Common name:Blanketflower
Botanical name:Gaillardia X grandiflora

This perennial has daisylike flowers in warm colors on sturdy stems. Plants form medium-sized clumps. It likes full sun and well-drained soil but tolerates poor soil and drought. It makes a great cut flower.

Common name:Bunya Bunya
Botanical name:Araucaria bidwillii

This large tree will grow to about 80' tall and 60' wide with glossy green, stiff leaves and produces giant cone-fruit.

Managing Your Soil

Healthy soil is the cornerstone of a vibrant landscape. It provides oxygen and nutrients vital to plant growth and sustenance. It provides protection from the sun and stability for root systems.

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