Common name:New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax
New Zealand Flax is a large, bold plant with stiffly vertical, sword-like, green leaves that arise from its base. It should be grown under full sun for best color. Varieties will offer different growth habits and leaf color.
Common name:Pygmy Date Palm, Roebelin Palm
Botanical name:Phoenix roebelenii
This tree will grow to about 10' tall and has dark green, spiny petiole foliage. It does well in full sun to heavy shade; it likes moderate to heavy irrigation, but can take periods of dryness.
Common name:Yellow Moraea, Fortnight Lily
Botanical name:Dietes bicolor
This clumping perennial Iris relative stands 3'-4' high. It has light yellow, iris-like flowers with maroon blotches that are about 2" wide. It performs best in full sun and in soil with good drainage.
Common name:Ground Cover Myoporum
Botanical name:Myoporum parvifolium
This great groundcover will grow 9" high and 9' wide and does well in partial or full sun with moderate watering. It produces delicate white flowers that bloom in summer and are surrounded by tiny, bright green leaves.
Common name:Glossy Ternstroemia
Botanical name:Ternstroemia gymnanthera
This elegant evergreen shrub of medium height with dark green to bronze leaves is highly valued for its glossy, polished appearance. For proper growth, the plant should receive shade.
| Designer: Nina and Mike Mays | Female Praying Statue |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
Soils and Compost:
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Water Saving Tip:
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.
Integrated Pest Management:
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.