Hotlinks:
ADD
LA Arboretum Sunset Section 31
Bearded Iris
Quartz Creek Rush
Carmel Creeper
Brittlebush, Desert Encelia
Western Redbud
Australian-Dracaena
California Sycamore
Bearded Iris

Common name:Bearded Iris
Botanical name:Iris Bearded Hybrids

This perennial will grow 1'-3' tall and has medium sized, blue green leaves with flowers of different colors that bloom in spring. It needs well draining soil and full sun. Many are fragrant and rebloom several times a year. Plant rhizomes in Sept or Oct. They need water once a week during the hot spells. Top dress with compost and gypsum in January and August.

Quartz Creek Rush

Common name:Quartz Creek Rush
Botanical name:Juncus effusus pac. 'Quartz Creek'

This selection of Juncus is widely used in landscapes due to its carefree nature, rigid upright structure and bright green color. This Juncus initially grows very rapidily and then slows to eventually to 36" wide and then clumps. It will reach a height of 24"-36". It reguires fairly regular water in the warmer months to perform well.

Carmel Creeper

Common name:Carmel Creeper
Botanical name:Ceanothus griseus horizontalis

Carmel Creeper is one of the most popular forms of spreading shrubs. Its glossy oval leaves of 2" are bright green. The tiny, light blue flowers are abundant and form 1" clusters. This shrub benefits from pruning. It does best in well-drained soil with little to no summer water.

Brittlebush, Desert Encelia

Common name:Brittlebush, Desert Encelia
Botanical name:Encelia densiflora

This plant will grow 2'-5' high and produces bright yellow flowers that bloom from March to June. It has silvery/gray leaves and brittle branches that have an aromatic resin.

Western Redbud

Common name:Western Redbud
Botanical name:Cercis occidentalis

This deciduous shrub ranges from 6'-20' tall and 10'-15' wide. It is desirable for its magenta spring flowers, yellow to red fall color, and dangling winter seed pods. It is tolerant of many soil types, drought and oak root fungus. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. The Western Redbud can be found statewide in CA in the foothills below 4500' elevations in chaparral and woodland communities. - Cornflower Farms

Australian-Dracaena

Common name:Australian-Dracaena
Botanical name:Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis is an evergreen shrub that grows 12' to 30' tall and 10' to 15' wide with sword-like leaves. It likes full sun, and is very tolerant of heat and drought. It will live in any type of soil that is well drained. Cut back to develop multiple trunks.

California Sycamore

Common name:California Sycamore
Botanical name:Platanus racemosa

The California Sycamore is a fast growing deciduous tree that reaches up to 40'-50' high. It tolerates heat, smog, as well as moist conditions; it is native to riparian areas. It can be drought tolerant once it's established if there is a high water table. It has interesting mottled bark when the tree is bare in winter. Leaves in fall are gold, red and orange, creating litter. It is beautiful all year round.

Designer: Sunset Staff

LA Arboretum Sunset Section 31

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.

Integrated Pest Management:

Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.