Common name:Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia indica

The new leaves of this species are 2" long, bright green, and tinged with bronze. Its fall color is affected by the weather. While it has a bare outline, its rounded seed capsules add interest. Its delicate flowers bloom in 6"-12" long clusters. The colors of its flowers are shades of red, rose, pink, purple, and white. It thrives on heat and new cultivars have been created that resist mildew.

Common name:Ivy Geranium
Botanical name:Pelargonium peltatum

Clouds of single or double flowers are produced from spring through fall on this plant, which should be planted in areas that receive afternoon shade in warm inland valleys. Foliage resembles ivy (pointed lobes) and are bright green and glossy. Ivy Geranium looks great in hanging baskets, window boxes or in planters. Do not use for erosion control.

Common name:Red-Edged Chevron Plant
Botanical name:Dracaena marginata

This shrub will grow 6'-12' tall and has large, evergreen, leathery greenish red leaves.

Common name:Dwarf Coyote Brush or Chaparral Bro
Botanical name:Baccharis piluraris 'Twin Peaks'

Complete with a strong, dense root system which clings attractively to slopes, this makes for an excellent low maintenance ground cover. In addition, it has no messy seeds.

Common name:Gold Spot Euonymus
Botanical name:Euonymus japonicus 'Aureo-Marginata'

Growing to about 8' tall, this evergreen shrub has green foliage with yellow variegation.

Common name:Dwarf Periwinkle, Dwarf Vinca
Botanical name:Vinca minor

This groundcover will grow less than 1' tall and has small, glossy, dark green leaves with blue, purple, lavender, or white flowers that bloom in the spring.