Common name:Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia indica
The new leaves of this species are 2" long, bright green, and tinged with bronze. Some cultivars have spectacular fall color. When it has a bare outline, its rounded seed capsules add interest. Its delicate flowers bloom in 6"-12" long clusters. The flower colors could be shades of red, rose, pink, purple, and white, blooming in summer. It thrives on heat, and new cultivars have been created that resist mildew. This tree prefers full sun and has low watering needs once it's established.
Common name:Oleander
Botanical name:Nerium oleander
Oleander is an evergreen shrub with moderate to fast growth. Leaves are narrow, 4"-12" long, dark green, leathery, and glossy, attractive in all seasons. Flowers are in clusters on branch ends; blooms from late spring through fall.
Common name:Creeping St. Johnswort
Botanical name:Hypericum calycinum
Hypericum calycinum is an evergreen perennial groundcover. It grows 1' high and 1'-2' in spread, and spreads by underground runners. Yellow flowers bloom in the summer. Foliage is dark green. In some areas, it is considered invasive. It prefers sandy and alkaline soil.
Designer: Michael Lander ASLA
Photographer: GardenSoft
Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.