Common name:Crimson Queen Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'
This beautiful tree reaches 10' tall and wide, growing at a moderate pace. Acer needs afternoon shade in hot inland areas and regular watering and more during hot summer months. It prefers acid, well draining soil. Leaves are dissected, with an overall weeping habit. Foliage is burgundy in spring, changing to red in fall before dropping. This is a spectacular tree for Asian style gardens.
Common name:Italian Cypress
Botanical name:Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta'
Italian Cypress is often associated with Italian and Spanish architecture, providing columns in the landscape. They often reach 60' tall. 'Stricta' is compact, columnar and produces long, straight branches with deep green foliage.
Common name:Fern Pine
Botanical name:Afrocarpus gracilior
Soft, narrow, pointed leaves on graceful arching branches characterize this plant. The foliage is grey-green, and the plant can be used as an individual specimen, screen, or even a small tree.
Common name:Butterfly Iris or Fortnight Lily
Botanical name:Dietes iridioides
This clumping evergreen iris bears tall, narrow leaves to 30" tall and white flowers marked purple in the center on stalks to 3' tall, appearing spring through fall. This variety has stiffer, darker foiliage than the bicolor form. It requires sun to part shade with little or no summer watering when established. This is a very reliable plant. Divide every 3-5 years to keep it looking fresh.
Designer: Yannis Landscaping
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.