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:White Rockrose
Botanical name:Cistus X hybridus

This is a small evergreen shrub with 2" long gray green, crinkly leaves. It has pure white flowers with prominent yellow stamens. It flowers throughout the spring to early summer. Avoid heavy mulches. .

Common name:Oregon Grape
Botanical name:Mahonia aquifolium

Exhibiting erect growth, this evergreen shrub grows to a height of 6'. The leaves are 4"-10" long, with 5-9 very spiny-toothed, oval leaflets that are 1.5" in length.