Common name:Muskogee Crape Myrtle
Botanical name:Lagerstroemia 'Muskogee'

This Crape Myrtle hybrid is a popular tree which grows to 25' tall and 12' wide. It blooms with lavender flowers in the summer; leaves turn red in fall. It is mildew resistant and does well in areas with hot summers. Crape Myrtles bloom on new wood so prune in winter or early spring to increase flowering.

Common name:Catmint
Botanical name:Nepeta X faassenii

Nepeta faassenii makes soft, gray green, undulating mounds that are 1.5' high when blooming. The small leaves are attractive to cats. This perennial has lavender blue flowers in late spring and early summer.

Common name:Fox Tail Agave, Velvet Agave
Botanical name:Agave attenuata

This Agave has a dramatic tropical form. Even light frost can damage its succulent leaves. It is great for containers. In the low desert, partial sun will be best. If it becomes top heavy, simply cut and stick in the ground to root. It is not a fast grower and has light green foliage. It will also die after flowering but pups around the mother will survive. Distinctive with its large rosette of leaves perched on a long curving trunk, it is a native from Mexico.

Common name:Silk Tree, Mimosa Tree
Botanical name:Albizia julibrissin

This is a very graceful tree with a unique flat top which creates an interesting canopy effect. The light sensitive leaves close at night. It has delightful, fluffy pink summer flowers and fern like leaves. It is a fast grower to 40' tall when given adequate water. It enjoys high summer heat. It is especially interesting when viewed from above, so it works well on down slopes.

Common name:Purple Fountain Grass
Botanical name:Pennisetum 'Rubrum'

This grass will reach 6' high and has deciduous, purplish red leaves with clusters of purple flowers that appear in summer and fall. Tall grasses are highly combustible.

Common name:Santa Barbara Daisy, Mexican Daisy
Botanical name:Erigeron karvinskianus

This low mounding perennial, with fine leaves and white to pinkish, daisy-like flowers, is an excellent asset to rock gardens.