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:Blanket Flower
Botanical name:Gaillardia X grandiflora

This perennial has daisylike flowers in warm colors on sturdy stems. Plants form medium-sized clumps. It likes full sun and well-drained soil but tolerates poor soil and drought. It makes a great cut flower.

Common name:Globe Mallow Louis Hamilton
Botanical name:Sphaeralcea ambigua 'Louis Hamilton'

This perennial will grow 4' x 3' . It has small, leathery gray leaves with rich, red-orange flowers that bloom in the spring.

Common name:Valentine Spotted Eremophila
Botanical name:Eremophila maculata 'Valentine'

A mediumshrub that can reach 6' tall. Flowers are pink with strong blue overtones and light spots on the interior. Blooms profusely in the late winter and early spring in desert climates. Does well in hot dry locations. Dark green leaves.

Dealing With Drought

More than half of the water used at your home is for outside purposes. Studies show that on average, half of the water used outdoors is wasted. The leading cause of waste is incorrectly set and poorly managed irrigation controllers. The second biggest cause of wastage is broken irrigation equipment that goes undetected. There are a few basic things you can do to make a big difference in your water use.

Click in the green box for more information