South African Gazania flowers are a vibrant addition to any garden. Their striking, daisy-like blooms come in a variety of colors, making them a favorite among gardeners. Here’s a detailed guide to help you care for and maintain these beautiful flowers. Gazania flowers are native to South Africa and thrive in sunny, warm climates. They are known for their drought …
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Cape Mallow – Strybing Beauty
When it comes to adding a touch of elegance and vibrancy to your garden, Anisodontea ‘Strybing Beauty’ is a plant that should be on your radar. Also known as the Cape mallow, this evergreen shrub is not only a visual delight but also a low-maintenance addition that can bring year-round beauty to your outdoor space. Appearance and Growth Anisodontea ‘Strybing …
Read More »Sundrops
Calylophus drummondii, commonly known as Drummond’s Sundrops or Texas Primrose, is a delightful perennial that brings vibrant yellow blooms to your garden. Here’s a guide to help you grow and care for these sunny flowers. Why Grow Calylophus drummondii? Heat and Drought Tolerant: This plant thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it perfect for gardens in warmer climates. Low Maintenance: …
Read More »Cordyline
Cordyline plants bring tropical lushness to backyard beds and patio pots. This genus of evergreen flowering plants is prized for brightly colored foliage and an upright form when planted outdoors in the landscape. Cordylines (Cordyline spp.) are perennials in USDA Zone 9 and warmer. However, they can be grown as annuals or potted plants in more temperate areas. They can …
Read More »Crape Myrtle
Petite Red Imp (Trademark) is a dwarf variety of Crape Myrtle from Monrovia Nursery. New to our Sunnyvale Garden in 2024. We purchased ours from Summerwinds Nursery in San Jose. Crape Myrtle vs Crepe Myrtle: “Crape myrtle” and “crepe myrtle” are both correct spellings for the ornamental tree Lagerstroemia indica. “Crape myrtle” is more common in North America, while “crepe …
Read More »Liquidambar
Gardening enthusiasts often face the challenge of limited space, especially in urban settings. But did you know that you can grow a majestic Liquidambar tree right on your patio or balcony? Yes, it’s possible to cultivate this beautiful deciduous tree in a large pot, and I’m here to guide you through the process. But First… Don’t plant it in the …
Read More »Dichondra
Dichondra is a warm-season perennial ground cover, best adapted for cool coastal conditions. It will grow in partial shade, but does best in full sun. I grow a small patch (1×4 feet) in the courtyard on the north-facing side. Because dichondra does not tolerate heavy traffic, it is best adapted for small areas rather than large lawns or where mowing …
Read More »Bower Vine
Bower Vine, Jasmine, Pandorea jasminoides. Pink bower vine is a fast-growing vine that reaches heights of 20 to 30 feet at maturity. The vine adds color to the landscape all summer, displaying soft pink, bell-shaped blooms with dark pink throats. Thanks to the lush, evergreen foliage, the vine is attractive even when it isn’t blooming. Bower vine is suitable for planting …
Read More »Buddleja
Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac, Orange-eye Butterfly Bush, Buddleja fallowiana ‘Lochinch’ Family: Buddlejaceae Genus: Buddleja (BUD-lee-uh) (Info) Species: fallowiana (fal-low-ee-AH-nuh) (Info) Cultivar: Lochinch Synonym:Buddleia fallowiana Category: Shrubs Height: 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) 6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m) Spacing: 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) Hardiness: USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F) USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 …
Read More »Flowering Plum
The Flowering Plum is the first tree to flower in my Sunnyvale garden (USDA zone 9). In normal years, it flowers mid-February. Also known as cherry plum or myrobalan plum, flowering plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a small to medium-sized ornamental tree native to Asia. Purple-leaved cultivars, such as the popular Thundercloud, are more common in the home landscape than the …
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