Common name:Giant Bird Of Paradise
Botanical name:Strelitzia nicolai
This clumping evergreen perennial can reach 25' tall fairly quickly, forming a false trunk from the base of the leaves. The leaves are shaped like bananas, reaching 10' long with the widest part reaching 5' . It does best with fertilizer once a month and rich soil. It does not like wet feet so water only when dry. It can be planted in full sun but will do better if it receives afternoon shade. The flowers can reach a size of 10"-12", but plants need to be a few years old before they will flower.
Common name:King Palm
Botanical name:Archontophoenix cunninghamiana
This is a beautiful palm which grows 40' or higher with a 10'-15' spread. The feathery leaves can grow 10' in length and are green above and gray beneath. It tolerates shade and can grow beneath tall trees for a long time if needed. It 's unique because it can be used as an indoor plant and will tolerate temperatures down to 28 degrees F.
Common name:Rainbow Warrior New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax 'Rainbow Warrior'
New Zealand Flax is an excellent accent plant for the garden. Evergreen leaves are long, narrow, and grow upright. Clusters of flowers grow on spikes above the foliage in late spring and summer. 'Rainbow Warrier' grows 3'-4' tall, 5'-6' wide. Leaves are darker salmon, turning cream as they age. Foliage turns deep red in winter.
Common name:Common Garden Canna
Botanical name:Canna X generalis (assorted varieties)
These lilies will grow anywhere from about 2-5' tall and have large dark green or bronzy green leaves with flowers that come in a variety of beautiful colors and that bloom spring to fall.Needs protected location and extra care to survive in Las Vegas and desert regions.
Common name:Jacaranda
Botanical name:Jacaranda mimosifolia
This irregular to rounded deciduous tree will reach about 40' tall and has fine, compound green leaves with blue flowers. Jacaranda's main blooming season is in spring and summer, but it will often produce sporadic blooms in fall as well.
Designer: Verdant Landscaping
Photographer: GardenSoft
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Be sure to fix all leaks promptly no matter how small they may seem.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.
