Common name:Brazilian Lilac Verbena
Botanical name:Verbena bonariensis
This 4'-5' tall plant is a drought hardy performer, with blooms atop the sturdy, squarish stem all summer and fall. The flower is a striking purple tuft that makes a good fresh or dried flower. The sparse foliage makes this a great accent flower that hovers high and blends well. Deadheading will prolong its blooming.
Common name:Purple Smoke Tree
Botanical name:Cotinus coggygria 'Purpureus'
A deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 10' tall, the 'Purpureus' is grown for its wispy, thread-like flower clusters and outstanding fall color. Its foliage has a reddish purple color that turns somewhat green in summer. The plant requires sun to part shade, with little or no summer water.
Common name:Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Botanical name:Nandina domestica
Nandina domestica is a graceful upright shrub that grows from 3'-6' in height. It gets its name from its bamboo-like growth habit. When thinned from the center it bears a remarkable resemblance to bamboo. It is best used in groups. It can be used in a shaded patio or out in a shrub border with full sun. An interesting feature of Heavenly Bamboo is the bronze color in the new growth when planted in full sun. It also bears clusters of white flowers in the spring.
Photographer: GardenSoft
Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.