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Ideas: Mediterranean Gardens

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Southwest Garden
Italian Stone Pine
Torch Lily
Fox Tail Agave, Velvet Agave
Medio Picta Century Plant
Century Plant, Maguey
Baines Tree Aloe
Stalked Aeonium
Italian Stone Pine

Common name:Italian Stone Pine
Botanical name:Pinus pinea

Italian Stone Pine (Pinus pinea) is a large pine tree with a moderate growth rate, reaching up to 40’-80' tall and 40’-60' wide. This tree should not be selected for small to medium-sized gardens as it will outgrow the space very quickly. It is also not recommended for fire-prone areas. Visit the Orange County Fire Authority for more information. It is unparticular about its soil, and it is considered a low-water-use tree. The needles of this pine tree are quite long, and the tree can be messy, so it is best to plant this tree without any under-planting, using natural wood mulch underneath. Needle droppings can be left in place under the tree, adding to the natural mulch. There is very little pruning or care this tree needs when it is small, but once it has been in place for a few years, the pruning should be left to a licensed arborist to keep the tree looking and performing at its best. This tree should be planted at least 10 feet away from any hardscape areas, 30 feet from structures such as houses and buildings, and not near any powerlines. Shrubs and perennials should be planted about 5 feet away from this tree. It should be irrigated for about

Torch Lily

Common name:Torch Lily
Botanical name:Kniphofia hybrids

This perennial will grow to about 6' tall and has large green leaves with red, orange, and yellow flowers that bloom in spring, summer, and fall.

Fox Tail Agave, Velvet Agave

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.

Medio Picta Century Plant

Common name:Medio Picta Century Plant
Botanical name:Agave americana medio-picta

This form has arching leaves with a creamy white stripe down the center of the blue-green leaf. The leaves are outstanding with their arching form and are well armed with a stout, terminal spine as well as marginal teeth. It is somewhat smaller than the americana variety, growing to around 4.' It prefers full sun, well drained soil and will perform well in containers. This form also will die after bloom but will survive in the form of new pups around the old plant. Susceptible to Agave Snout Weevil.

Century Plant, Maguey

Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana

This plant is fast growing to about 6'-10' tall and 8'-13' wide. Wide gray leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. It prefers full sun and well-drained situations. After blooming, which could take several years, it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. Removal is difficult if unwanted.

Baines Tree Aloe

Common name:Baines Tree Aloe
Botanical name:Aloe barberae

This slow-growing tree has a heavy trunk with forking branches. It produces 2'-3' leaves in rosettes and rose/pink flowers.

Stalked Aeonium

Common name:Stalked Aeonium
Botanical name:Aeonium undulatum

Stalked Aeonium is an unbranched shrub, with somewhat metallic-green, 10" long, spoon shaped leaves. The leaves form large rosettes on stems 2'-3' tall. Flowers are dark yellow; plant rarely blooms. Water regularly in summer.

Southwest Garden
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Photographer: GardenSoft