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Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Moonshine Yarrow, Milfoil, Sneezewo
Mexican Bush Sage, Mexican Sage
Red Star Texas or Autumn Sage
Trailing Lantana
Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo

Common name:Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Botanical name:Nandina domestica

Nandina domestica is a graceful upright shrub that grows from 3'-8' in height. It gets its name from its bamboo-like growth habit. When thinned from the center it bears a remarkable resemblance to bamboo, thus the common name. it tolerates full sun to full shade. 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, followed by red berries in fall and winter.

Moonshine Yarrow, Milfoil, Sneezewo

Common name:Moonshine Yarrow, Milfoil, Sneezewo
Botanical name:Achillea 'Moonshine'

Long, straight stems with pale yellow flowers are striking on the mats of green to grey-green leaves of this plant, which are flatter and less divided than those of the Achillea millefolium. This Yarrow propagates easily from rooted cuttings or divisions which should be performed in the early spring or fall. Following bloom, one should dead head the plant and divide the clumps when it appears crowded. Introduced by Alan Bloom in the 1950's.

Mexican Bush Sage, Mexican Sage

Common name:Mexican Bush Sage, Mexican Sage
Botanical name:Salvia leucantha

The Mexican Sage is a bushy shrub that grows 3'-4' tall and wide. It has hairy white stems, grey-green leaves and velvet-like purple flower spikes that bloom summer through fall. This shrub tolerates sun, light shade, low to moderate water, and is cold hardy to 15 degrees F. The Mexican Sage attracts hummingbirds. Be careful not to overwater.

Red Star Texas or Autumn Sage

Common name:Red Star Texas or Autumn Sage
Botanical name:Salvia greggii 'Red Star'

This shrub will grow 1'-4' tall and wide. It has glossy green leaves with red flowers that bloom from spring through fall. It prefers well draining soil with regular watering although it will take drought conditions. It will become leggy looking. Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooming.

Trailing Lantana

Common name:Trailing Lantana
Botanical name:Lantana montevidensis

Lavender flowers accent the trailing growth habit of this lantana. It is excellent for spilling over walls or down banks. Eventually will reach about 2' tall by 6' wide, size controlled by pruning and severity of winter. Full sun, drought tolerant. It is a native of South America. A rapid grower. Tolerates heat, smog and poor soil. Cold hardy to mid 20s degrees F, but quick recovery if frost-bitten. Fruit poisonous. Very attractive to butterflies.

Designer: Marilyn Creel

Water Conservation Office

Photographer: Marilyn Creel

Soils and Compost:

Incorporate compost 6" into your soil to retain water, reduce compaction, feed earthworms, and provide valuable nutrients to your plants.

Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.

Integrated Pest Management:

Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.