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Tour: Gold Native Garden

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Densely Packed Perennials
California Sycamore
Centennial Coyote Brush
Julia Phelps California Lilac
California Poppy, Golden Poppy
Lilac verbena
Deergrass
Mexican Gold Poppy
Coast Sunflower, Coast Encelia
California Sycamore

Common name:California Sycamore
Botanical name:Platanus racemosa

The California Sycamore is a fast growing deciduous tree that reaches up to 40'-50' high. It tolerates heat, smog, and drought conditions as well as moist conditions; it is native to riparian areas. It has interesting mottled bark when the tree is bare in winter.

Centennial Coyote Brush

Common name:Centennial Coyote Brush
Botanical name:Baccharis 'Centennial'

This plant is a hybrid that combines a prostrate habit with tolerance for desert conditions. It grows 3' tall and 6' wide. It tolerates heat, sun and frost, maintaining its green appearance.

Julia Phelps California Lilac

Common name:Julia Phelps California Lilac
Botanical name:Ceanothus 'Julia Phelps'

Fast-growing and densely branched with small dark green leaves, this is a great bloomer showing a marvelous display of delicate, dark indigo blue flowers found in round clusters of 1". It is extremely drought tolerant, and must not be overwatered. It does best in well-drained soil with little to no summer water. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and beneficial insects.

California Poppy, Golden Poppy

Common name:California Poppy, Golden Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia californica

This small annual (sometimes acts as a perennial) plant will grow to less than 1' tall and has light, small blue green leaves with gold and orange flowers that bloom in spring and summer.

Lilac verbena

Common name:Lilac verbena
Botanical name:Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina'

Lilac verbena (Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina') is an adaptable, mounding perennial that produces mounds of delicate green foliage and stunning dark purple blossoms with lavender highlights. The blooms are lightly scented. Though more flowers are on the bush in spring, it blossoms throughout most of the year, making it a very attractive and versatile plant for any flower border, butterfly garden, or patio container. It grows fast to about 2 feet high and spreads to about 4 feet wide. It is evergreen but may be semi-deciduous in summer.

Deergrass

Common name:Deergrass
Botanical name:Muhlenbergia rigens

The Deergrass is a warm-season perennial that forms dense clumps from the base. The spike-like flower stalks grow 2'-3' tall and this grass has a striking foundation form. The Deergrass is native to California and needs watering once or twice a month after it has been established. The more water it has, the greener it is.

Mexican Gold Poppy

Common name:Mexican Gold Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia mexicana

Mexican Gold Poppy is similar to the California Poppy, but smaller. It has upward-facing, four petaled orange blooms. It grows to 8" high. It is considered drought tolerant but extra summer water will extend the flowering season.

Coast Sunflower, Coast Encelia

Common name:Coast Sunflower, Coast Encelia
Botanical name:Encelia californica

Encelia californica is a fast growing woody subshrub with bright green foliage and yellow daisy-type flowers. It can be used effectively in the natural landscape with regular pruning to maintain form. It is more commonly used in native restoration work. In inland situations, it requires more regular water. It grows to 3'-5' tall and 3'-5' wide.

Designer: Bill Butler

Densely Packed Perennials
Image: 2 of 6

Photographer: GardenSoft

Soils and Compost:

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

Integrated Pest Management:

Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.