Washingtonia–commonly called fan palm–are palm trees with deeply lobed, fan-shaped leaves borne in terminal heads that form a dense, shaggy thatch around the trunk of the tree as the leafy fronds die back. Washingtonia grows 50 to 80 feet (15-25m) tall and 10 to 15 feet (3-5m) wide. They are best suited as street trees […] More
Cercidium–commonly called Palo Verde–is a deciduous tree usually with smooth green bark. The common name Palo Verde is Spanish for “green tree.” Cercidium is an open, airy tree with mid-green leaflets. It admits light and gives dappled shade. Cercidium bears clusters of yellow flowers in spring. The petals are short and claw-like. Cercidium needs moderate, […] More
Chilopsis–commonly called desert willow or desert catalpa–is a deciduous shrub or small tree that bears trumpet-shaped flowers in summer followed by catalpalike fruit in autumn. Chilopsis is open and airy. With age, it develops shaggy bark and a twisting trunk. The leaves are linear and mid-green. The flowers are borne in racemes of white to […] More
Cupressus–commonly called Cypress–are evergreen, coniferous trees that grow tall. They are often grown as specimen trees and also as screens and hedges. Cupressus grow 30 to 100 feet (10-30m) tall depending on the variety. Some grow narrow and columnar, others grow broad and flat-topped. All tolerate a range of soils from heavy to light, alkaline to […] More
Michelia are evergreen shrubs and trees grown for their fruity fragrant, magnolia-like creamy or yellowish-white flowers and lustrous dark green leaves. Michelia is a subtropical plant that blooms on and off throughout the year. Michelia belongs to the Magnolia family. Michelia flowers are borne among the leaves rather than singly at the end of branches as […] More
Leptospermum–commonly called tea tree–is a shrub or small tree with profuse colorful spring blooms. Leptospermum blooms can be white, pink, or red. The small blossoms resemble miniature roses and cover long graceful stems. Leptospermum has small lance-shaped often prickly leaves that are aromatic. The common name, tea tree, comes from Captain James Cook’s brewing of the leaves to […] More
Laurus, commonly called sweet bay, is an evergreen shrub cultivated for its leathery aromatic leaves. Bay leaves are primarily used in cooking. Laurus is often included in herb gardens and is sometimes grown in pots outdoors or indoors close to the kitchen. Laurus can be grown year-round as a houseplant or grown outdoors in pots […] More
Grevillea is a genus of evergreen shrubs and trees native to Australia. Grevillea bears showy clusters of slender tubular flowers that split and curve backward giving them a spidery look Flower colors vary by species, but red is often seen. The foliage is often fine and needlelike. Grevilleas species and cultivars vary in size from small […] More
Pittosporum is a genus of subtropical mostly evergreen shrubs and trees grown for their glossy, leathery leaves and dense foliage. Pittosporums also bear clusters of fragrant small white flowers and showy pea-size fruit. Pittosporums adapt to a wide range of soils and tend to make good seaside plantings. They can withstand salt, drought, and wind, in full sun […] More
Trees and shrubs with decorative bark can add another element of interest to the garden. There are colorful barks, flaking barks, and peeling barks. Some trees and shrubs have all three. Tree and shrub size and form are commonly the first things gardeners look at when choosing a tree or shrub for the garden. Not far […] More
Pterocarya–commonly called wingnut–is a heavy, wide-spreading tree that can grow to 80 feet (25m) tall and 70 feet (20m) wide. Pterocarya are best suited for very large gardens or parks. Pterocarya bears attractive mid-green oblong, pinnate leaves composed of 5 to 27 leaflets. Leaves turn bright yellow in autumn. Inconspicuous small green flowers appear on […] More
Catalpa is a large deciduous tree with a wide-spreading habit. It can grow to 50 feet (15m) tall and wide. Catalpa bear mid-green leaves that are ovate and heart-shaped at the base. White flowers are borne in upright panicles in summer. Slender bean-like pods follow the flowers. Catalpa are well adapted to extremes of heat […] More
Stephen Albert