Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana
Fast growing to about 6-10' tall x 8-13' wide. Wide, grey leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. Prefers full sun and well-drained situations. Prone to agave snout weevil which will eat the roots and heart out. 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.
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.
Common name:Rock Purslane
Botanical name:Calandrinia grandiflora
This perennial will grow 12-36" and produces large blue/green rosettes that last for a long season. It produces large, silky, lavender/pink flowers that have lime/green, purple spotted calyces.
Common name:Blue Elf Aloe
Botanical name:Aloe hybrid 'Blue Elf'
This incredibly drought-tolerant plant grows into a dense mound 1 to 2' high and wide and has steel-blue foliage. It has never been known to flower. Dwarf hybrid.
Designer: Homeowner
Photographer: Vicki Anderson
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.