Common name:New Zealand Flax
Botanical name:Phormium tenax

New Zealand Flax is a large, bold plant with stiffly vertical, sword-like, green leaves that arise from its base. It should be grown under full sun for best color. Varieties will offer different growth habits and leaf color.

Common name:Mexican Feather Grass
Botanical name:Nassella tenuissima

This ornamental grass grows to 2' tall. It goes partially dormant during the summer but green in spring and fall. It prefers a sunny, well drained site. This plant can be invasive in some areas, so use caution. To keep reseeding to a minimum, drip irrigation will be best. Cut back in early spring to remove dormant foliage and dried seed heads. It can also tolerate dry shade. It grows to 10" wide and is the finest textured of the ornamental grasses.

Common name:Tea Tree Red Damask
Botanical name:Leptospermum scoparium 'Red Damask'

Leptospermum scoparium is an evergreen shrub or tree. One half inch wide, red flowers are showy. Branches are densely set with needle-like, fragrant, green leaves.

Common name:Senegal Date Palm
Botanical name:Phoenix reclinata

This tree will grow 25'-40' tall and has long branches with long, thin, bright green leaves. It produces nice, delicate white blooms that are not showy.

Sustainable Fertilization

If you mulch heavily as recommended in the compost and mulch fact sheets you should not need traditional fertilization. Sustainable landscapes fertilize themselves as soil organisms break down and recycle the dropped leaves into nutrients.

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