by 505 Outside | Jan 12, 2021 | Evergreen Shrubs, Shrubs
Exposure: Full sun
Water: Rainwater
Height and Spread: H 2’ X W 5'
Blooming Season: NA
Description:
Mormon Tea is a desert adapted evergreen shrub that has been around since before the dinosaurs roamed the planet. It is an ideal native plant for your full sun landscape and does well in well-drained soil. Ephedra, also known as Joint Fir, can be used successfully as a ground cover, erosion control and does well in rock gardens. This perennial lacks leaves but relies on photosynthesis occurring in its green, jointed stems and is very easy to grow once started.
by 505 Outside | Feb 1, 2020 | Evergreen Shrubs, Shrubs
Hardiness Zone: 4-10
Tree Type: Evergreen
Mature Size: Height 1-3’ and Width 1-3’
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sun Preference: Sun
Water Use: Low
This native,
evergreen shrub has a fibrous root system with a deep penetrating taproot which
makes it a good choice for erosion control. Winterfat attracts birds and its
ornamental seed heads are a point of interest in dried arrangements. Male and
female flowers grow on the same plant but are arranged separately and bloom
from mid-spring to summer.
by 505 Outside | Jan 1, 2019 | Evergreen Shrubs
Full Sun, Part Shade
Low Water
Mature Size (H x W): 3-6’X 3-6’
Blooming Season: Early Spring
Flower Color: White
Region: New Mexico
A dramatic member of the Heath family native to New Mexico, the Pointleaf Manzanita is one of the few true broad-leafed evergreens that can handle the challenges of our cold, dry climate. It’s found in open pine forests and piñon-juniper woodlands, from 3000’ to 8000’ elevation, with a native range from California to Nevada to Texas. Hardy to at least -20 degrees. Tolerant of some alkalinity, and of soils ranging from sand to clay. Birds love the summer display of pea-sized bronze-colored fruits, which follow clusters of urn-shaped soft pink flowers. This eye-catching native also attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. This plant can stand alone as a specimen or be clustered with other evergreens as part of a hedge or screen. Its exfoliating mahogany-colored bark and matte green leaves lend contrast when planted near sage or blue juniper foliage.
Tips for success with this sometimes-challenging plant: Start with small plants, and make sure to choose a good long-term location, as Manzanitas don’t like to be transplanted. If you plan to highlight the Pointleaf Manzanita’s sinewy structure, begin pruning up at a young age to develop an open structure, since they tolerate pruning of mature branches poorly. This plant should be watered deeply every 2 weeks in summer and monthly for the rest of the year.
The only thing missing with this wonderful shrub may be easy availability, so be sure to mention to your local garden center that you’re interested! North America boasts around 60 plants in the Arctostaphylos genus, and numerous cultivars are available, so also keep an eye open for the Pointleaf Manzanita’s botanical relatives during your travels!
by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Evergreen Shrubs, Shrubs
Full Sun, Part Shade
Low Water
Mature Size: 12’X 10’
Blooming Season: Summer
Flower Color: White
Arizona Rosewood is a handsome large shrub at its best in open windy spaces where evergreen wind protection is especially welcome. Extreme exposures seem to increase its density and, unlike most broadleaf evergreens, its foliage stays crisp and attractive through heat and cold. Lacy umbels of small white flowers crown Rosewood in summer, turning a deep cocoa brown and persisting well into winter. This is a useful native rose with no off season.
by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Evergreen Shrubs, Shrubs
Full Sun, Part Shade
Low Water
Mature Size: 6’X 6’
Blooming Season: Summer
Flower Color: Light Blue
Known primarily as an evergreen shrub, Rosemary is a bushy plant featuring stiff upright stems and soft blue flowers in summer. Rosemary officinalis “Arp” has proven itself to be a cold hardy selection, extending its use into New Mexico’s higher elevations. A great choice for hot walls and corners and other areas that get intense reflected heat. Plant in combination with other heat-loving plants like Zauschneria californica (Hummingbird Plant), Lavandula and Calylophus (Sundrops).
by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Evergreen Shrubs, Shrubs
Full Sun, Part Shade
Low Water
Mature Size: 8’X 6’
Blooming Season: Summer
Flower Color: Yellow
Cliffrose makes an excellent companion for perennials because its open-branched form casts light shade. Its irregular shape lends a native touch to landscapes which is appropriate since this plant is a New Mexico native. Fragrant flowers cover the branches in early summer, a few of which remain virtually all summer long. Feathery plumes form in mid-summer and persist into winter (consequently, Cliffrose is often mistaken for Apache Plume). It can handle the hottest south- and west-facing garden locations.
