Common name:Dwarf Vinca or Periwinkle
Botanical name:Vinca minor
This groundcover will grow less than 1' tall and has small, glossy, dark green leaves with blue, purple, lavender, or white flowers that bloom in the spring.
Common name:Red-Leaf Japanese Barberry
Botanical name:Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea'
A thorny, deciduous shrub growing 4-6' high and as wide, Red Japanese Barberry can be contained with some light pruning in winter. Its purplish-red leaves contrast beautifully against a dark green background. It prefers full sun and regular watering, more in hot summer months. This is a great barrier plant.
Common name:Lily of the Nile
Botanical name:Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis
This evergreen shrub will grow about 3' tall and has large green leaves with blue flowers that bloom in spring and summer. It will grow in all soils but prefers loam soil. It can be grown in sun or shade. Lily of the Nile prefers a moderate amount of water; established plants have low water use.
Common name:Tobira
Botanical name:Pittosporum tobira
This large, dense, evergreen shrub or small tree has shiny dark green leaves. In the spring, clusters of small, cream-colored flowers appear with the fragrance of orange blossoms. Mock Orange can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is considered one of the most durable shrubs in California landscapes.
Common name:Krauter Vesuvius Purple-Leaf Plum
Botanical name:Prunus cerasifera 'Krauter Vesuvius'
The 'Krauter Vesuvius' is a smaller growing, flowering plum that grows to 18' high by 12' wide. Its leaves are purple-black throughout the growing season, and the flowers have a light pink color.