HORSETAIL REED (Equisetum hyemale)

FAB FOUR

HORSETAIL REED
(Equisetum hyemale)

Best traits—With its jointed, black-banded green stems, this ornamental grass is ideal for tropical, Contemporary and Japanese-style gardens, as well as tucked around pools and water gardens. It tolerates poorly drained soils, does not produce plant litter, and can be propagated easily.

Growing tips—Grow in full to filtered sun. This evergreen perennial needs consistently moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out between waterings. Prune unwanted shoots on a regular basis. Note: Because it can be invasive, it is best grown in pots or contained planting areas.

JERUSALEM SAGE (Phlomis fruticosa)

JERUSALEM SAGE
(Phlomis fruticosa)

Best traits—Tiers of attractive lemon-yellow
flowers in spring and summer, along with fuzzy silver-gray foliage, make this sun-loving shrub a favorite among desert gardeners. It is drought-tolerant once established; hardy to about 23 degrees; resistant to deer and rabbits; and its flowers can be used in floral arrangements, both fresh and dried.

Growing tips—Plant in full sun to light shade. Although Jerusalem sage handles most types of soil, good drainage is a must. For waves of blooms, cut back lightly after each flowering. To keep it compact, prune plant to about half its size in fall.

SAGO PALM (Cycas revoluta)

SAGO PALM
(Cycas revoluta)

Best traits—Native to Japan, this member of the cycad family can live for decades, and is considered one of the easiest cycads to grow. The low-water-use ornamental tree has a high tolerance for heat, cold and alkaline soils.

Growing tips—Plant in full to part sun in well-draining soil amended with organic matter. Be careful not to over-water, or the plant may rot. It does best when treated like a cactus and watered thoroughly only when dry. Offshoots growing at its base are a good source for new plants. Note: Seeds are poisonous if ingested.

GAZANIA (Gazania rigens)

GAZANIA
(Gazania rigens)

Best traits—Grown for its colorful, long-blooming flowers, gazania puts out a flush of color in late spring and early summer, and intermittently throughout the year. Flowers range from red and orange to yellow and bronze. This easy-to-grow perennial (usually grown as an annual) is drought-tolerant, handles poor soil, is hardy to 15 degrees, and attracts birds, bees and butterflies.

Growing tips—Plant in full sun and water as needed. Deadhead to encourage blooming. Gazania also is a good choice for containers, window boxes, xeriscape gardens, and sunny or windy areas.


Other favorites:
Coral fountain, elephant’s food, fairy duster, gopher plant, lady’s slipper, lantana, ruellia, totem pole, yellow bells