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Nandina
$0.00
Full sun
Full shade
3'-6'
Deer resistant
Nandina (Nandina domestica), also known as Heavenly Bamboo, is a graceful, evergreen shrub prized for its colorful, finely textured foliage and seasonal interest. Despite the name, Nandina is not a true bamboo, though it has bamboo-like stems and a similar upright, clumping growth habit. Its delicate, compound leaves change colors throughout the year, transitioning from bright green in spring to shades of red, bronze, and burgundy in fall and winter. In summer, Nandina produces small white or pinkish flowers in airy clusters, followed by vibrant red berries in the fall that persist into winter, providing food for birds and adding additional color to the landscape.
Nandina typically grows 4 to 8 feet tall with a spread of 2 to 4 feet, though there are dwarf varieties that stay more compact, making it suitable for a variety of landscape uses. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 6-9. Adaptable and tolerant, Nandina can grow in various soil types as long as they are well-draining and can tolerate some drought once established.
Low-maintenance and resilient, Nandina requires minimal pruning, though removing older stems at the base in early spring can help maintain a fuller, bushier appearance. Known for its pest and disease resistance, Nandina is commonly used in borders, foundation plantings, hedges, or as a focal point in garden beds. With its changing foliage colors, attractive berries, and year-round appeal, Nandina adds texture, color, and interest to gardens with minimal care requirements.
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Texas Sage
$0.00
Full sun
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3'-8'
Deer resistant
Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens), also known as Cenizo, Texas Ranger, or Silverleaf, is a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub prized for its silvery-gray foliage and vibrant blooms. Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, Texas Sage produces beautiful purple, lavender, or magenta flowers after periods of rain or humidity, often creating a stunning display in the late summer and fall. The blooms are tubular, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, and contrast strikingly with the plant’s soft, silvery leaves.
This shrub typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, though it can reach up to 8 feet in ideal conditions. Texas Sage thrives in USDA zones 8-11 and prefers full sun, where it will produce the most prolific blooms and dense foliage. It is highly adaptable to various soil types, including rocky, sandy, or alkaline soils, as long as they are well-draining. Texas Sage is also highly heat- and drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes.
Requiring minimal maintenance, Texas Sage can be lightly pruned to shape, especially in spring, but it generally maintains a neat, rounded form. It is resistant to pests and diseases, adding to its popularity as a low-maintenance choice for landscapes. Texas Sage is commonly used as a hedge, border, or specimen plant, adding both color and texture to desert, southwestern, or coastal garden designs. With its resilience, stunning flowers, and silvery foliage, Texas Sage is an iconic and attractive choice for hot, dry climates.
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Pittosporum
$0.00
Full sun
Partial sun
3'-8'
Not deer resistant
Pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira), also known as Mock Orange or Japanese Pittosporum, is an attractive, evergreen shrub valued for its dense foliage, fragrant flowers, and versatility in the landscape. Native to Japan and China, this hardy plant features leathery, glossy, dark green leaves that grow in a rounded, compact form. In late spring, Pittosporum produces clusters of small, creamy-white, fragrant flowers that emit an orange-blossom scent, adding seasonal appeal and attracting pollinators.
Pittosporum typically grows to a height of 6 to 15 feet and spreads 6 to 8 feet wide, though dwarf varieties are available that stay more compact, making it suitable for smaller gardens. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. Pittosporum is highly adaptable to various soil types, as long as the soil is well-draining, and is moderately drought-tolerant once established, making it a popular choice for water-wise gardens.
With its dense growth habit, Pittosporum is commonly used as a hedge, privacy screen, foundation planting, or specimen plant. It requires minimal pruning to maintain shape, though it can be trimmed more frequently if used as a formal hedge. Pest-resistant and low-maintenance, Pittosporum is valued for its year-round foliage, fragrant blooms, and ease of care, adding structure and elegance to both formal and informal garden designs. Its tolerance for coastal conditions also makes it a suitable choice for seaside landscapes.
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Wax Myrtle
$0.00
Full sun
Partial sun
6'-20'
Not deer resistant
Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera), also known as Southern Wax Myrtle or Southern Bayberry, is a versatile, fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree admired for its aromatic foliage and natural resilience. Native to the southeastern United States, Wax Myrtle has narrow, lance-shaped, olive-green leaves that emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed. In fall, female plants produce clusters of small, waxy, bluish-gray berries along the stems, which provide food for birds and wildlife throughout winter. The berries have historically been used to make bayberry candles due to their high wax content.
Wax Myrtle can grow between 10 to 20 feet in height, with a similar spread, though it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size or shaped into a hedge. This shrub thrives in USDA zones 7-10 and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy, acidic, and poorly draining soils. Wax Myrtle is drought-tolerant once established and highly resistant to salt, making it well-suited for coastal landscapes and xeriscape gardens. It performs best in full sun to partial shade.
Low-maintenance and pest-resistant, Wax Myrtle requires minimal pruning, though it can be trimmed in late winter or early spring to shape and control growth if used as a hedge or screen. It is also deer-resistant and helps with erosion control, making it a practical choice for naturalized settings, slopes, or privacy screens. With its fragrant foliage, wildlife-friendly berries, and tolerance to challenging conditions, Wax Myrtle is a valuable addition to both formal and informal landscapes, bringing beauty and functionality year-round.
