Medium Sized Foundational and Accent Shrubs for the California Native Garden

Details: Written by Greg Rubin

Howard McMinn Manzanita - Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Howard McMinn'
Beautiful, easy, medium green 4' manzanita. Color contrasts with Sunset and San Bruno. Great pink flower display in early Spring.
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Sunset Manzanita - Arctostaphylos hookeri x pajaroensis 'Sunset'
Very colorful, evergreen, medium size shrub. Highly adaptable. Can be held to a 2' planter easily, or allowed to spread into a 4 x 6' mound. Great foundational plant - good substitute for Rhaphiolepsis or Escalonia.
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Sunset Manzanita - Arctostaphylos hookeri x pajaroensis 'Sunset'

Concha Ceanothus - Ceanothus sp 'Concha'
Evergreen wild lilac with intense, indigo blue color. Can barely see the leaves when its in bloom. Very adaptable. Nice, medium green foliage.
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Wheeler Canyon Ceanothus - Ceanothus sp 'Wheeler Canyon'
Evergreen wild lilac with intense, indigo blue color. Can barely see the leaves when its in bloom. Very adaptable. Nice, medium green foliage.
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Canyon Prince Blue Rye Grass - Leymus condensatus 'Canyon Prince'
This is actually an amazing native bunch grass that is evergreen, about 3' tall with nice flowers, and bright blue. It is not an aggressive spreader. Great color contrast with the green foundational shrubs.
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Mound San Bruno Coffeeberry - Rhamnus californica 'Mound San Bruno'
Dark green, elegant plant with large, colorful berries that the birds love. Highly medicinal as well. I use it in Japanese gardens. Good contrast to "Sunset".
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Pozo Blue Cleveland Sage - Salvia clevelandii 'Pozo Blue'
Adaptable, clay tolerant sage with amazing flower display and fragrance. Can be culinary. Long bloom cycle from late spring through summer. Great bird and butterfly attractor.
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Pozo Blue Cleveland Sage - Salvia clevelandii 'Pozo Blue'

About the Author

Author: Greg RubinWebsite: http://www.calown.com

Greg Rubin, President and Founder of California’s Own Native Landscape Design, Inc. is a licensed landscape contractor (C-27 No. 717147) who has been working with California native plants since 1985. His company has designed over 700 native landscapes in Southern California. Specialties include residential, commercial, and institutional landscapes that cover an array of garden styles while providing year round appeal, low maintenance, water efficiency, rich habitat, and fire-resistance.