The Glorious Orchid Rockrose

Here’s a magnificent plant.  Orchid rockrose (Cistus x purpureus).  A Mediterranean plant.  Water thrifty.  Foliage fragrant when crushed.  Needs no water other than winter rain.  Ideally suite...

7 Plant Wonders of Los Angeles

Below is a list of what are, in my humble opinion, the seven wonders of the Los Angeles plant world, as well as some honorable mentions. 1.  I initially thought of making such a list many years ago w...

Privet is for Privacy

Privet. The word is virtually synonymous with hedges and, although it has no definitive etymology, some linguists maintain that privet is a variation of private. Indeed, privets are typically utilize...

Options for a Tall Hedge

Q: I have about 45 feet of east-west fencing that is next to an alley, full sun for the most part, and a two-story apartment building on the other side of the alley that looks into my backyard. Our e...

Low Flowering Hedges

Q. Can you recommend a low hedge to plant along the side of my house, below some windows? I’m not sure if I prefer a flowering hedge like lantana or a non-flowering one like boxwood. I want som...

Butterfly Rose

Multicolored roses and tree problems are the subjects of this month’s letters. Q: “A few weeks ago you mentioned a rose bush that had multiple colors. Could you please tell me the name of...

California Native Hedges

Question: Can you discuss options for hedges on a ranch? I have over a thousand feet of property line and need something that will not use too much water. Answer: When discussing options for hedges, ...