Bulletproof Plants

Bulletproof Plants

150 150 jcharlow

BULLETPROOF PLANTS….

…are rough and forgiving, durable, useful, beautiful, AND tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.

Shrubby Bulbine – Bulbine frutescens (clumping succulent, perennial, 10 degrees)

  • Sun: filtered shade in summer; full sun in winter
  • Water: low, once established
  • Fertilization: occasional to none
  • Size: 1’ tall x 3’ wide with 18” flower spikes
  • Flowering: mostly in spring

Fairyduster – Calliandra eriophylla(shrub, 10 degrees)

  • Sun: full sun
  • Water: low, once established
  • Fertilization: occasional to none
  • Size: 3’tall x 3-5’ wide
  • Cold: hardy to 10 degrees
  • Flowering: early spring
  • Care: trim to maintain size

Baja Fairyduster – Calliandra californica(shrub, 20 degrees)

  • Sun: full sun
  • Water: low, once established
  • Fertilization: occasional to none
  • Size: 5’tall x 5’ wide
  • Cold: hardy to 20 degrees
  • Flowering: almost year-round with moderate water
  • Care: trim to maintain size

Trailing Indigo Bush – Dalea greggii(groundcover, 10 degrees)

  • Sun: full sun, partial shade
  • Water: low, once established
  • Fertilization: occasional to none
  • Size: 1’tall x 6’ wide
  • Cold: hardy to 0 to 10 degrees
  • Flowering: spring to early summer

Red Yucca – Hesperaloe parviflora(accent, 10 degrees)

  • Sun: full sun
  • Water: low, once established
  • Fertilization: none
  • Size: 3’tall x 4’ wide with 5-6’ flower stalks
  • Cold: hardy to 0 to 10 degrees
  • Flowering: stalks of red flowers from late spring to early fall

Lantana – Lantana(shrub,groundcover)

  • Sun: full sun
  • Water: low, once established
  • Fertilization: occasional to none
  • Size: varies by species
  • Cold: root hardy to 0 to 10 degrees
  • Care: resistant to most insects and diseases
  • Foliage: damaged at 30 degrees

Texas Ranger – Leucophyllum species(shrub)

  • Sun: full sun
  • Water: low, once established
  • Fertilization: none
  • Size: varies by species
  • Cold: very hardy, may lose 50 percent of its leaves at 20 degrees

Mesquite – Prosopis species(tree)

  • Sun: full sun
  • Water: low, once established
  • Fertilization: none
  • Size: 30’ wide x 30’ tall
  • Cold: evergreen in mild winters; deciduous in colder areas

Heavenly Bamboo – Nandina domestica(shrub-not a bamboo)

  • Sun: full sun, partial shade
  • Water: low, once established
  • Fertilization: occasional (watch for chlorosis)
  • Size: 6-8’ tall x 3-4’ wide
  • Cold: hardy to 0-10 degrees

Parry’s Penstemon – Penstemon parryi
Firecracker penstemon – Penstemon eatoni

  • Sun: full sun
  • Water: low, once established
  • Fertilization: none
  • Size: 2-4’ tall and wide
  • Cold: hardy to 0-10 degrees
  • Flowering: late spring with long-lasting flowers

Tombstone Rose/Lady Bank’s Rose – Rosa banksiae (vine)

  • Sun: full sun
  • Water: low, once established
  • Fertilization: occasional
  • Size: up to 20’
  • Cold: very hardy; may lose 50 percent of leaves at 15-20 degrees
  • Care: almost immune to disease and resistant to most insects (watch for chlorosis