Common name: Cork Oak
Botanical name: Quercus suber
The Cork Oak is an evergreen with moderate growth to a height of 70'-100' and as wide. Both the trunk and main scaffold branches are covered with cork (the cork of commerce). Its leaves are 3" long, and dark green in color.
Common name: Mediterranean Tree Mallow
Botanical name: Lavatera maritima
This large, shrubby perennial grows up to 6' and has profuse lavender pink flowers with maroon highlights. From the Mallow family, the flowers are produced year round and are especially showy in the fall.
Common name: Trailing African Daisy
Botanical name: Osteospermum fruticosum
This groundcover-small shrub will grow 1' tall, spreading 4' in a year. It has medium-size green leaves with lavender that have a dark purple center. The flower color changes to white the next day! The flowers bloom in fall and winter but in mild coastal areas, may bloom all year. It needs well draining soil. This plant looks great on a hillside or in a hanging basket. Other Names: Freeway Daisy
Common name: Bush or Dome Euphorbia
Botanical name: Euphorbia characias
This perennial will reach about 4' tall and wide with a rounded shape. It has blue green leaves with lime green flowers (actually bracts) that bloom from late winter to early spring. When bracts turn yellow, it's time to prune them. Make sure you wear gloves when pruning as plant exudes sap that could cause allergic reaction. This plant does well in full sun and is drought tolerant once it's established. It does spread through saplings but it can easily be controlled.
Common name: Canna
Botanical name: Canna x generalis
These lilies will grow anywhere from about 2-5' tall and have large dark green or bronzy green, paddle-shaped, large leaves with flowers that come in a variety of beautiful colors such as yellow, orange, red or pink and that bloom spring to fall. It prefers full sun (it will not bloom well otherwise) in frost free areas. It prefers moist to wet soil and will even grow in boggy areas. This plant resembles a banana tree but without the bark. Hummingbirds love this plant.