Arabian Lilac, it even sounds like a gem, doesn't it?
Here is why the designer side of me loves this plant: it has remarkable leaves that are a soft green on top and a striking purple on the undersides. You don't have to wait for the flowers for this plant to make a statement, it looks as lovely as a flower all of the time!
Here is why the practical side of me loves this plant: It survives in our terrible soils! This plant can take clay soil like a champion, and still thrive.
Also, I like that you can train it as a medium sized shrub (~4' tall and wide) or let it be a larger shrub (~6' to 8' tall) or train it into a perfect tiny tree. And in the small gardens that most of us have, a perfect tiny tree is something I find myself looking for often.
Image credits: Flaming Petal blog by NZ Garden writer Jane Wrigglesworth, Monrvia Nursery's website (where you can get great info about this plant and many other excellent plants that they breed).
© Kate Wiseman 2012. In San Diego? Want your own waterwise landscape design? I'd love to help! Please visit www.sageoutdoordesigns.com for more info.
Here is why the designer side of me loves this plant: it has remarkable leaves that are a soft green on top and a striking purple on the undersides. You don't have to wait for the flowers for this plant to make a statement, it looks as lovely as a flower all of the time!
Here is why the practical side of me loves this plant: It survives in our terrible soils! This plant can take clay soil like a champion, and still thrive.
Also, I like that you can train it as a medium sized shrub (~4' tall and wide) or let it be a larger shrub (~6' to 8' tall) or train it into a perfect tiny tree. And in the small gardens that most of us have, a perfect tiny tree is something I find myself looking for often.
Image credits: Flaming Petal blog by NZ Garden writer Jane Wrigglesworth, Monrvia Nursery's website (where you can get great info about this plant and many other excellent plants that they breed).
© Kate Wiseman 2012. In San Diego? Want your own waterwise landscape design? I'd love to help! Please visit www.sageoutdoordesigns.com for more info.
Sage Outdoor Designs is a San Diego Landscape design firm. Kate
Wiseman, the Principal, has been a San Diego landscape designer
for the past ten years. Find out more at www.sageoutdoordesigns.com