Tulbaghia violacea
Society Garlic
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Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
Hidcote Lavender
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Bulbine frutescens 'Hallmark'
Orange Bulbine
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Calandrinia grandiflora
Rock Purslane
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A great closeup of what can be planted next to your steps! Lavandula (Hidcote English Lavender) adds a moment of “stop and stare” before ascending! Though dainty looking, this lavandula is very tough as expected next to the sidewalk. Rocks, pebbles, stones of different sizes and textures add more interest for lingering. Achillea (yarrow) and Calandrinia (rock purslane) and Bulbine evoke springtime memories of recent rains and new growth. As you travel up the steps, be prepared to be greeted by society garlic and yes, it does smell like garlic at times! This hillside has color most of the year and needs little care once it’s established.
Plant Type
Perennial
Water
Low
Height Range
Under 1'
Flower Color
Lavender
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Design Styles
Meadow, Mediterranean, Seascape, Woodland
Accenting Features
Fragrance, Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral
Location Uses
Entry, Perennial Border, Patio, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Filler, Mass Planting, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
This clumping perennial will grow less than 1' tall and has narrow, blue green leaves. Clusters of lavender flowers bloom in spring and summer. Leaves and flowers have a distinct onion or garlic smell if crushed.
Plant Type
Shrub, Perennial, Herb
Water
Low
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Purple
Flower Season
Summer
Design Styles
English Cottage, Formal, Mediterranean
Accenting Features
Fragrance, Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Summer
Sun
Full
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average
Soil pH
Neutral
Location Uses
Perennial Border, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Cut Flowers, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
Deep violet-purple flower spikes fill the air with their sweet, intoxicating fragrance all summer long. Though this cultivar has been grown for over 50 years, it remains one of the most popular today. Its compact habit and relatively short stature makes it a good choice for edging. Lavender has been grown for centuries for its intensely fragrant flowers and beautiful appearance. It is a staple item of every sunny garden, and its dried flowers are widely used in potpourris and arrangements.
Plant Type
Ground cover, Succulent
Water
Low
Height Range
Under 1'
Flower Color
Orange
Flower Season
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Constant
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Spanish, Tropical
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Sun
Full, Half
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Location Uses
Perennial Border, Patio, Raised Planter, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant, Small Spaces, Hanging Baskets
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
This bulbine is the compact variation of yellow bulbine. This plant grows to about 1' tall by 1'-2' wide. Orange flowers bloom almost all year long. Plants stay evergreen, but will freeze to the ground in the event of serious frost. However, frost- damaged plants will regrow in spring. Delicate coppery orange flowers with fluffy yellow centers are on tall spikes that rise above the foliage. This selection is free flowering in spring, summer and fall.
Plant Type
Ground cover, Perennial
Water
Very Low, Low
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Design Styles
English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Sun
Full, Half
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral
Location Uses
Entry, Parking Strip, Patio, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Filler, Mass Planting, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
Butterflies
This perennial will grow a little over 1' tall and spread 4'. Succulent looking, gray green foliage creates a 1' tall mound of dense foliage. From spring through fall, thin wiry stalks appear with small, rose-like, purplish pink, single flowers on the top. No need to deadhead. This plant does well in full sun in coastal areas but appreciates afternoon shade in warm, inland areas. It does best in well draining soil. Established plants are drought tolerant, needing additional water during hot summer spells. Cut plant to 6" during winter and apply compost in spring. A glorious plant for difficult hillsides, parking strips or a place where you need some hot pink color!