Common name:Royal Purple Smoke Tree
Botanical name:Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

Royal Purple Smokebrush is a large shrub or small tree with handsome, oval purple leaves all summer which turn scarlet color in the fall. Silvery-purple clouds of seed heads appear in fall. This striking shrub prefers full sun and low amount of watering once it's established. Prune in winter to shape. This shrub reaches 15' tall and 10' wide.

Common name:Lamb's Ear
Botanical name:Stachys byzantina

This tiny shrub will grow less than 1' tall and has medium-size, greyish-green leaves with blue and lavender flowers that bloom in the spring. This shrub is grown more for its velvety leaves than the flowers. It is drought tolerant once it's established. Be careful not to overwater.

Common name:Maki Podocarpus, Shrubby Yew
Botanical name:Podocarpus macrophyllus maki

'Maki' is a slow growing shrub that is densely covered with small, needle like, waxy, evergreen leaves. It reaches 8'-10' tall and 3'-4' wide, but can be trimmed to the size needed. It prefers full to part sun, regular watering and more in hot summer months. It is can be espaliered and is attractive in containers or used in narrow areas. It can be used in formal or Asian themed gardens. Very reliable and dependable.

Common name:Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum

This magnificient plant can used as a small tree or shrub. It is deciduous with graceful leaves which have a scarlet color in spring as it leafs out. Leaves later turn orange or yellow in fall. It is slow growing to 20', and requires shelter from the hot sun. The leaves of this tree are small, light green in color, and deeply lobed. It should also be noted that this tree remains spectacular throughout all seasons. (2nd photo courtesy of Steve Mullany)