#25) Cupressus macrocarpa 'Saligna Aurea'

While researching the cultivar 'Aurea' for class, I stumbled upon this beauty – a Golden Weeping Monterey Cypress. Apparently, it looks a little gangly when it is young, but with time, it becomes quite the specimen. There is one on Colusa Avenue that I've admired, and now I finally know what it is!

I was afraid that it might be a slow grower, but it's not – it's fast. It likes full sun, is drought-tolerant, and fits into my new favorite category of woodsy, sun-loving plants. I could see it as a background specimen, nestled between darker plants in back, and shorter broad-leafed plants in front. Agaves, aloes and yuccas could work nicely.

Devil Mountain carries the straight species, 'Saligna Aurea' (A), as well as 'Fine Gold' (B), which I've included here in case you were curious about it. 

Details:

Biological Name: Cupressus macrocarpa 'Aurea Saligna'

Common Name: Golden Weeping Monterey Cypress

Family: Cupressaceae

Origin: California (U.S.A.)

Exposure: Full Sun

Irrigation: Low Water Needs

Flower Time: Insignificant

Height: Over 40’

Width: 20’

#21) Podocarpus alpinus 'Blue Gem'

I was attracted to Podocarpus alpinus 'Blue Gem' for its minty blue color, fine texture and woodsy feel. It likes partial shade, spreads low to the ground, and is slow growing. Also, in the spring, new shoots emerge nearly red, adding additional seasonal interest.

In the same vein of mixing woodsy plants with succulents, (D) Podocarpus alpinus 'Blue Gem' could go nicely with (A) Picea pungens 'Globosa', (B) Opuntia basilaris hyb. 'Baby Rita', and (C) Sedum telephium 'Purple Emperor'.

Podocarpus alpinus 'Blue Gem' is part of a plant palette called 'Parade of Shade.' Click on label/tag to see complete palette.

Details:
Biological Name: Podocarpus alpinus 'Blue Gem'
Common Name: Blue Gem Alpine Plum Yew
Family: Podocarpaceae
Origin: Australia
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Irrigation: Regular water
Flower Time: Inconspicuous
Height: 1’
Width: 3’

#13) Melaleuca incana

While studying for our weekly shrub quiz, I came across this image of Melaleuca incana (left) and what looks to be Dicksia (right), shown here at Alsip Home and Nursery. Similar to Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula' with Aloe, I love the pairing of a woodsy, fine textured plant with a broad leaf desert plant. Here, Australia meets Brazil in a combination that may be geographically illogical but, in terms of form, texture and color, they make perfect sense. Also, both require little water and full sun, suiting our California climate perfectly. 

Melaleuca incana can get quite large (10-12' high and wide), and has pale yellow flowers (above image, top left). Another interesting pairing could be with Chamaerops humilis (Mediterranean Fan Palm), with its gray-green foliage and broad leaves. Melaleuca incana is available at Devil Mountain Nursery.

Details:

Biological Name: Melaleuca incana

Common Name: Gray Honey-myrtle

Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtles)

Origin: Australia (Australasia)

Exposure: Full Sun

Irrigation: Low Water Needs

Flower Time: Spring/Summer

Height: 6-10’

Width: 6-12’

#11) Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'

Earlier this year, I saw a landscape design that made me see Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar in a new way. The installation is at Darien and San Benito in San Francisco. Within an angular planting bed (adjacent to lawn), they placed this specimen plant in between low-growing Aloe polyphylla (top image, left) and Agave attenuata 'Ray of Light' (bottom image, right), showing off its unique form.

It fits an interesting use case, where you would want something showy and sculptural, yet low and wide, such as outside a window. Here, it's used in a modern context, with equally as interesting plant forms. What I find particularly interesting is the pairing of this woodsy plant with succulents – who would have thought! But, it really works.

Details:
Biological Name: Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca Pendula'
Common Name: Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar
Family: Pinaceae
Origin: [unknown]
Exposure: Full Sun
Irrigation: Low Water Needs
Flower Time: Does not bloom
Height: 15-20’, slow growing
Width: 15-20’, slow growing

If anyone knows the origin of this plant, or the landscape designer, please let me know. Thanks!