#2) Tibouchina heteromalla

I've admired this plant in a Marin garden, as well as at Berkeley Horticultural Nursery, and I've only ever seen it really small. So, it surprises me that this plant can get 10' tall! And those silvery, velvet leaves can get 6" long! It turns out, this is a massive shrub. Regardless, it can make a wonderful specimen plant, or background plant. Plants with thinner leaves (like Miscanthus) would layer nicely in front.

In the garden in Marin, (A) Tibouchina heteromalla was part of a beautifully green, drought tolerant/California Native plant palette, along with (B) Berberis thunbergii, (C) Coleonema pulchellum, (D) Artemesia 'Powis Castle' and (E) Arctostaphylos 'Dr. Hurd'. The garden looked so fresh, yet natural, covered in a thick blanket of (F) mulch and Marin fog. It was magical.

Details:
Biological Name: Tibouchina heteromalla
Common Name: Silver leafed Princess Flower
Family: Melastomataceae
Origin: Brazil (South America)
Exposure: Full Sun
Irrigation: Medium Water Needs
Flower Color: Violet
Flower Time: Summer/Fall
Height: 8-10’
Width: 4-6'

#1) Grevillea petrophiloides 'Big Bird'

At Flowerland Nursery, I was drawn to this plants fine linear foliage and lime green color. After doing a little bit more digging online, I discovered that its flowers protrude high above the plant mass, on long leafless branches, terminating in bristley pink puffs. What a nice surprise! I also love that this plant is drought tolerant and attracts hummingbirds.

This plant would look great as a background plant, with plenty of room to grow full size (6-10' high and 5-8' wide). To compliment it's finer foliage, it would be well-paired with broad leaf plants, such as Leucadendrons, Leucospermums, Aloes and Agaves (see below). Behind it, a darker colored shrub or fence could set it off nicely. It can serve as a nice green backdrop to a drought tolerant landscape design or add whimsey to a children's garden.

However, it needs full sun, perfect drainage conditions, and hates hot, humid, tropical conditions (which isn't a problem in California).

Details:
Biological Name: Grevillea petrophiloides
Common Name: Pink Pokers
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: Western Australia
Exposure: Full Sun
Irrigation: Drought tolerant once established
Soil: Well-drained, alkaline, light to heavy
Flower Color: Pink
Flower Time: Winter-spring-summer
Height: 6-10' Variable
Width: 5-8'