(Ward's Cotoneaster)

This Old World genus comprises approximately 80 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and small trees, several of which are popular garden subjects. Prostrate and trailing forms of Cotoneaster horizontalis, C. dammeri, C. apiculatus, and C. salicifolius are familiar and widely used groundcovers. Taller cotoneasters (such as C. multiflorus) are less common in landscapes, but are occasionally planted for their attractive...

(Bearberry Cotoneaster)

Hybrid bearberry cotoneaster is a dwarf evergreen shrub that forms a broad, low mound of shiny, rounded, dark green leaves with colorful berries in fall. It was formed by the cross of two other species,Cotoneaster dammeri with C. conspicuus. In late spring and early summer, tiny rose-shaped white flowers appear on its arching branches which are normally pollinated by bees. Abundant bright orange-red berries mature in fall, attracting birds well into the start of winter, when the...

(Brass Buttons)

A small, creeping perennial with feathery foliage, brass buttons produces button-like yellow-green flowers in late spring and early summer. Native to the gritty soils in subalpine areas of New Zealand, it will spread indefinitely once established.

The leaves are oblong in shape overall, but have many small, curving lobes with teeth on one side that create a feathery appearance. They are bright green and may or may not be covered in tiny hairs. By late spring short stems rise from the mat of leaves,...

(Brass Buttons)

A small, creeping perennial with purple-black feathery foliage, brass buttons produces button-like yellow-green flowers in late spring and early summer. Native to the gritty soils in subalpine areas of New Zealand, it will spread indefinitely once established and can be quite hardy if given the right growing environment.

The leaves are oblong in shape but have many small, curved lobes with teeth that create a feathery appearance. Newly emerged growth is pale green and matures to deep, purplish...

(Cotyledon, Plakkie)

These succulent shrubs and subshrubs from southern Africa are valued for their handsome evergreen or deciduous foliage and their drought tolerance. The paired fleshy leaves are often densely borne along prostrate or upright branches, which may reach head-height. The rounded, mint-green to silvery-blue leaves have scalloped or toothed edges. Many-flowered umbels of nodding, bell-shaped flowers occur at the tips of long flowering stems in summer, winter, or year-round. The yellow, orange, or red blooms...

(Cotyledon, Plakkie)

Grown for its handsome succulent foliage and its drought tolerance, this hybrid Cotyledon bears thick, blue-green, spoon-shaped leaves on fleshy stems. The paired leaves have maroon, wedge-shaped tips. The densely branched plants reach approximately knee height.

This succulent does best in well-drained soil and bright light, with protection from scorching midday sun. It prefers cool dry winters. Use it outdoors in mild climates, or as a conservatory or house plant in colder climes. It...

(Colewort, Giant Sea Kale)

A massive mound of ornate leaves are attractive by themselves on the colewort, but the many-branched flower stems with wispy, baby's breath-like white flowers makes this herbaceous perennial a showstopper. Colewort, a relative of cabbage and broccoli, is native to western Asia's Caucasus Mountains.

In spring, a rosette of long-stemmed dark green leaves emerge from the ground. Each laef blade is kidney-shaped or oval with a puckering center and toothed, bristled edges. It creates an alluring...

(Crassula)

Noted for their handsome, succulent, paired leaves, which are often arranged in striking geometric patterns, the 200 or so annuals, perennials, and small shrubs in the genus Crassula are mostly endemic to southern Africa.

Plants in this remarkably diverse genus have fleshy leaves and stems rich in specialized water holding cells that grant exceptional drought resistance. Plant habit ranges from creeping to upright. Most crassulas grown today are small species suitable for containers....

A variable evergreen succulent found over a wide area of southeastern Africa, this low-growing perennial produces rosettes of fleshy, oval to lance-shaped, green or gray-green leaves that often have red spots, margins, or suffusion. Sparsely branched stems crowded with four-ranked leaves emerge from the rosettes in spring or early summer. The stems may be upright or prostrate, and the leaves hairy or smooth. Spike-like clusters of small white pink-tinged flowers appear at the stem tips in summer...

A showy-leaved cultivar of a an evergreen succulent from southeastern Africa, this low-growing perennial produces rosettes of fleshy, narrowly oval, bright green leaves that turn orange and scarlet in hot dry weather. Lax, sparsely branched stems emerge from the rosettes in spring or early summer, bearing four-ranked leaves that decrease in size toward the stem tips. These leaves also turn brilliant colors as they mature. Spike-like clusters of small white pink-tinged flowers appear on short stalks...