Laurus nobilis
Bay Laurel, Sweet Bay
The leaf of this plant is the classic bay leaf used in cooking. It can be grown as a tree or shrub. Adapts well to container culture, helpful when below-freezing temperatures are forecast. Simply move plants to a protected location. Canopy coverage: 707 square feet.
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Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead'
English Lavender
English Lavender is the most common Lavender and considered to be one of the easiest to grow. Flowers are highly fragrant. The species is shrublike and reaches 3 feet high and as wide. 'Munstead' is a dwarf form that grows to 1-1/2 feet high and as wide. Also look for 'Hidcote', with deep purple flowers. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Lavatera maritima
Tree Mallow, Sea Mallow
A fast-growing, mounding shrub that fills in nicely at a rapid rate. However, plants are shortlived and typically require replacement after five years or so. The large, 2- to 3-inch flowers are profuse and bloom practically year-round. Accepts pruning and shaping. Canopy coverage: 113 square feet.
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Leonotis leonurus
Lion's Tail
Lion's Tail is a widely adapted shrubby perennial. Care depends on region where it is grown. If damaged by winter cold, plants are treated as large perennials and usually regrow from the crown. Prune plants back after flowering to renew flowering wood. Accepts dry summer conditions. Canopy coverage: 20 square feet.
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Leucaena retusa
Golden Leadball Tree
Yellow-gold, ball-shaped flowers about 1 inch in diameter hang from branches. The delicate, lacy leaves help provide a subtropical effect. Accepts some shade. Canopy coverage: 177 square feet.
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Leucophyllum x 'Heavenly Cloud'
Heavenly Cloud Texas Ranger
This selection is a hybrid of 'Green Cloud' and the species Leucophyllum laevigatum. It is reputed to be a fast grower with profuse flowers in summer with heat and humidity. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
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Leucophyllum candidum 'Thundercloud'
Violet Silverleaf
Violet Silverleaf is an excellent, low-growing shrub for small spaces. Silvery leaves contrast nicely against its violet-purple flowers. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Leucophyllum frutescens
Texas Ranger
This is the original Texas Ranger, which has grayish leaves. Look for improved selection 'Green Cloud' with light green leaves. 'White Cloud' produces white flowers. Canopy coverage: 50 square feet.
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Leucophyllum frutescens 'Compacta'
Compact Texas Ranger
The original Texas Ranger has grayish leaves. 'Compacta' is a smaller version, and grows to 3 feet high. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Leucophyllum frutescens 'Green Cloud'
Green Cloud Texas Ranger
The original Texas Ranger has grayish leaves. Look for improved selection 'Green Cloud' with light green leaves. Canopy coverage: 50 square feet.
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Leucophyllum frutescens 'Silver Cloud'
Silver Cloud Texas Ranger
The original Texas Ranger has grayish leaves. Look for improved selection 'Silver Cloud' with silvery gray leaves. Canopy coverage: 50 square feet.
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Leucophyllum frutescens 'White Cloud'
White Cloud Texas Ranger
The original Texas Ranger has grayish leaves. Look for improved selection 'White Cloud', which produces white flowers. Canopy coverage: 50 square feet.
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Leucophyllum laevigatum
Chihuahuan Rain Sage
Chihuahuan Sage is a rounded, wide-spreading shrub. Flowers are fragrant. Avoid heavy pruning to get more flowers. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Leucophyllum langmaniae
Cinnamon Sage
Cinnamon Sage has a rounded form that is evergreen and similar to other Texas Rangers, but this species tends to be more dense. 'Rio Bravo' is an improved selection. Canopy coverage: 20 square feet.
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Leucophyllum langmaniae 'Lynn's Legacy'
Lynn's Legacy Texas Ranger
This Texas Ranger produces a dense, rounded evergreen shrub. It is reported that it doesn't require changes in humidity to prompt flowering, so expect more flowers during summer. Canopy coverage: 20 square feet.
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Lonicera x brownii 'Dropmore Scarlet'
Scarlet Honeysuckle
Provide support if you want a vine. Left to its own devices, Scarlet Honeysuckle tends to sprawl to become a mounding groundcover or even a small shrub. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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Lycium fremontii
Wolfberry
Mature size of 10 by 10 feet as given is atypical; plants are usually smaller. Grows with a thick array of arching, spreading, spiny branches—ideal habitat for birds and other wildlife. Red fruits follow the tiny flowers. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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Lysiloma watsonii var. thornberi
Feather Tree
Delicate ferny foliage is an attraction, along with a profuse spring and summer show of white to cream puffball flowers. Grow as a small tree or shrub. If damaged by frost it typically regrows rapidly into a shrubby form. Canopy coverage: 177 square feet.
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Maytenus phyllanthoides
Mangle Dulce
This large mounding shrub grows slowly but is worth the wait. Distinctive, oval, leathery leaves are bright green and contrast beautifully with its reddish branches. Best with some afternoon shade in hot summer regions. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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Melaleuca linariifolia
Flaxleaf Paperbark
Flaxleaf Paperbark begins as a willowy juvenile (young) tree that may require staking. With time it takes on a sturdy, umbrellalike form. Most obvious feature is the interesting white bark on the trunk that peels in flakes. Small, delicate white flowers cover the tree in summer. Canopy coverage: 314 square feet.
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Mirabilis multiflora
Desert Four O'clock
An interesting shrubby perennial with profuse numbers of dramatic flowers. It is temporary; it dies back with winter cold, renewing growth the following spring. Note that flowers in photos will unfurl into hibiscuslike blooms. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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