Common name:Red Leaf Japanese Barberry
Botanical name:Berberis thunbergii 'Atropurpurea'
A thorny, deciduous shrub growing 4-6' high and as wide, Red Japanese Barberry can be contained with some light pruning. Its purplish-red leaves contrast beautifully against a dark green background.
Common name:Potato Vine
Botanical name:Solanum laxum
An evergreen vine (in mild climates) that quickly grows to 30 feet with dark green to almost blackish, ovate-lanceolate leaves. In mild climates, the star-shaped white flowers, produced abundantly on a branching inflorescence, can bloom year-round, the peak bloom period being in spring. Plant in sun or part shade and water regularly. Cold Hardy to 10 °F. Reportedly tolerant of near seashore conditions. A fast growing, attractive vine that can quickly cover a small arbor or chain link fence. As will many plants in the potato family, vegetative parts are poisonous as are the fruits, so they should not be ingested and fruit should be cleaned up so pets do not eat. Does best with regular watering.
Designer: Jim Mathys
Photographer: GardenSoft
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Check the soil's moisture level before watering.
You can reduce your water use 20-50% by regularly checking the soil before watering.
Develop healthy soil for plants that are vigorous and naturally pest-resistant.
