garden

Growing tips. Plant in partial shade or full sun except in hot climates. Make sure the soil drains well. At planting time refill the hole or bed with at least 25 percent organic matter. Cover the soil with mulch, keep it moist and feed regularly with special camellia food. To prevent diseases from spreading, try to pick up fallen blossoms — although Sasanquas aren't as susceptible to petal blight as Japonicas.

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'Pink a Boo' is an offshoot of 'Yuletide' — note the similar bright yellow center. The flower is bigger but this plant is also a holiday bloomer. It shares the same upright habit, which means it's also great in a pot.

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Bright red with a yellow center, 'Yuletide' Sasanqua camellia blooms in late fall, just in time for the holidays. The plant is distintively upright, perfect for a container near the front door or other narrow spot.

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Evergreen leaves are deep green and handsome all year. Flowers in shades of red, pink and white, single or double, are small (2 to 3 inches or so) but abundant. Shown here is rose-red, double-blossom 'Shishi-Gashira' (also considered a Hiemalis camellia).

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Botanical name: Camellia sasanqua. Many colors and varieties are available; 'Setsugekka' is shown here. USDA zones: 7 to 10 (find your zone) Water requirement: Moderate; do not overwater. Light requirement: Partial shade, especially in hot climates. Will take more sun than Camellia japonica. Mature size: Up to 10 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, depending greatly on variety Tolerances: Generally trouble free if conditions are right; not as prone to petal blight (disease) as Japonicas.

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California Yarrow (Achillea millefolium var. californica). One of the few plants that can tolerate swamps as well as it tolerates drought, yarrow enjoys a variety of soil from clay to sandy loam — and the butterflies love it.

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False or Desert Indigo (Amorpha fruticosa). If you are hoping to see what goes into the making of a butterfly, plant False Indigo. Southern Dogface Butterfly larvae rely on it for food. Indigo thrives in Arizona, New Mexico and California, from San Diego to as far north as Riverside County.

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Purple Sage (Salvia 'Celestial Blue'). This hybrid loves extreme heat and is great for the sunny areas of your garden. In addition to butterflies, swallowtails adore the nectar of its amazing blue blooms.

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butterflies

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Plant purple prairie clover in full sun. Be thoughtful when choosing the location, because its deep taproot makes it difficult to move. The plant adapts well to most soils, including clay. Although it's fairly drought tolerant once established, it will benefit from supplemental water during extended dry periods.

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honeysuckle

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