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Stroll and drive along the streets of South Pasadena and you will be amazed at the wide variety of plants and trees that grow and thrive in our temperate climate. This guide will help you find these beauties tucked in private gardens, parkways and public parks all over town.
Jacaranda Tree: A beautiful tropical tree that produces clusters of fragrant purple panicle-shaped blooms. Jacaranda tree branches are arched, which forms a canopy similar to an upturned umbrella. Best examples can be found on Marengo Avenue between Mission Street and Huntington Drive.
Matilija Poppy: This poppy is native to southern California and is a popular ornamental plant kept for its large, showy flowers. The flower center is a cluster of many yellow stamens surrounded by six white crinkly petals. This plant bears the largest flowers of any species native to California. A spectacular example can be found at the corner of Brent Avenue and Oxley Street.
Fairy Iris: An evergreen perennial with large iris-like flowers on erect slender stalks atop clumps of sword-like green leaves. Each flower consists of 3 white outer petals adorned with rich yellow and violet colored centers. Usually planted in mass or in containers. Fairy iris can be found in numerous gardens in South Pasadena.
Star Jasmine: Known as an excellent ground cover and climbing decoration, star jasmine is a vine that produces highly fragrant, white blossoms that attract bees. It climbs well and can be trained to grow on trellises, doorways, and posts to make for beautiful, scented decorations. Star jasmine can be found in many private gardens in town.
Japanese Privet: A well-tended privet, as a tree or a hedge, is a handsome plant for any garden. When it’s blooming, it’s garlanded with large, 8-inch-long clusters of pure white flowers. Hummingbirds and other pollinators are attracted to the beautiful flowers. Examples are scattered throughout town in many private gardens.
Next month: June Bloom Report
