Yes, even in the desert Southwest, many gardeners have an interest in creating their garden, or a portion of it, in a Japanese style.
The elements most often used in creating such a garden are meandering paths, thoughtfully placed rocks and boulders, natural water features, half-moon bridges and Japanese lanterns. The elements that tie all of these separate components together are strong accent plants.
Here are just a few of the quintessential varieties of plants for Japanese gardens:
● Bamboo (Bambusa spp.) makes an ideal screening and accent plant. Many varieties of clumping bamboos are available. Unlike running bamboo that can take over an entire yard, these stay in a controlled growing clump. Some of the best small to medium clumping bamboos include Chinese Goddess, Mexican Weeping, Graceful, Silverstripe and Striking Bamboo. All grow well in the Tucson area.
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● Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is one of the best-known plants in Japanese gardens. Its palmlike appearance adds an exotic quality. Stiff, dark-green leaves fan out from the crown of the plant. In time, this plant develops a substantial trunk and can grow to a height of 10 feet and higher. Sago palms require midday and afternoon shade. If overexposed to summer sun, the leaves will scorch and turn yellow.
● Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) isn't really bamboo, but looks like a miniature version. I have seen this plant reach a height of 6 to 8 feet, but it more typically grows 3 to 4 feet tall and about 3 feet wide. The plant has wide set, lacy, compound leaves projecting out from short, canelike stems. Heavenly bamboo is adapted to full sun or part shade and is drought-tolerant. For the best appearance, locate plants where they are protected from strong winds.
● Natal plum (Carissa grandiflora) plants are lush evergreen shrubs with thick, rounded leaves and a dense growth habit. In the spring, plants produce a scattering of showy, white, star-shaped flowers, which are very fragrant. Standard forms of natal plum grow to a height and spread of nearly 5 feet, but dwarf forms such as Green Carpet and Prostrata grow no larger than 2 feet high and 4 feet across. Plants are somewhat cold-sensitive, so locate them in warmer locations or under the protective canopy of a tree.
● Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a plant for all seasons. It is available in a range of sizes from dwarf shrubs to small trees. All have showy, crepe-paper-type bloom clusters in a full range of colors. Leaves turn crimson in the fall. As they drop, they reveal the beautiful patchwork-colored bark of green, beige and cinnamon. Attractive seed pods also enhance the appearance of the plant during the winter months. Crape myrtles thrive in full desert sun and can be used to provide shade for less-tolerant Japanese garden plants.
● Other choices: Lilyturf (Liriope muscari), Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum), Japanese yew (Podocarpus macrophyllus), Umbrella plant (Cyperus alternifolius), Dwarf pittosporum (Pittosporum tobira or Wheeler's Dwarf) and Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda).
● John P. Begeman is the urban horticulture agent for the University of Arizona-Pima County Cooperative Extension. If you have questions, call 626-5161 to reach a master gardener.
» Learn about roses
"Roses — Winter Pruning and Planting" will be the topic for this week's garden demonstrations. They will be presented at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the University of Arizona-Pima County Cooperative Extension Center, 4210 N. Campbell Ave.; at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Wilmot Library, 530 N. Wilmot Road; and at 1 p.m. Friday at the Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive.