Plants for the Tropical Xeriscape: A Gardener's Guide

Gardeners who suppose that planning a water-saving garden means giving up brilliant color and the lush beauty of Hawaii's tropicals are in for a surprise. Not only can Hawaii's gardeners save water through applying xeriscape techniques, but they can have gardens filled with exceptional plants that are not only “less thirsty” but can provide the garden with shade, color, and fragrance, as well as exotic foliage and blooms. In Plants for the Tropical Xeriscape two of Hawaii's foremost plant experts, Fred Rauch and Paul Weissich, guide both novice and experienced gardeners in choosing the perfect drought-tolerant plants for Hawaii's gardens.

In this extensive and lavishly illustrated guide to the selection of tropical landscape materials for xeriscape gardens, Rauch and Weissich provide landscape architects, garden designers, and home gardeners with the ultimate guide to the “less thirsty” landscape plant species which form the tropical xeriscape.

Organized in accordance with their use in the landscape, each plant category, from ground covers to large trees, is then further listed alphabetically by genus and illustrated with beautiful photographs of a full range of moderate to strong drought- tolerant species. Logical and easy to use, this garden guide will be appreciated by all plant lovers from home gardeners to professional landscape designers. With over 1300 color illustrations, Plants for the Tropical Xeriscape is the go-to source for Hawaii's gardeners as they design, plant, and maintain watersaving gardens.

• Fred D. Rauch, Author

  Fred D. Rauch is emeritus professor of horticulture at the University of Hawai'i, where he served as Extension Specialist in Horticulture for twenty-five years.

• Paul R. Weissich, Author

  Paul R. Weissich, a licensed landscape architect, was director of Honolulu Botanical Gardens from 1957 to 1989. Since his retirement, he has been active as a consultant and volunteer on numerous landscaping projects. He is coauthor of Plants for Tropical Landscapes: A Gardener's Guide.