Landscape Water Efficiency Guide PDF
Landscape Water Efficiency Guide PDF
Landscape Water Efficiency Guide PDF
Acknowledgements
This guide was prepared by Lara Zureikat and Dalia Husseini at the Center for the Study of the Built Environment
(CSBE).
Illustrations and photographs in this guide were prepared by Hind Hussein and Osman Akoz respectively.
Special thanks to Setta Tutundjian, USAID, for her valuable input and her effective review of this guide.
Special appreciation to the Water Demand Management Unit, Ministry of Water and Irrigation, for their useful
review of this guide.
Sincere thanks to the following members of the BMPs guideline committee for their beneficial contribution:
• Tony Gregg, USAID-IDARA
• Rania Abdel Khaleq, Ministry of Water and Irrigation
• Awatef Akur, Greater Amman Municipality
• Thaira Al Hafiz, Greater Amman Municipaliy
• Joumana Al Ayed, Miyahuna
• Mustafa Al Assaf, WAJ, Ministry of Water and Irrigation
• Ma’ab Abu Saleem, Royal Scientific Society
• Hanada Khbeis, Ministry of Public Works and Housing
• Mahmoud Al Zoubi, Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization
• Mohammed Abu Taha, Jordan Engineers Association
• Munjed Al Sharif, Jordan University of Science and Technology
• Maha Halalsheh, The University of Jordan
• Hayat Bakir, Jordan Forum for Business and Professional Women
•Bashar Al Ali, USAID-IDARA
High appreciation to the Greater Amman Municipality for their invaluable review of the BMP.
Part 7: Appendences 31
Appendix 1: Plants for Sidewalks and Street Medians 32
Appendix 2: Plant Selection Tables 33
Appendix 3: Water Audit Forms 44
Appendix 4: Illustrated List of Plants 46
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
TABLE OF FIGURES
1
The information in this guide needs to be updated periodically
6
Understanding Landscape
Water Use
Part
1
Why Save Water in Municipal table below shows a comparison of water needs of
drought-tolerant and water-consuming landscape
Landscapes? plants and materials.
Artificial lawn 0
Public parks and green open spaces are becoming
more important in Jordan’s large urban centers as the Figure 1: Water requirements of trees, shrubs, and groundcovers
8
Best Management
Practices
Part
9
Best Management Practices for New
Landscapes: Designing, Installing,
Managing and Maintaining Water-
efficient Landscapes
Water-efficient landscape design, installation,
management, and maintenance can effectively reduce
water demand. In accordance with the practices
outlined in this Guide, the municipality will develop and
implement a water-efficient landscape program. The
program will apply the principles of Xeriscape (derived
from the Greek xeros, “dry,” the term means literally
“dry landscape”) in the design of new landscapes, and
also include the development of a maintenance and
irrigation plan for each new landscape. In addition,
the municipality will retrofit existing large landscapes
that do not conform to the principles of Xeriscape as
described in the following section.
While implementing this program, the municipality
should also offer training for landscape design, Figure 2: A site plan showing topography and existing features.
maintenance, and irrigation management or co-
sponsor training with qualified horticulture or park
management programs. If training is not available
in house, the municipality should send trainees to
courses offered at institutions such as the Agricultural
Engineering Association’s Training Center in Amman,
which offers an introductory course in water-efficient
landscape design.
10
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
11
of paved surfaces, surround them with groupings
of shrubs and groundcovers. This will give a green
appearance while minimizing the amount of vegetation
and water use.
12
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
13
Limiting Grass Areas
Grass areas should only be used to provide functional
benefits and should be limited in size. The use of
grass to provide a green appearance should be
prohibited when groundcovers or low shrubs offer
an acceptable alternative. One square meter of grass
needs approximately 300 liters of water per month
Figure 15: A section through a small street.
during summer, while the same area planted with
drought-tolerant groundcovers such as Lantana
montevidensis requires 120 liters per month. If the
same area is planted with cactus or succulents such
as Drosanthemum floribundum, only 45 liters are
required. Thus, there are significant water savings in
reducing lawn areas.
Efficient Irrigation
All parks and large landscapes should be irrigated
using efficient drip irrigation systems. Drip irrigation
is one method of providing water to plants in a low
volume. Low-volume irrigation includes drip irrigation
and other micro-spray systems.
14
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
15
Site Name: _______________________ Date: _______________________
Auditor: _______________________
Irrigation heads
Broken
Clogged
Tilted
Sunken
Mismatched
Missing
Obstructed
Ponding
Overspray
Runoff
Misting due to high pressure
Hose watering 1 2 3 4 5 6
Leaks in hose
No shut-off nozzle
16
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
Figure 20: A sample water audit form- A Comparison of landscape Total 258500 330000 71500
water needs to applied water.
17
There are two types of water harvesting systems: • Provide the inlet for the water tank with a filtering
passive and active. Passive water harvesting systems device (which could simply consist of a window
require no storage containers, and rainwater can be screen) to keep leaves and debris out of the tank.
diverted from roof areas or paved surfaces in the The level of filtration depends on the irrigation
garden directly to the soil (called “landscape holding” system used. For example, drip irrigation requires
areas) in the site for direct use by the plants. Below are finer filtering compared to irrigation with a hose.
tips for optimizing passive water harvesting systems: • Divert the first part of the rainfall away from the
storage area to wash away the dust and debris
• Make sure that the soil in the landscape holding that collects on the catchment area during the
areas is not compacted, because this inhibits water dry period. This will prevent dust and debris from
from moving through the soil. After planting, apply accumulating in the storage containers.
a layer of mulch to reduce evaporation and to • In some cases, it is more useful to locate several
control erosion. If the soil is compacted, loosen it smaller water containers where water is required.
by tilling. If the soil is too sandy, add organic matter These might be easier to handle and to hide, but
to increase the soil’s moisture-holding potential. they will increase installation costs.
• Be careful in the selection of plants for the low-
To calculate the amount of water that could be
lying landscape-holding areas. These areas can
harvested, apply the formula below:
get saturated with water for extended periods of
time, and some plants may not be able to survive Quantity of harvested rainwater (cubic meters) =
such conditions. Rainfall (meters) x Catchment Area (square meters) x
• For new plantings, locate the plants at the upper Runoff Coefficient
edge of concave holding areas to encourage
extensive rooting and to prevent soil erosion.
• To take advantage of water falling freely from roofs,
plant large sturdy plants where the water falls. Also,
use rocks or other hard material or hang a large
“rain chain” from the downspout to the ground
to disperse and slow down the water, and also to
prevent erosion.
18
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
Use of Mulches
Mulches are organic or inorganic materials applied to
a planting bed as a top-dressing to serve a number
of purposes. In addition to serving as an aesthetic
element in the landscape, mulches play
Figure 24: Landscape holding areas may be concave depressions • Maintaining moisture levels in the soil
that hold rainwater passing through the site, thus allowing plants to
better benefit from that rainwater. • Moderating soil temperatures
• Inhibiting weed growth, thus reducing competition
for water among plants
• Reducing soil erosion, compaction, and water
runoff
• Providing a barrier between the plant and the soil,
thus successfully controlling soil-borne diseases
that might cause plant stress.
19
Efficient installation, management and
maintenance practices
The installation, management, and maintenance of
water-efficient landscapes is essential to achieving
anticipated water savings.
Cleaning
Eliminate water-wasting practices such as hosing
of hard surfaces for cleaning purposes (brooms
or cleaning machines should be considered as an
alternative). Using a pail and a hose with a shut-off
nozzle is recommended for washing cars or other
vehicles.
Park Facilities
Park facilities such as tennis courts, basketball courts,
and park buildings should be swept for regular sanitary
Figure 29: Pumice stone mulch is available in different sizes.
20
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
Water Features
Decorative water features at parks including fountains
and pools should use recirculation systems. During
high temperature seasons, operating procedures
should be reduced and covers used to reduce
evaporation losses. Water features should be designed
with minimal water volumes.
Figure 31: Water features should be designed with minimal water Note: Many parks in Jordan requiring a retrofit are in
volumes to reduce evaporation. Shading structures further reduce
evaporation.
bad condition. These parks may not have adequate
vegetation and thus may consume less water than
they would after retrofitting. In such cases, conduct a
water audit of the retrofitted design prior to installation
to insure the maximum water savings.
21
Implementation
of Water-efficient
Landscape Programs
Part
3
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
Implementation
• Develop and approve policies and procedures
Under this BMP, the municipality should develop water- within six months of adopting this BMP.
efficient landscape design, installation, maintenance, and • Train personnel within 12 months of approval of
management policies and procedures. A water-efficient policies and procedures.
landscaping policy should be drafted by the municipality • Perform water audits on existing landscapes,
and approved by the elected municipal assembly. prioritizing large parks with high water consumption
within 12 months of adopting this BMP.
A committee of all departments responsible for design, • Retrofit 50 percent of eligible parks no later than
implementation, management, and maintenance three to five years after adopting the BMP.
of landscapes should be formed to draft the • Retrofit up to 75 percent of eligible parks no later
procedures. than six to nine years after the adoption of the
BMP.
The municipality should train personnel in the water-
efficient design, maintenance, and management of Scope
landscapes. This could be achieved by establishing To accomplish this BMP, the utility should adopt
an in-house training program for employees or in the procedures and policies for all new landscapes
association with a qualified institution. specified in this section.
To insure that all new designs comply with the adopted For retrofitting existing landscapes, the municipality
policy, an internal review committee should be formed may select items 1 or 2:
to review all designs performed by outside architecture 1. Retrofit 50 percent of all landscaped eligible areas.
and consulting firms. 2. Retrofit 75 percent of all landscaped eligible areas.
23
Cost-Effectiveness
Considerations
Part
24
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
Cost-Effictive Considerations
There will be a onetime administrative cost associated Material costs in building and retrofitting parks should
with developing policies and procedures and in training be evaluated on a case- by- case basis. See below an
of staff. The ongoing administrative and staff cost example of cost -effectiveness when mulch is added.
may decrease as proper and efficient maintenance
measures are adopted.
Depth of mulch 8 cm 0
Volume of mulch 80 m3 0
25
Enabling Tools
Part
5
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
Enabling Tools
There are many tools municipalities can use in
developing and implementing water-efficient
landscape practices. These include policy, institutional,
management, and economic practices that assist
municipalities in implementing water-saving measures
and programs based on best management practices.
Institutional support
Efficient water use has been instituted at the national
level. Below are key entities and programs that can
provide support:
27
References for Additional
Information
Part
6
References
1- Center for the Study of the Built Environment website. http://www.csbe.org
Site contains information on drought-tolerant plants, Xeriscape principles, and other
relevant publications developed by the Center for the Study of the Built Environment, a
Jordanian research center.
2- College of Agriculture and Life Science at the University of Arizona website. http://
ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/ Site contains information on gardening and
landscaping in the Arizona Low Desert area.
3- Florida Cooperative Extension Service of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
at the University of Florida website. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ Site contains publications on
landscaping in drought conditions.
11- Water Conservation section of the Southwest Florida Water Management District
website. http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ Site includes information on Xeriscaping and
links to online reports, guides, and articles on water conservation. It also includes links
to web sites on water conservation and low water use landscapes.
12- Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Be Water Wise website, provides
water saving tips, a watering index and calculator, video tips, incentive programs for
businesses, and links to other water conservation websites: www.bewaterwise.com.
14- California Urban Water Conservation Council offers a wide array of information and
services including a Virtual Home Tour of the Water Saver Home, product news,
publications, and technical resources. www.cuwcc.org.
29
15- Irrigation Association supports the irrigation industry in their efforts to pursue water
conservation through efficient irrigation. They provide training and certification to irrigation
professionals and foster a communication network among irrigation manufacturers,
designers, distributors, contractors, educators, and technicians. www.irrigation.org.
16- California Department of Water Resources’ Office of Water Use Efficiency offers financial
and technical assistance to agencies involved in water conservation. They host CIMIS,
the California Irrigation Management Information System, a network of 120 automated
weather stations to provide evapotranspiration information to help irrigation scheduling.
Information about water recycling and desalination is also available through the office.
http://www.water.ca.gov/wateruseefficiency/
17- Alliance for Water Efficiency provides a weekly Water Efficiency Watch Newsletter, a
resources library, a Water Conservation Tracking Tool, and information about pending
federal laws and regulations: www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org
18- “Landscape Plants for California Gardens” by Bob Perry, Land Design Publishing, 2010,
covers evapotranspiration, plant factors, hydrozones, irrigation efficiency, water budgets
and estimating landscape water use along with a compendium of 2,100 plants that
thrive in California’s Mediterranean, desert, and temperate climate zones. Everything
except the plant list is available in a free downloadable format from this website. http://
landdesignpublishing.com
19- Water Conservation Alliance of Southern Arizona (Water CASA) website. http://www.
watercasa.org An organization affiliated with the University of Arizona’s Water Resources
Research Center. Site includes on-line publications and tips relating to water conservation
and Xeriscaping, as well as links to relevant web sites.
30
Appendices
Part
7
Appendix 1: Plants for Sidewalks and Street Medians
Trees for Sidewalks and Street Medians
Botanical name
Albizia julibrissin
Brachychiton populneus
Cercis siliquastrum
Elaeagnus angustifolia
Grevillea robusta
Melia azerdarach
Parkensonia aculeate
Quercus ilex
Sophora japonica
Robinia psuedoacacia
Ulmus glabra
Dodonea viscosa
Myrtus communis
Lantana camara
Plumbago capensis
Rosmarinus officinalis
32
Special Sun expo-
Group Form Color of bloom Growth rate Water usage
features sure
meters
Size (height x width)
Evergreen
Deciduous
Fastigate
Columnar
Spreading
Rounded
Pyramidal
Weeping
Picturesque
Palm-like
Edible fruit
Fragrant
Attracts birds
Purple/lilac
Pink
Red
Orange
Yellow
White
Insignificant
None
Flowering months
Slow
Moderate
Fast
Full sun
Partial shad
Shade
No watering once
established
Some watering
once established
Tree Selection Table
Acacia cyanophylla /
x 6x5 x x 3-4 x x x
Mimosa
Callistemon viminalis /
x 7x5 x x 4-5 x x
Bottlebrush
Casuarina casuariana /
Appendix 2: Plant Selection Tables
x 12x7 x x - x x x
Australian Pine
Cersis siliquastrum /
x 4x4 x x 3-4 x x x x
Redbud
Cupressus sempervirens /
x 10x2 x x - x x x
Italian Cypress
33
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
34
Special Sun expo-
Group Form Color of bloom Growth rate Water usage
features sure
Botanical/ Common
meters
name
Flowering months
Evergreen
Deciduous
Fastigate
Columnar
Spreading
Rounded
Pyramidal
Weeping
Picturesque
Palm-like
Edible fruit
Fragrant
Attracts birds
Purple/lilac
Pink
Red
Orange
Yellow
White
Insignificant
None
Slow
Moderate
Fast
Full sun
Partial shad
Shade
No watering once
established
Some watering
once established
Elaeagnus angustifolia /
x 7x6 x x x 6-7 x x x x
Russian Olive
Lagerstroemia indica /
x 5x4 x x x 6-8 x x x x
Crape Myrtle
Ligustrum lucidum /
x 6x4 x x 6-7 x x x
Glossy Privet
Parkinsonia aculeata /
x 6x6 x x 3-5 x x x
Jerusalem Thorn
Botanical/ Common
name
meters
Flowering months
Evergreen
Deciduous
Fastigate
Columnar
Spreading
Rounded
Pyramidal
Weeping
Picturesque
Palm-like
Edible fruit
Fragrant
Attracts birds
Purple/lilac
Pink
Red
Orange
Yellow
White
Insignificant
None
Slow
Moderate
Fast
Full sun
Partial shad
Shade
No watering once
established
Some watering
once established
Quercus calliprinos
x 10x8 x x x x x
/ Common Oak
Schinus molle /
x 8x8 x x 6-7 x x x
Pepper Tree
Sophora japonica x
/ Japanese Pagoda x 5x5 x 6-7 x x x x
Tree
Tamarix aphylla /
x 4x6 x x 4-6 x x x
Tamarisk
Ulmus glabra /
x 15x8 x x x x x x
Scotch Elm
Washingtonia
filifera / x 15x3 x x x x x
Washingtonia
35
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
36
Special Sun
Group Texture Type Color of bloom Growth rate Water usage
features exposure
Botanical/
Common name
meters
Flowering months
Evergreen
Deciduous
Fine
Medium
Coarse
Tree
Shrub
Vine
Succulent
Ornamental
grass
Annual
Perennial
Edible fruit
Fragrant
Attracts
butterflies
Blue
Violet/lilac
Pink
Red
Orange
Yellow
White
Insignificant
None
Slow
Moderate
Fast
Full sun
Partial shade
Shade
No watering
Once a month
Twice a month
Once a week
Aeonium arboreum /
x 0.6x0.4 x x x 11-1 x x x x
Schwarzkopf
Agapanthus orientalis
x 0.5x0.4 x x x x 6-8 x x x x
/ Lily of the Nile
Agave palmeri /
x 1.5x1 x x x 6-7 x x x x
Foxtail Agave
Ornamental Plant Selection Table
Alcea rosea /
x 1-2x 4 x x x 5-9 x x x
Hollyhock
Aloe nobilis /
x 0.2x0.3 x x x 4-5 x x x x
Golden-tooth Aloe
Argyranthemum
1x1 x x x 5-10 x x x
frutescens/ Marguerite
Artemisia arborescens/
x 1x 0.5 x x x 5-6 x x x
Faith Raven
Berberis thunbergii /
x 1x1 x x x x 4-5 x x x x
Japanese Barberry
Bougainvillea sp. /
x 6x 2-3 x x x x x x x 5-10 x x x
Bougainvillea
Buddleia davidii /
x 1-2x1 x x x x x x 5-10 x x x
Butterfly Bush
Campsis radicans/
x 10x2 x x x x 6-8 x x x
Trumpet Vine
Canna indica /
x 1.5x0.4 x x x x x 5-10 x x x
Indian-shot
Carissa macrocarpa /
x 1x1 x x x 3-11 x x x x
Natal Plum
(Ornamental plants are plants grown for their aesthetic value, and can include shrubs, vines, perennials, and succulents.)
Coreopsis auriculata /
x 0.3x0.3 x x X 4-10 x x x
Coreopsis
Drosanthemum floribundum
x 0.05x0.4 x x x 3-4 x x x x
/ Rosea Ice Plant
Special Sun
Group Texture Type Color of bloom Growth rate Water usage
features exposure
Botanical/
Common name
meters
Flowering months
Evergreen
Deciduous
Fine
Medium
Coarse
Tree
Shrub
Vine
Succulent
Ornamental
grass
Annual
Perennial
Edible fruit
Fragrant
Attracts
butterfly
Blue
Violet/lilac
Pink
Red
Orange
Yellow
White
Insignificant
None
Slow
Moderate
Fast
Full sun
Partial shade
Shade
No watering
Once a month
Twice a month
Once a week
Echeveria imbricata /
x x x x 5-6 x x x x
Hen and Chickens
Juniperus horizontalis /
x 0.6x1 x x x - x x x
Juniper
11-
Kalanchoe sp. x 0.4x0.4 x x x x x x
12
Kniphofia uvaria / Torch
x 0.7x0.5 x x x x 4-5 x x x
Lily
Lantana camara /
x 1.5x1.5 x x x x x x 5-10 x x x
Lantana
Lavandula angustifolia /
x 0.8x0.80 x x x x 5-6 x x x
Lavender
Pennisetum setaceum /
x 1x 0.7 x x - x x x x
Fountain Grass
37
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
38
Special Sun
Group Texture Type Color of bloom Growth rate Water usage
features exposure
Botanical/
Common name
meters
Flowering months
Evergreen
Deciduous
Fine
Medium
Coarse
Tree
Shrub
Vine
Succulent
Ornamental
grass
Annual
Perennial
Edible fruit
Fragrant
Attracts
butterfly
Blue
Violet/lilac
Pink
Red
Orange
Yellow
White
Insignificant
None
Slow
Moderate
Fast
Full sun
Partial shade
Shade
No watering
Once a month
Twice a month
Once a week
Salvia
microphylla / x 1x 0.7 x x x x x 6-9 x x x x
Sage
Santolina
chamaecyparissus x 0.3x0.4 x x x 5-6 x x x
/ Lavender Cotton
Senecio cineraria
x 0.7x0.5 x x x x 5-6 x x x
/ Dusty Miller
Tecomaria
capensis / Cape x 8x 2-3 x x x x 6-9 x x x
Honeysuckle
Teucrium
fruticans / Bush x 1x 0.7 x x x 5-6 x x x
Germander
Yucca Aloifolia /
x 4x 1.5 x x x 5-6 x x x
Spanish Bayonet
Sun
Group Texture Type Special features Color of bloom Water usage
exposure
Botanical /
Common name
Flowering months
Evergreen
Deciduous
Fine
Medium
Coarse
Shrub
Vine
Flower
Bulb
Annual
Perennial
Edible fruit
Fragrant
Attracts birds
and butterflies
Blue
Violet / lilac
Pink
Red
Orange
Yellow
White
Full sun
Part shade
No watering
Once a month
Twice a month
Achillea
biebersteinii / x x x x 4-5 x x
Yarrow
Adonis palaestina
/ Palestine x x x x 3-5 x x
Pheasant’s Eye
Ornamental Plant Selection Table
Alcea setosa /
x x x x 4-6 x x
Hollyhock
Anchusa strigosa /
x x x x 5-6 x x
Prickly Alkanet
Anemone coronaria /
x x x x 2-4 x x
Common Anemone
Anthemis palaestina
/ Palestine x x x x 5-6 x x
Chamomile
Asphodelus
aestivus / x x x x 3-5 x x
Asphodel
Asphodelus
fistulosus / x x x x 3-5 x x
Asphodel
Astragalus
spinosus / Milk x x x 3-5 x x
Vetch
Capparis spinosa /
x x 4-8 x x x
Egyptian Caper
39
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
40
Sun
Group Texture Type Special features Color of bloom Water usage
exposure
Botanical /
Common name
Flowering months
Evergreen
Deciduous
Fine
Medium
Coarse
Shrub
Vine
Flower
Bulb
Annual
Perennial
Edible fruit
Fragrant
Attracts birds
and butterflies
Blue
Violet / lilac
Pink
Red
Orange
Yellow
White
Full sun
Part shade
No watering
Once a month
Twice a month
Chrysanthemum
coronarium / x x x x 3-5 x x
Crown Daisy
Cistus creticus /
x x x x 4-6 x x
Pink Rock-Rose
Cistus salviifolius
x x x x 4-6 x x
/ White Rock-Rose
Coridothymus
capitatus / x x x x 7-8 x x
Conehead thyme
Erodium gruinum
x x x x 2-4 x x
/ Stroke Bill
Euphorbia
macroclada / x x x x 4-8 x x
Spurge
Ferula communis
/ Common Giant x x x x 3-5 x x
Fennel
Globularia
arabica / Arabian x x x x 4-5 x x
Globularia
Ixiolirion
tataricum / x x x x 3-5 x x x
Ixiolirion
Linum pubescens
x x x x 3-5 x x x
/ Pink Flax
Sun
Group Texture Type Special features Color of bloom Water usage
exposure
Botanical /
Common name
Flowering months
Evergreen
Deciduous
Fine
Medium
Coarse
Shrub
Vine
Flower
Bulb
Annual
Perennial
Edible fruit
Fragrant
Attracts birds
and butterflies
Blue
Violet / lilac
Pink
Red
Orange
Yellow
White
Full sun
Part shade
No watering
Once a month
Twice a month
Lonicera
etrusca / Italian x x x x x x 4-7 x x x
Honeysuckle
Lupinus varius /
x x x x 3-4 x x
Lupin
Malva sylvestris /
x x x x 4-8 x x x
Common Mallow
Muscari
commutatum / x x x x 1-3 x x x
Grape Hyacinth
Narcissus tazetta
/ Polyanthus x x x x 12-1 x x x
Narcissus
Notobasis syriaca
x x x x 3-5 x x
/ Syrian Thistle
Ononis natrix /
x x x x 4-9 x x
Sticky Restharrow
Ranunculus
asiaticus / Large x x x x 2-5 x x x
Ranunculus
Retama raetam /
x xx x x 3-4 x x
White Broom
Sarcopoterium
spinosum / Prickly x x 3-5 x x
Shrubby Burnet
41
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
42
Tulip
/ Squill
clusiana /
Oporanthus
Sternbergia
Botanical /
Tulipa stylosa /
Common name
Urginea maritima
Evergreen
Group
Deciduous
Fine
x
x
Medium
Texture
Coarse
Shrub
Vine
Flower
Type
x
x
x
Bulb
Annual
x
x
x
Perennial
Edible fruit
Fragrant
Attracts birds and
Special features
butterflies
Blue
Violet / lilac
Pink
x
Red
Color of bloom
Orange
x
Yellow
x
White
Flowering months
2-4
8-10
9-12
x
x
x
Full sun
Sun
x
x
exposure
Part shade
x
No watering
x
x
Once a month
Water usage
Twice a month
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
* These plants will survive on low amounts of water, but require considerable watering to achieve optimal results
43
Appendix 3: Water Audit Forms
Assessing a Landscape’s Water Needs - Checklist
E Types of Plants:
1 Drought-tolerant plants
2 High water-use plants
Lawn or dichondra 10 7 70
* If a ground cover is planted in the shade water amounts are reduced by 25%. If planted on a slope, water amounts should be increased by
25%, and if planted in sandy soil, water amounts should be increased by 50%, to compensate for water that is lost to the plants.
*** Plants such as Gazania sp., Verbina sp., Lantana montevidensis, Santolina chamaecyparissus
44
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
Established drought-tolerant
60 1 60
trees **
* If a tree or shrub is planted in the shade, water amounts are reduced by 25%. If planted on a slope, water amounts should be increased by
25%, and if planted in sandy soil, water amounts should be increased by 50%, to compensate for water that is lost to the plants.
** Some drought-tolerant trees may not need any supplemental irrigation after 3-4 years of establishment (examples: Melia azerderach,
Sophora japonica, Robinia pseudoacacia, Acacia cyanophylla, Parkensonia acuelata, Zizyphus spina-christi, Platanus orientalis, Prosopis
sp., Brachychiton populneus, Casuarina equistifolia, etc.)
*** Some drought-tolerant shrubs and certain cacti might not need supplemental irrigation after 2 years of establishment (examples: Nerium
oleander, Agave Americana, Lantana camara, Dodonea viscose, Myoporum laetum, etc.)
45
Appendix 4: Illustrated list of Trees and Ornamental Plants
Trees
46
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
47
Ornamental Plants
48
LANDSCAPE WATER EFFICIENCY GUIDE
49