Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - September 03, 2013
From: El Sobrante, CA
Region: California
Topic: Drought Tolerant, Shrubs
Title: Fast-growing drought-resistant hedge for California
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
We're looking for a fast growing, drought resistant shrub that will grow in clay soil and can be used for a hedge around our property.ANSWER:
California wax myrtle would seem to be an ideal choice. It is relatively fast-growing and can be trained to form a compact hedge if desired. It does require water when first getting established but is then drought tolerant. Besides the fact that you have clay soil I and prefer drought-resistance am not sure what your site is like. I will list a number of natives suited for a variety of climatic conditions in California. Check them out for suitability in the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database. Some may need more moisture than you wish.
Baccharis pilularis (Coyotebrush), Ceanothus velutinus (Snowbrush), Chrysolepis sempervirens (Bush chinquapin)(see photos), Dendromecon rigida (Tree poppy), Eriogonum fasciculatum (Eastern mojave buckwheat), Holodiscus discolor (Oceanspray), Rosa californica (California rose)(check photos and more information) and Rosa woodsii (Woods' rose),
These plants may be available at one of your local plant nurseries.
From the Image Gallery
More Shrubs Questions
Plants for dry conditions and clay soils in Georgia
June 25, 2007 - I need a bush or plant that I can plant next to a creek that requires no maintenance to cover exposed roots and underbrush caused by rushing water whenever the creeks rises with large downpours. We b...
view the full question and answer
Privacy Hedge for Maryland Porch
July 03, 2014 - I am working on a screen/fence, which is a barrier hedge between our house and our next door neighbor's house to add privacy to our screen porch and dining area, especially in winter. The fence would...
view the full question and answer
Protecting hibiscus from cold in Eastern Washington State
July 28, 2006 - I recently purchased a Hibiscus Brilliant Red. I planted it in an area of my garden that will give it full sun for most of the day. In the Pacific Northwest where I live (Eastern Washington) it can ge...
view the full question and answer
Native plants/shrubs to plant under sycamore and redbud trees
September 03, 2009 - I want to eventually get rid of our front lawn. We have a 40 year old sycamore tree and a young but well established redbud tree in the front yard. What are some good plants/shrubs to plant under the ...
view the full question and answer
Denying cows access to flowers through fence
March 20, 2008 - What flowers can I plant that cows will not eat? They stick their heads through the fence and eat anything they can reach. I would like to plant something in the fence row that will not hurt the cows...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |