Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Saturday - November 22, 2014
From: Orangevale, CA
Region: California
Topic: Invasive Plants, Privacy Screening, Shrubs
Title: Replacement for Amber Jubilee Ninebark in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
AMBER JUBILEE bush separating my neighbor and me, is spreading its roots into our water pipes. Want to rip out. What plants are root friendly and also give you privacy?ANSWER:
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Jefam' (Amber Jubilee™ Ninebark) is a cultivar of Physocarpus opulifolius (Ninebark), a North American native plant, but not native to California. Its native habitat has a higher moisture content (rainfall and soil) than most of California so its roots are trying to find that level of moisture. This may be one reason its roots are getting into your water pipes. Native California shrubs would be a better choice since they are accustomed to growing with less water. Here are some native California shrubs that are better choices for your privacy shrub:
Fremontodendron californicum (California flannelbush)
Arctostaphylos manzanita (Whiteleaf manzanita) Here is more information about one of the cultivars, Arctostaphylos manzanita 'Dr. Hurd' from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Woodwardia fimbriata (Giant chain fern) This is not a woody plant and the roots would not expand so much. It grows in part shade and moist soils. This would be a good choice if your soils are moist. Here is more information and photos from Yerba Buena Nursery in Half Moon Bay, CA.
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon) grows in sun, part shade and shade and in dry soils.
Prunus ilicifolia (Hollyleaf cherry) grows in sun and dry soil. Here is more information with photos from Las Pilitas Nursery.
You could consider installing root barriers around your shrubs to keep the roots from growing into your water pipes. Although the concern for installing root barriers tends to be for preventing roots from harming concrete foundations and other structural components, they can also be used for preventing roots from entering plumbing and other water pipes. Here is more information about root barriers.
From the Image Gallery
More Shrubs Questions
Dogwoods cross-pollinating from Snyder, CO
October 24, 2012 - I have a red twig and a yellow twig dogwood. Will they cross-pollinate to produce berries? Thank you
view the full question and answer
Evergreen for sunny, dry area under a maple in Connecticut
October 10, 2015 - I have a sloped, very sunny, dry area under a maple. I was wondering if Sweet Fern would be a likely candidate for this area. I would like it to
be evergreen and to be able to survive under mounds of...
view the full question and answer
Project on natives in Connecticut from Chino CA
April 13, 2010 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants,
My 10 yr. old daughter is doing a project on Ct., and would like to know what the most common plants, trees and flowers are found in this state. A few of each would be a great ...
view the full question and answer
Ground cover to withstand dog traffic in Michigan
November 02, 2010 - I need a soft ground cover that will grow in sand, and be able to take four big dogs that love to run in the yard. Grass just doesn't make it. Someone suggested that groundcover might work.
Thanks...
view the full question and answer
Dwarf evergreen shrub for windowboxes in Staten Island , NY
April 03, 2008 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
Could you recommend a dwarf evergreen shrub, not deciduous that also has pretty flowers that would thrive in a container in the northeast...area would have sun for about 4 -5...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |