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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - December 15, 2014
From: Merced, CA
Region: California
Topic: Invasive Plants, Privacy Screening, Shrubs
Title: Replacement for waxleaf privet
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
i just removed some waxleaf privet due to reading about the invasive and allergy problem to it. Is indian hawthorn blueberry muffin any better? what shrub do you recommend? I want it to grow about 6-10foot along the fence, attracting bees would be cool, too.ANSWER:
Our mission at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes.
Raphiolepis umbellata 'Blueberry Muffin' (Indian hawthorn) is an Asian native; and, as such, we would not recommend your planting it. Additionally, it grows to only 4-5 feet tall and I believe you are wanting something that is 6-10 feet tall. Below are several shrubs that will grow to the height you require and that are native to Merced County. As natives, they are adapted to the soils and climate of your area and are more likely to thrive.
Atriplex lentiformis (Big saltbush) is evergreen, grows to 8 or 10 feet and is of special value to native bees. Here is the Plant Guide from the USDA and here is more information from Las Pilitas Nursery about a cultivar called 'Breweri'.
Baccharis pilularis (Coyotebrush) grows up to 8 feet, is evergreen or semi-evergreen and is of special value to native bees. Here is more information from California Flora Nursery.
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon) is evergreen, usually grows 6-8 feet tall and is of special value to native bees. Here is the Plant Guide from the USDA and here is more information from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Umbellularia californica (California laurel) is evergreen and is a slow grower to 40 feet; however, it usually remains as an erect shrub in dry areas. Here is the Plant Guide from the USDA and here is more information from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Congratulations on getting rid of the waxleaf privets! You won't be sorry.
From the Image Gallery
More Privacy Screening Questions
Fast-growing hedge for North Carolina.
February 17, 2009 - I am looking for a fast-grownig evergreen hedge that can be kept no taller than 6 feet. It will be grown in partal sun facing north
view the full question and answer
White flowers to plant in front of evergreen tree screen in Altoona PA
June 15, 2010 - I have planted about 30 evergreen trees (as a screen). I would like to plant a row of low maintenance whitish flowering bushes or low maintenance large flowering plants in front of this row. Any sug...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen screening shrubs for New York
May 27, 2008 - I need evergreen screening shrubs that aren't too deep. The shrubs are to be planted along an existing wrought iron fence, which is a few feet behind a children's swing set.
view the full question and answer
Evergreen privacy screen 8 feet or less
January 29, 2016 - In needing to plant an evergreen privacy screen, what is the tallest Ceniza variety? I'm having great difficulty finding an evergreen hedge material 8' or less.
After having taken a class in pla...
view the full question and answer
Native evergreen trees or shrubs for privacy screen in South Carolina
April 02, 2008 - RE: Wednesday - April 02, 2008
From: Johnston, SC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Native Trees
Title: Native evergreen trees or shrubs for privacy screen in South Carolina
Author: Barbara Medford
Qu...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |