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
Saturday - March 13, 2010
From: San Diego, CA
Region: California
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Shrubs and ground covers for slope in Southern California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Need suggestions for shrubs & ground covers for a west facing, 45 degree angle, sunny slope with compacted, poor draining soil. We live 2-3 miles from the ocean. Thank you.ANSWER:
First, let me recommend an article, Simple erosion control for a hillside or garden slope, from Las Pilitas Nursery, specializing in native plants in Escondido and Santa Margarita, California. They even have some suggestions for plants that are good in clay soils. Here are a few from that list and also some from our California-Southern Recommended list:
Artemisia californica (coastal sagebrush)
Baccharis pilularis (coyotebrush) and here is more information
Ceanothus leucodermis (chaparral whitethorn)
Salvia sonomensis (creeping sage)
Eriogonum fasciculatum (Eastern Mojave buckwheat)
Diplacus longiflorus (southern bush monkeyflower)
Epilobium canum ssp. angustifolium (hummingbird trumpet) and here is more information
Here are photos from our Image Gallery of the above plants:
More Shrubs Questions
Deer Resistance and Erosion Control for St. Louis County MO
January 03, 2014 - I am looking for deer and rabbit resistant native plants for erosion control on a steep ravine slope with part sun and part shade in St. Louis County MO.
view the full question and answer
Identification of bush/vine with purple berries
August 09, 2014 - I was clearing fence line and came across this plant it looks like a Bush but underneath grows like a vine it has long broad leaves that reminded me of Polk salad but it grows berry clusters the berri...
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
Non-native Pride of Barbados from San Antonio
August 26, 2011 - I have some very successful wildly blooming "Dwarf Pride of Barbados" plants growing in my xeriscape garden. Each year I cut them back to the ground.
I have just purchased a new variety called "...
view the full question and answer
When Should I Prune Texas Sage?
July 07, 2016 - How and when do you prune Texas sage to encourage thicker foliage?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |