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 Drought Tolerant Questions
Ilex vomitoria Sufering from Drought?
January 19, 2012 - My Ilex vomitoria has always thrived. It is about ten years old. This fall, a portion of the leaves on the ends of the branches have turned yellow on the edges with green veining in the center. Othe...
view the full question and answer
Hedge in Desert Full Sun
March 25, 2012 - We want a short hedge, 2-3 ft tall, small leaves that fill in to full looking hedge. It is in Phoenix Arizona area and gets full sun all afternoon
view the full question and answer
New Jersey Native Plants for a Raised Bed
April 15, 2015 - I want to plant some native plants in a raised bed in New Jersey along side a stucco wall that gets direct sun and is very dry due to an overhang. Any suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Plants for a hillside in WI
February 18, 2012 - I live in Wisconsin and am currently doing a research project on plant variation on the north and south sides of a hill. I was wondering you could suggest any books to me that would address this issue...
view the full question and answer
Shade tolerant Wildflowers for Oklahoma City
April 16, 2012 - I live in Oklahoma City. I'm not in town very often, and am seeking low maintenance plants. I have MANY trees in my backyard, which makes it quite shady. I have raised beds amongst my rock garden ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |