Re. Fast Growing (Flowering) Shrubs that Grow Well Around Eucalyptus and Pine

[cpp gardener]

Star Jasmine, Rosemary, Coyotebush, Iceplants, Kleinia petraea, Aloe juvenna, Calandrinia, Catalina Perfume Currant.

 

[lifegardener]

Star Jasmine, Rosemary, Coyotebush, Iceplants, Kleinia petraea, Aloe juvenna, Calandrinia, Catalina Perfume Currant.

The Calandrinia is very pretty - this actually does well at the base of pines and Eucalyptus? Wow!
Thankyou so much.

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[Marck]

Here are a few more ground-cover ideas for under trees, in part shade, in California.

Aloe ciliaris 'Firewall'
Trailing California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica 'Canyon Gray')
Dusky Bells Australian Fuchsia (Correa x 'Dusky Bells')
Fairy Crassula (Crassula multicava)
Swan River Pea (Gastrolobium celsii)
California Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula)

Depending how low you want the ground-cover there are many other low shrubs that could work. I would recommend higher, looser ground-covers that will swallow a some of the leaf debris and also curtail random traffic. Incorporate specific paths where you need access.

 

[cpp gardener]

As long as it isn't deep shade the Calandrinia does fine. It will be looser and not quite as heavy blooming. Best under the Eucalyptus.

 

[lifegardener]

Are you gardening under pines with short needles (4" or less)? These will drop into shrubs without hanging up on leaves and branches. If it's a pine with longer needles, you will constantly be cleaning them off. We have Canary Island Pines (10-12" needles) that are a real pain to grow anything nice under due to always being covered with needles. They don't necessarily smother them, they just look awful all the time.
If that's not the case, try Photinia, Cestrum, Brunfelsia, Ginger, Hibiscus (if it's light shade), Brugmansi or Justicia.

Medium sized needles. Appreciate the suggestions.

 

[lifegardener]

Was also considering this for trailing over our outside property walls - "Parrot's Beak".

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Marck]

Tenerife Parrot's beak (Lotus berthelotii), and hybrids made with it, are glorious plants for sunny, well-drained spots, especially in spots where the can trail and hang. Some of the hybrids have orange or yellow flowers. All the colors together would be sensational, like a cascade of hot lava.

You might mix in some trailing succulents as well, such as Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum), String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus, formerly Senecio rowleyanus), Baboon's Toes/String of Bananas (Curio radicans, formerly Senecio radicans), etc.

 

[lifegardener]

Tenerife Parrot's beak (Lotus berthelotii), and hybrids made with it, are glorious plants for sunny, well-drained spots, especially in spots where the can trail and hang. Some of the hybrids have orange or yellow flowers. All the colors together would be sensational, like a cascade of hot lava.

You might mix in some trailing succulents as well, such as Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum), String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus, formerly Senecio rowleyanus), Baboon's Toes/String of Bananas (Curio radicans, formerly Senecio radicans), etc.

Thankyou The only thing about the Parrot's Beak is it's soil preference and moisture recommendations.
The area where this is to be planted will be mostly dry and clayish soil. Whatever we decide to plant, has to be hardy
and able to take strong sun exposer, as well as partial shade.

 

[Marck]

Yes, Lotus berthelotii would want full sun, and fast-draining soil (not clay). It is somewhat drought-tolerant, but it would need some irrigation.

It would help if you could post a photo of the planting site.

 

[lifegardener]

Yes, Lotus berthelotii would want full sun, and fast-draining soil (not clay). It is somewhat drought-tolerant, but it would need some irrigation.

It would help if you could post a photo of the planting site.

Thanks.

Will have to consider the other succulents. Red Apple sedum is nice, but a bit too invasive.

The first area to be planted is our property wall alongside a gated community driveway, with a decent grade, that remains relatively dry throughout the year.

Whatever we plant there must be able to take extended dry spells and periodic high sunlight intensity during the summer and early fall months - infrequently watered.

 

[Marck]

I'm not certain if were are still discussing the same area, but some of the plants I listed earlier sound ideal for this site as well.
It would help if you could post a photo.

For dry conditions in full or part sun consider a low-maintenance grey-leaved blend of
Trailing California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica 'Canyon Gray'), California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum cvs.),
and/or Prostrate Acacia (Acacia redollens). Epilobium canum will also supply red, orange, pink and/or white flowers for hummingbirds.

 

[lifegardener]

I'm not certain if were are still discussing the same area, but some of the plants I listed earlier sound ideal for this site as well.
It would help if you could post a photo.

For dry conditions in full or part sun consider a low-maintenance grey-leaved blend of
Trailing California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica 'Canyon Gray'), California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum cvs.),
and/or Prostrate Acacia (Acacia redollens). Epilobium canum will also supply red, orange, pink and/or white flowers for hummingbirds.

These possible choices are great. Will start with this list. Thanks so much.