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Southwestern Gardening

Are those shrubs suitable?

12 years ago

Hi, I'm so glad to have found this forum!
We live in the inland section of Southern California.
Our climate is close to desert climate. Here's my question:
I would like to add some shrubs to our narrow and small backyard which is all concrete. The planters I have already are 11" high by 11" diameter and are made of plastic.
I would like to place them next to a white vinyl fence which faces south and gets a small amount of shade in the afternoons. I am considering either Podocarpus...or Nadina Domestica Ã¯Â¿Â½.or Honeysuckle, because I believe that they are easy to grow and fairly drought tolerant. I would also like them to grow about 5-6 foot high.
Does anybody have any suggestions or other ideas?
Thank you in advance for any replies. Ann

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Comment (1)

iris_gal
12 years ago
I am only familiar with Podocarpus trees which can grow over 50 ft.

11 inches is not very deep for a shrub or vine. 16 to 18 inches is needed. Perhaps nandina would prosper for a few years (5 years?) in that depth. It will require regular watering.

Another benefit of larger containers in hot temperatures is the larger soil mass stays cooler so roots don't get cooked.
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