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Arizona Gardening

Maintenance-free ground cover around palm suggestions

9 years ago

My palm (now 20 ft high) was planted on an mound and every rain washes away the stones. I'd like to protect the roots and cover the bare spots (and stop fighting the weather :-) Could you please recommend an easy and relatively maintenance-free ground cover to go 2-3 feet around the palm? Thanks!

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Comments (5)

whypraytellwhy
9 years ago
Xeriscape Gardens Articles - Gardening Know How - need help with choosing plants for xeriscape gardens
Embothrium
9 years ago
If the stone mulch is washing away new plantings will be affected also. Try using larger stones.
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MaryMcP Zone 8b - Phx AZ
9 years ago
That Xeriscape article is great, thanks for posting it.

m k, you might also consider just enlarging the 'hill' around the palm so the raised area is extended. Design it so the tree is not at the apex of the mound. Bring in more dirt/soil to raise the area around the tree.
Natasha (Chandler AZ 9b) W
9 years ago
Good question. I have the same problem. I planning on trying sweet potato vine and ice plant (red apple aptenia). Hope at least one of them will stay alive through summer :)
MaryMcP Zone 8b - Phx AZ
9 years ago
They both should with water. Maybe try creeping rosemary.

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