Landscape advice needed

8 years ago

I'd appreciate any recommendations for a west facing area between a driveway and brick house. We are in Houston (zone 9a), so the afternoon sun is intense and the soil is heavy clay. Primary goal is to find an evergreen that will mask the various vents and pipes right above ground level, but stay under the bay window level -approx. 3 feet. Taller accents would need to have fairly non invasive roots as we've already had foundation issues.We had dwarf oleanders planted, but they consistently grew too tall. We were pruning frequently to control height, so they rarely flowered. And they freeze back when the temperature sits in the low 20s for a few days. I am open to removing all the grass along that stretch or letting some grow back. The weeds thrive, so I'm hoping something else will too.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/hoping-for-landscape-advice-dsvw-vd~5181085)

Featured Answer

zippity1

8 years ago

we are south of Houston and have boxwood and nandina on the west side of our home...both are thriving (built up beds maybe 6 to 8 inches with "rose soil" daylilies would probably work too. Check out the plantings in the medians near your home, that might give you ideas

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Comments (8)

littlebug zone 5 Missouri
8 years ago
That's a small, difficult space to grow things in. I'd do away with the grass and install a cactus/rock garden. Easier than fighting Mother Nature.
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suezbell
8 years ago
Liriope is a short plant that has blueish flowers and makes a great border/outline for any sidewalk or driveway or any narrow planting area. As an added plus, my liriope (zone 7) survived multiple nights of freezing temps in a row -- and did so several different times -- this winter, staying its natural color, albeit not quite as perky looking till the sun came back out.

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l100

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/109564203404619513/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/564146290799864135/
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User
8 years ago
I'd check with a local landscaper and see if he can suggest groundcover that will fill the space, little to no maintenance, and is sun loving.
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Dig Doug's Designs
8 years ago
some ideas
gtcircus
8 years ago
Some ideas for your side yard that can withstand heat and won’t require loads of care.
User
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you all for the ideas - and computer creativity!
tqtqtbw
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I like bellburgmaggie's crepe myrtle and colorful plants. You can add daylilies or crinums for easy care color. If you do day lilies, plant in same variety groupings, talls further up the driveway, and a variety of bloom times. I love one or two crinums for impact and easy care.

The crinums are always for sale at the Garden Club of Houston bulb and plant mart sale in October.

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