|
Wed, Aug 22, 12 at 19:49
| We have a low retaining wall about 2' tall at the back of our patio where I'd like to grow a trailing plant to soften the edge. It must be drought-tolerant and like hot afternoon sun and heat, and amended soil. No ivy geraniums or Rosemary for this particular spot, or anything that is a bee magnet. Any other suggestions are welcome.
Thanks! |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| Purple Lantana Almost anything that flowers is going to attract bees. Honeybees don't normally sting you unless you really try to irritate them. I have lots and they never bother me when I'm out deadheading etc. |
|
- Posted by hosenemesis SoCal Sunset 19 USDA (My Page) on Thu, Aug 23, 12 at 1:25
| Ivy, especially variegated ivies with little lacy leaves; Sprenger Asparagus fern; or the little teeny tiny iceplant that gets the orchid colored flowers (delopsperma? can't remember the latin name). I love the iceplant draped over retaining walls. Renee |
|
| Ivy is a curse which should be avoided at all cost. However, it's bloom season is short. Star jasmine only blooms briefly in the spring and is a nice shiny green the rest of the year. Its a little slow to get going when first planted, but is otherwise easy. Sedum rupreste "Angelina" is small trailer with a limited bloom season. Mine has never actually bothered to bloom. |
|
| Thank you for your suggestions. I should post a photo so you can see the wall in context with the surroundings. Behind this spot is Geranium 'Rozanne' and Penstemon 'Margarita BOP'. And behind this whole area is a path, and behind that is the back fence with a couple of tall Salvias in front of it. So, what I'm looking for is a low edging plant that doesn't spread a lot and trails a little over the wall. Thyme would also be nice but tends to go woody in our rich soil. |
|
| Ornamental oreganos? They would probably be as attractive to bees as the thyme, though. If you've got somebody in your house with a severe bee allergy, it's not much fun having to take your Epi-pen with you in order to sit out on the patio! |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the California Gardening Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.