Re: landscaping decision

At 10:07 AM 4/12/2002, Katherine Hubbard wrote:
>. . .  I am debating placing a row of Eleagnus xebbingei or E. pungens as 
>backdrop for Chaemoneles (Flowering Quince).  I liked the 'Hollandia' 
>variety because it is tall and may bloom in both the early part of the 
>year and in the fall.  I would also like to add a Rhodendron in the 
>foreground to one side or the other.  This section will be flanked by 
>formal front hedge of Myrtle and an informal border hedge of Nerium 
>Oleander.  Is there a better background plant that would enliven the area 
>more during off-blooming seasons for the Chaemoneles?

Katherine -

Personally, I find Eleagnus a bit course in foliage at close range, and I 
am not sure that it would provide the appropriate background for the 
Chaenomeles when in flower, especially if you use a variegated form (whose 
color-broken backdrop would dilute the effect of the quince in flower).

If you need a tall backdrop on this boundary, I would use the Italian 
Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus), especially as you are in San Ramon, an 
interior valley here in California, hotter than the coast.  The dark, 
evergreen foliage of this handsome shrub is attractive all the time, and it 
can be clipped to your desired height and kept quite thin as a hedge.  And 
the rich red of 'Hollandia' is a classic complimentary color for the green 
of the Rhamnus.  The Rhamnus would also combine well with the myrtle and 
oleander hedges.

If you want interest during other times of the year when the Chaenomeles is 
out of bloom, think about a light textured perennial vine to climb into the 
Chaenomeles, perhaps a Clematis.  If you can provide a cool root run (under 
paving or a well-placed rock, and some moderate summer irrigation, this 
will perform well for you.

>Also, I am debating between a groomed Eryrthrina crista-galli and an Arbutus
>uneda as a tree planting which would create a bit of privacy to the front
>courtyard.  Any thoughts here?

The Erythrina can be striking in season, but often looks poorly when out of 
season (not appropriate for a courtyard where you want things to look well 
most of the time).  Arbutus is great, but is very dense and can be messy, 
again not very appropriate for a couryard.

Something that give a more delicate look and is always interesting looking 
is Pittosporum phillyraeoides, a small, vertical, evergreen tree with 
willowy dangling branches and small, scented yellow flowers 
(http://www.floraguide.es/arboles/Pittosporum%20phillyraeoides.jpg).  If 
you cannot find this in your area, I know a few nurseries over here in 
Oakland/Berkeley that can get it for you.  Perhaps if you can explain a bit 
further where in the courtyard this tree will be placed and where the 
privacy screen is required . . .

Seán O.

h o r t u l u s   a p t u s     -    'a garden suited to its purpose'
Seán A. O'Hara            fax (707) 667-1173         sean@support.net
710 Jean Street, Oakland, CA 94610-1459, U.S.A.
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