Re: plants for containers on a sunny balcony (in Grenada, Spain)

At 11:43 AM 5/31/01 +0200, Denise Russell wrote:
>I am contacting you as I have recently moved to Granada in Spain and am 
>wishing to grow container plants,  there is not a great deal of shade in 
>my garden, so I would appreciate if you could advise me on suitable plants 
>for these conditions.  Also are there any plants that give off a scent to 
>deter flies (worth a try).
>
>Thankyou very much for your time
>Best regards  Denise Russell

Denise -

Container growing in a hot, dry climate is challenging with regard to what 
will do well, but it is not difficult.  Here are a few things you should 
keep in mind:

- Soil in containers in hot sun will heat up during the day.  The larger 
the pot and the thicker the sides (preferably terracotta or concrete) the 
less this will happen.

- Containers will dry out faster - be sure and have a good saucer under 
each pot to allow them to sit in water for a bit, this will help wick extra 
moisture into the pot and help thoroughly wet the soil area (water often 
runs through too fast to do this the first time).  A slow drip system also 
works very well.

- Larger containers are heavy and can be difficult if not dangerous to 
move.  Plant them where they are intended to be and know that moving them 
will be a job.

There are many plants that might be good candidates for container culture 
on a balcony in Grenada - hopefully some of my suggestions are available to 
you:

Succulents - Echeverias, Sedums, Ice-Plants, Cotyledon, Aloe, Agave (some 
aren't so spiney), cactus, can make nice pot specimens, either in 
combination with each other or with other types of plants.  Their color and 
unusual forms make for endless artistic possibilities.  If you combine them 
with other plants, stay away from herbaceous perennials and annuals, or 
fast growing species that will shade the succulent foliage when in growth 
then suddenly reveal it why they are gone (causing burning and discoloration).

Tough Herbs - Lavender, Rosemary, Rue, Savory, Oregano, etc.  These 
aromatic species are adapted to hot slopes, poor and stony soil, and 
drought.  They can also be useful to repel insects.  Some, such as Rue, can 
be repellant to people as well, so choose carefully.

Pelargoniums - The common pot geranium can be very colorful and tolerant of 
this type of growing.  The 'Scented Geraniums' are merely species which 
have pleasantly fragrant foliage.  There are many types, both large and 
small, some with very colorful flowers as well.  My wife has an extensive 
collection of these plants on our south facing balcony, most of which are 
thriving and flowering profusely at this time of year.  And she enjoys 
tending to them while sitting out there during a break, releasing their 
wonderful scents into the air.

Rockroses - Cistus species can be very handsome in large pots, and provide 
handsome bloom in their season.  Some types flower longer and more 
profusely, and are more compact - these would be the best choices.

Oleanders - This Mediterranean native can be grown as a single specimen in 
a pot and some dwarf forms are available.  In your part of the world there 
are many types with interesting flowers that are not available 
here!!  These plants are poisonous and so should be kept away from curious 
young children who like to put everything into the mouth.

Pomegranates - This favorite of Mediterranean plants has handsome glossy 
deciduous foliage, beautiful flowers, and in some forms, handsome edible fruit.

Sages and their kin - There are numerous Salvia species which are now 
popular - some are dense and shrubby, and tolerant of heat and 
drought.  Own Californian S. clevelandii and S. leucophylla make good 
specimens.  Some of the mexican species and their hybrids (S. x jamesii, S. 
gregii, S. microphylla, etc. can also work well, as well as many others 
that are drought and heat adapted.  Phlomis species, Teucrium fruticans and 
others, Leonotis leonorus, and various other Salvia relations might also 
work well.  A California native that I know is in Europe is Galvesia 
speciosa, the Catalina Island Snapdragon.  This lax shrub (semi-climbing) 
has rich green foliage and bright red flowers sprinkled throughout.  It is 
very easy to grow, adaptable, and has a nice spilling form.  It prefers a 
bit of shade but can grow very well in full sun.

Specifically relating to your fly problem, Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) has 
been reputed to repel flies for hundreds of years.  I also know that 
washing patio table and chairs with white vinegar also helps keep them at bay.

So, there are lots of possibilities.  Hopefully this has given you some 
ideas.  I am posting this to the Medit-Plants e-mail forum as well in case 
any of those folks come up with more ideas.  If you'd like to follow that 
discussion, check on Mallorn's archive of the forum: 
www.mallorn.com/Medit-Plants/

Regards,
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.ohara@groupmail.com
710 Jean Street, Oakland, CA 94610-1459, U.S.A.
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