Re: low-maintenance plants
- Subject: Re: low-maintenance plants
- From: G* K*
- Date: Thu, 30 May 2002 23:45:01 -0700
> Of course, it wasn't long after I posted my request
> for "low-maintenance" plants that I realized I was
> preaching to the choir.
>
> I suspect that in addition to having strong botanical
> inclinations, most of the members of this forum/group
> garden with "Mediterranean" plants because they are,
> as a group, low-maintenance.
>
> So, let me challenge you all.
>
> Tell me what you think is the absolute "ultimate" in
> low maintenance in your garden. The creme d'la creme,
> the truly cast iron and neglectful, the plants that
> wuld thrive and look good even if you completely
> walked away for two years.
>
> Am I asking too much?
>
> Thanks,
> Joe
>
Dear Joe and Plant Folks,
After much consideration, I nominate Calystegia occidenatalis &
Calystegia purpurata. They are both beasts, yet beautiful. They are so
vigorous as they can only be maintained by the most motivated of gardeners,
who would hack them back to little avail. I would suggest that they are not
maintainable and hardy with no help under Mediterranean climate conditions.
They are nice planted with plants hardy enough to support them, and with at
least a 20 foot diameter area in which to conduct their business. They make
little to no mess, and flower copiously in late Spring through Summer.
Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens (in Claremont, California) has a nice pink
and white flowered variety of Calystegia occidentalis that they have named
variety 'Candy Cane'.
Regards, Tim Kalman in El Cerrito, California
P.S. I have pictures if any are interested.
