Re: Hedges

Here are some dense, adaptable, evergreen Calif. natives (except the lemon) that can work as informal or formal (with pruning, not shearing) hedges.
Unlike Rhamnus alaternus, which spreads all over the neighborhood, the California native Rhamnus californica, coffeeberry, is well-behaved. It flourishes in sun and shade, offers berries for wildlife, and looks neat and tidy all year round, with the added bonus of subtle reddish new stems. I wouldn't shear it -- the leaves are too big -- but it tolerates good pruning. Cultivars: R. c. 'Eve Case,' to 8-10 ft., and R. c. 'Mound San Bruno', to 5 ft.
Rhus ovata and Rhus integrifolia also make neat-looking hedges, pruned or not, and are drought tolerant.
At a recent garden tour I saw a compact citrus (lemon) hedge, about 4 ft. high, with lots of lemons on the sunnier side.
Myrica californica -- up to 20 ft. or so. Likes water if in hot location; less water in foggy or shadier locations. Bright green foliage and dense growth.
Arctostaphylos 'Howard McMinn' -- usually up to 5-6 ft, can be 8 ft. Flowers in late winter. Adaptable to sun/part shade and little to medium water.
Ceanothus 'Anchor Bay' -- reliable, neat, low-growing evergreen with blue flowers in early spring. Not strictly a hedge, but could be a good low-water replacement for boxwood (low edger). Can grow 3 ft. high, but usually smaller. 

Tanya Kucak
Sunset zone 15
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