----- Original Message -----
From:
m*@earthlink.net
To: m*@ucdavis.edu
Sent: Wednesday, November 13, 2002 9:59
AM
Subject: Coffeberry - Rhamnus
californica
I am thinking to use coffeberry for a screen
hedge. The area to be covered goes from light shade to full sun and I am in
the foothills of Southern California. I saw some nice plants of the 'Eve Case'
variety but from my research it might not get tall enough for me - I need at
least 5ft height.
So, does anyone have any good experience or advise
with this plant.
Thanks,
Marilyn Jacobsen
Dear
Marilyn,
I agree that Rhamnus californica 'Eve Case' would work as a hedge. I do
believe however that there are some better varieties for creating screens and
hedges. 'Eve Case' is a very handsome variety which I believe is best
used as a specimen in a place where it can be free to grow with little to no
pruning.
For a screening hedge in your inland location I would choose a Rhamnus variety
selected from a inland location. Rhamnus varieties from close to the
coast such as 'Seaview' and 'Salt Point' Will eventually reach 5' under
the right conditions and could take more than 5 years. They also
have a mounding habit, preferring to be wider than tall. The inland
varieties tend to grow like a small tree. With water a 15' screen could
be achieved in 5 years with varieties such as 'Mt. Home Ranch Road'. Cal
Flora Nursery in Fulton, CA carries several good inland varieties.
Larner seeds in Bolinas, CA carries both coastal Rhamnus seeds and seed from
inland selections (Rhamnus is easy to grow from seed).
Given your location, I would try Rhamnus californica ssp. tomentella. It
forms a small tree/large shrub, has gray foliage and is native to the Sierra
Nevada foothills here in California. Unfortunately it is only
sporadically available and may be difficult to find (check your local
California Native Plant Society chapter). Good luck.
Regards, Tim Kalman
