Re: Lifespans

At 09:32 AM 9/9/00 -0700, you wrote:
>I am searching for information on the 'average' lifespans of trees and
>shrubs and perennials that are typically planted in mediterannean climate
>gardens.  For instance, I had heard 'somewhere' that ceanothus typically
>live for 10-12 years.  Any assistance would be appreciated.  My searching
>has turned up bits, but nothing for more than a single species.
>
>Thanks for the help.

Hi Bracey -

Always a difficult thing to figure out, especially as much of the 
information available relates to plantings in other parts of the world, 
outside of mediterranean climates.  But here are some points which can be 
relevant.

Many mediterranean climate plants are well adapted to dry, poor soils, and 
grow slowly in response to this and the limited available water.  In garden 
situations, these same plants usually get much better soil and much more 
consistent irrigation.  This can cause lot so 'nice' lush growth at first, 
but then an early decline.  California natives such as ceanothus get a bad 
reputation because of this, but many Mediterranean natives show the same 
pattern.  Lavenders are thought to need replacement routinely as they tend 
to 'fall apart' in the center in a few years - but this is usually due to 
overfeeding and overwatering.  Grown on a leans, gritty soil, in full sun 
and without additional feeding, they may grow slower, but they also live 
far longer and are much more fragrant.

Also a problem is the trend to grow things that are not necessarily adapted 
to the area, either too tender or those preferring colder temps.  Being 
sort-of midway between temperate and tropical climes, we go both ways, 
sometimes in the same garden, so plants will behave differently than in 
their 'normal' environs.

Longevity of a certain species is perhaps best told by examples of plants 
growing in similar situations.  Also, if you can come to identify a certain 
region that is similar to your garden conditions, then you can extrapolate 
a lot of information.  This is what our mediterranean climate gardening 
forum is all about, but even within this focused context, there are a lot 
of even more specific conditions that are unique, so finding even more 
specific parallels is useful.  Obviously, longevity is also specific to 
genera & species, so finding specifics examples is always useful.  This 
forum can provide these examples, but on a case by case basis.

Regards,
Sean O.

h o r t u l u s   a p t u s     -    'a garden suited to its purpose'
Sean 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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