Choosing the Right Plants - University of Nevada, Reno

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CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTS ∙ PART 2

Euphorbia species

< 2’

Spurge – These

succulents are

related to the

poinsettia plant of

Christmas fame.

The two varieties

mentioned are

low growers, best

suited to a rock garden or native area. They

perform best when planted in full sun and

well-drained soil with once-a-week irrigation.

Not bothered by rabbits or squirrels.

E. myrsinites (Myrtle Spurge) – 4 in. tall by

12 in. wide; blue-green leaves; lime-green

flowers in April. Plant 12 in. on center.

E. polychroma (Cushion Spurge) – 12 in. tall

by 24 in. wide; dark green leaves; yellow flow-

ers June-July. Plant 24 in. on center.

Ground coverS & CONSERVATION GRASSES

Delosperma cooperi

Delosperma cooperi

< 2’

Hardy Purple Ice Plant – A useful ground

cover in dry, well-drained soils. This ice plant

only requires watering during its bloom

period, June-August. Must be planted in full

sun, in soils with excellent drainage. It is best

in native or low-water zones and requires

winter mulching to protect succulent foliage

from temperature extremes. Not bothered by

rabbits or squirrels. Plant 18 in. on center.

Euphorbia myrsinites

Festuca glauca

Blue Fescue – A blue-gray clump forming

grass that grows up to 12 in. tall and 10 in.

wide. Many times the leaves will lay down

as it gets tall and form a lumpy, rolling kind

of meadow grass look. It can be planted

in groups or singly with no worry of it

spreading. Grow in full sun to maintain

color and well-drained soil, and water once

a week. Requires division every two or three

years to maintain vigor and color.

F. glauca ‘Blaufink’ (Blue Finch Fescue) – 6-

8 in. tall and wide; compact variety.

F. glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ (Elijah Blue Fescue) –

8-10 in. tall and wide; best blue color.

Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’

Lathyrus latifolius

Perennial Sweet Pea – The perennial sweet

pea is useful as a bank cover. It has gray-green

foliage that grows up to 6 ft. in length. Pink

flowers are produced July-August if it receives

monthly feeding during blooming. Grow in

full sun to light shade and well-drained soil,

and water once or twice a week. This plant

is not bothered by rabbits, squirrels or deer.

Plant 4 ft. on center.

Helianthemum nummularium

Sunrose – Excellent drainage is a must for

this plant to grow successfully. Sunrose will

grow 6-12 in. tall and

24 in. wide when

provided full sun,

winter mulch, twice-

a-week watering and

an annual shearing.

Flowers may be red,

yellow, orange or

pink, 1-2 in. in size

June-July. Plant 24 in.

on center. Helianthemum

nummularium

Lathyrus latifolia

Lonicera species

Honeysuckle – The honey suckle rambles across

the ground. It is evergreen in mild winters, and

bears showy flowers June-frost. Grow in full sun

to partial shade (fewer flowers) and well-drained

soil, and water once

or twice a week. To

reduce fire threat,

keep the plant on the

ground, rather than

on a trellis or fence.

Plant 6 ft. on center.

L. x heckrottii ‘Gold

Flame’ – 12-15 ft.

wide; dark green

leaves; pretty pink or

yellow flowers July-

September.

Lonicera heckrottii

‘Gold Flame’