Beginner Gardening: Parkway plant ideas in Southern California?, 1 by august2003

august2003 wrote:
How about a beautiful mass of blue flowers? - low maintenance/low water. Ceanothus griseus 'Carmel Creeper' - has glossy green leaves - and beautiful clusters of blue flowers.
Another variety is Ceanothus gloriosus Pt. Reyes - which is only 1' high. Ceanothus is listed on the bewaterwise.com website. Because it is a spreader - plant far apart (6' or so) and it was sugggested to place salvias and monkey flower inbetween while you are waiting for them to fill in. You will need to water initially to establish the plants especially since you get such high temps. Check with your local nursery for the particular variety that would suit your needs best and for detailed instructions on initial care. Do plant now before the heat waves start.