What to Plant???

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nanette0269 Bradenton, FL(Zone 9b) May 21, 2004

Ok, I've posted a little bit trying to determine options for this space....

I'm about 2 blocks from the water, so its quite temperate here, even for zone 9b. I have about a 100' perimeter of the caged pool area. I'm looking for a plant that is evergreen throughout the year, clumpy form (so the dogs dont destroy it), flowers, can handle full sun, doesnt destroy the screen of the cage, is about 2-3' tall and doesnt need an acidic soil (since its running the length of the concrete patio).

I was looking at louisiana irises, but their ugly mid-summer dormant period is unacceptable for this highly visible location. Then liriope, because it was clumpy, but the flowers are just not significant enough for me and it seemed to be too small. Then daylilies, but their dormant period in the winter (unless there is a variety I'm unaware of) kills everything above ground. I love the idea of Crinum Lilies, which would be perfect, but just too expensive to get the entire length covered.

Any help at all would be appreciated!

This message was edited May 21, 2004 10:20 AM

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Badseed Hillsboro, OH(Zone 6a) May 21, 2004

What about dwarf bananas and cannas planted with perennials?

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BuriedTreasures Valrico, FL(Zone 9b) May 21, 2004

Both good choices on the bananas and cannas. The rain lilies should be evergreen all year for you there, and the foliage will be similar to the liriope in habit.

Hymenocallis , Dwarf ixoras are a couple of other possibilities.

The rain lilies and cannas will be the least expensive.

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Terry Murfreesboro, TN(Zone 7a) May 21, 2004

You didn't mention the width of your area, but if you've got room to plant a couple "rows" of stuff, you might also try a planting mixture; by blending several of the choices already suggested into a pattern (try grouping them in clusters of 3-5 plants of each, you can ensure evergreen foliage and something in bloom pretty much year-round.

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nanette0269 Bradenton, FL(Zone 9b) May 21, 2004

I was just looking at dwarf canna lily, but a few different sites imply that it drops completely in winter...which I was confused about, as its sold for foliage in florida....thanks for the mention on this.

Dame's Rocket looks very promising as well, although I've never seen it for sale.

The width is about 2-2.5'.

Surprisingly, I've killed an ixora in the back yard...have no idea why that happened as it was perfectly placed...must be something strange in the soil over there or the crab grass spray didnt agree with just that plant?

The rain lilies sound very promising as well....I never would have expected the clumpiness like liriope. I'm new in florida, so these plants are still new to me.

So, i'll look into rain lilies more as well as the dwarf cannas....thanks so much!

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