Marianne's Response
Ground cover recommendations for Southern California
I am looking for ground-covers to use on a steep embankment 10-15′ high. Soil is very porous and fine (not clumps), partly full sun & part maybe 1/2 sun. Am taking out some old 50′ pines and need ground-covers to grow between and spread over many roots. Good at holding soil. Flowers preferred but not essential. Steep hillside makes easy care or no care important. Low water needs a plus. Planting zone is, I guess, in the 10’s. Never freezes. Subject to Santa Ana winds. Thanks for your suggestions.
Posted by Alex Moeller on April 30, 2015
Marianne's Response
Go native on sunny slopes using the Santa Barbara daisy and other native ground-covers that thrive in your climate. In many areas of Southern California the use of succulents, rock roses, and potentilla are practical plants with low water use. Be sure you mulch on top of the soil after planting to keep down the weeds and shade the soil. A mulch will also help to conserve water.
Keep growing,
Marianne Binetti
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