sandy soil gardening - notes
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1/7/2013
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© Project SOUND
Out of the Wilds and Into Your Garden
Gardening with Western L.A. County Native Plants Project SOUND - 2009
© Project SOUND
Gardening on Sand
August 1st & 4th 2009
© Project SOUND http://chiotsrun.com/2009/04/28/the-balance-of-nature-growing-soil/
Our mission: to make this garden more water-wise
© Project SOUND
What is a sandy soil?
Soil: a combination of sand, silt, clay, minerals and organic matter that also contains some air and water.
Clay soils are sometimes referred to as heavy soils and sandy soils are called light.
Sandy soils contain high proportions (60% or more) of larger (sand) particles. Many ‘sandy soils’ are actually sandy loams – wonderful garden soils
http://www.your-healthy-gardens.com/soil.html
http://www.soilsensor.com/soiltypes.aspx
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Tests for sandy soil: sedimentation test
Fill a quart jar 2/3 full with water
Add dry soil (break up clods) until water is within 1” of top of jar.
Put the lid on the jar and shake it energetically until everything is swirling around. Then set it aside and let it settle, and mark layers until the water clears.
The layers indicate just how much sand, silt and clay make up your soil.
© Project SOUND
The sedimentation
process Sand Layer: settles in 1-2 minutes
Allow suspended soil to settle for about a minute.
Mark the side of the jar at the top of the layer that has settled out.
Silt Layer: settles in 1 hour Set jar aside, being careful not to mix
the sand layer; wait ~ an hour. Mark the top of the Silt Layer on the
side of the jar.
Clay layer: settles in ~24 hours Set jar aside, being careful not to shake
or mix the layers that have settled out. After 24 hours, or when the water is
clear (more or less), mark the jar at the top of the clay layer.
Most of the organic matter will be floating on the top of the water
The percentage of each layer tells you what kind of soil you have.
© Project SOUND
Sandy Soils
Sandy soils are found throughout Southern California, but are very common near the mountain foothills, along rivers and streams, in desert areas and certain coastal areas.
Sandy soils are typically comprised of approximately 80 - 100% sand, 0 - 10% silt and 0 - 10% clay by volume.
Sandy soils are light and typically very free draining, usually holding water very poorly due to very low organic content.
You may want to concentrate on plants that thrive in sandy soils
© Project SOUND
Loam Soils Are also common in Southern
California, particularly in the valleys and flat areas (flood plains) surrounding rivers and streams.
Loam soils are typically comprised of approximately 25 - 50% sand, 30 - 50% silt and 10 - 30% clay by volume.
Loam soils are somewhat heavier than sandy soils
Tend to be fairly free draining, again, due to typically low organic content.
A wide range of plants grow well in loamy soils
1:1:1 soils
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Challenges of local sandy soils
Poor moisture retention: Because it retains moisture poorly, plants in sandy soil suffer from drying out quickly
Heat stress: Sandy soil does not moderate heat as well as other soils. It heats up quickly during the day and cools rapidly at night, stressing plants and making it difficult for tender seedlings to thrive.
Infertility: Sandy soil usually does not contain much organic matter, and what is there breaks down more quickly than it does in other types of soil, especially in warm climates. Soluble nutrients quickly leach out with rain and irrigation.
pH: coastal and desert sands may be alkali (pH > 8.0)
Rooting: Takes a while for roots to gain enough ‘purchase’ to support larger plants
http://www.self-sufficient-home.com/166-
sandy-garden-soil.html
Fortunately, native plants
from sandy soil regions
are well adapted to all of
these conditions
© Project SOUND
Benefits of sandy soils
Easier to plant in
Harder to overwater; less susceptible to ‘El Nino disasters’
Roots grow easily in loose soils
Some native plants are specifically adapted to sandy or rocky soils – these will thrive in your sandy soil!
© Project SOUND
Keys to succeeding with sandy soils
1. Plant with the rains
2. Use the Water Zone system to group plants
3. Choose appropriate plants
4. Start out with small plants
5. Mulch – with appropriate mulch
6. Water correctly; monitor
7. If fertilizing, low dose & more often
© Project SOUND
1. Plant with the rains in sandy soils
Why plant with the rains?
Saves water – soils are naturally moist during the critical first few months
Vulnerable plants get the best water possible
Vulnerable plants are not exposed to temperature extremes
Soils are well-saturated – promotes deep/wide root growth
Coincides with native plant’s normal growth cycle; plants are primed to grow at this time
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2. Group your plants according to Water Zones
© Project SOUND
Gardens in Mediterranean climates
(including S. CA) have three Water Zones
Zone 1 – no supplemental water; soils are dry in summer/fall. May or may not be planted.
Zone 2 – occasional summer water; soil is allowed to dry out between waterings
Zone 3 – regular water; soil is usually moist to soggy, even in summer.
© Project SOUND
The secret of a water-wise garden is to prioritize water
needs and group plants with similar requirements
http://www.taunton.com/finegardening/pages/g00101.asp
Pretty dry drought-tolerant plants
Regular water
‘Water-wise’ ; occasional summer water
© Project SOUND
Your Water Zone plan directs many other
decisions in your garden plan
Choice of plants
Soil amending (if any)
Use/type of mulch
Frequency of watering
Type of ‘irrigation system’
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This yard has some natural Water Zones
Zone 3 – regularly
watered
© Project SOUND
Amending sandy soils: yes or no?
The best way to amend is with composted organic material
Good/necessary choice for: Vegetable gardens Non-native plants
Problems (for native plants) May change soil pH
Increases nutrient levels – may be too high for many natives
Not needed – many natives are fine with most local sandy soils
© Project SOUND
Selective amendment for special areas
Raised beds for vegetable gardens
Planters & pots
Selective amendment of Zone 3 beds
http://my.kitchengardeners.org/profile/PeterGleason
http://www.floridata.com/tracks/transplantedgardener/composting.cfm
© Project SOUND
3. Choose plants that thrive in sandy soils
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Areas with plants adapted to sandy soils
Local areas: Coastal strand/sandy
bluffs Coastal Prairie/shrubland
Southern coast (San Diego Co.) & Baja
Northern coast Particularly good for
groundcover plants Plants will need a little
extra water
S. CA deserts
© Project SOUND
Beach Bluffs Restoration Project
© Project SOUND
http://www.tijuanaestuary.com/beaches.asp
Dune Buckwheat Deervetch CA poppy as well as some low-lying plants found mostly quite near the shore:
Red Sand Verbena Silver Beach Burr Pacific Cinquefoil others listed for ‘seaside conditions’
Strand/Bluff plants: Zone 1 with some dry-season fog;
many are OK with Zones 1 to 2 in sandy soils
© Project SOUND
Many unique plants that can tolerate sandy soils, salt spray & saltwater, flooding
Characteristics: short, spreading; mostly herbaceous perennials; can be used alone or as mixed groundcovers
http://www.bcdc.ca.gov/pdf/planning/SPLG.pdf
Coastal Marsh plants are Zone 2 to 3 plants
unique to our low-lying coastal area
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Contouring for water management and
conservation Small elevation changes (1-3
ft.) in a landscape can work wonders:
Provide a greater range of Water Zones: high areas will be drier – low areas wetter
Allow local native plants to be grown in clay soils – provide better drainage
Allow good use of seasonal rainfall – channel rainwater into depressions (water gardens) or swales
© Project SOUND
This yard has some natural Zone 3 areas
Zone 3 – regularly
watered
Could capture more water from the roof
© Project SOUND
Salty Susan/ Fleshy Jaumea – Jaumea carnosa
http://www.coloradolagoon.org/focl/gallery.html © Project SOUND
Salty Susan/ Marsh Jaumea – Jaumea carnosa
Coastal region from British Columbia to N. Baja
Always found in marshy or moist places: Margins of coastal salt
marshes and tidal flats where there is protection from wave action
Coastal strand Bases of sea cliffs
Named after Jean Henri Jaume Saint-Hilaire (1772-1845), a French botanist & artist who was interested in practical uses of native plants
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?609,1464,1465
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© Project SOUND
Salty Susan is one of several local native
coastal groundcovers
Size: low – generally < 1 ft tall
spreading to 3-5+ ft wide
Growth form: Low, herbaceous perennial
groundcover
Foliage: Fleshy, succulent
gray-green or blue-green color
Leaves narrow – somewhat like some iceplants
Roots: Spreads via rhizomes
Gerald and Buff Corsi © California Academy of Sciences
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3592688234_cc697124da.jpg?v=0 © Project SOUND
The flowers are a surprise!
Blooms: spring/summer; usually May-Sept in W. L.A. County
Flowers: Typical for Sunflower family –
many flowers in heads
Both ray & disk flowers are bright yellow
Plants are dioecious – separate male & female plants
Great nectar & pollen source – attracts many insects
Seeds: Small – Sunflower-like – on
female plants
Eaten by birds
http://www.westernwildflower.com/plant%20index.htm
© Project SOUND
Salty Susan grows on
marsh edges Soils:
Texture: sandy to clay
pH: any local including alkali (pH > 8.0)
Fine with salty soils, seaside conditions; roots exclude salt
Light: full sun
Water: Winter: needs goo winter
water – takes some flooding
Summer: likes a moist soil best – Water Zones 2 to 3
Would be fine with sprinkler overflow, or water from a neighbor’s yard
Fertilizer: none needed; likes poor soils, but light fertilizer won’t kill it
© 2008 R.C. Brody
© Project SOUND
Salty Susan is a true
native groundcover
A replacement for Ice Plant on sandy soils, banks
In naturally wet areas of the garden
Low spots that get very moist in winter
Under birdbath; near ponds
Edges of irrigated areas
As an unusual pot/planter plant
As an excellent addition to a coastal habitat garden
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2845181216_985fa34707.jpg?v=0
http://www.land8lounge.com/profile/JeremySison
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Grow Salty Susan with other local natives
associates for a mixed goundcover
Grasses: Saltgrass – Distichlis spicata
Thingrass – Agrostis pallens
Carex (sedge) species
Perennial creepers: Stachys (Woodmints)
Achillea (Yarrow)
Artemisias
Fragaria (strawberry)
And others (see Sandy Soils list)
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/marshjaumea.html
© Project SOUND
Local native plants from Coastal Prairie/scrublands
are naturals for Zone 1 to 2
Zone 3 – regularly
watered
© Project SOUND
Use the Preserve & gardens as sources
of inspiration
© Project SOUND
Many local native grasses thrive on sandy soils…
Thin grass – Agrostis pallens
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….and don’t forget our annual wildflowers
Fiddlenecks
Redmaids Blue Dicks
Miniature Lupine
Coastal Tidytips
Goldfields
© Project SOUND
Hairy (Coastal) Gumplant – Grindelia hirsutula
Grindelia hirsutula var. hirsutula
© 2005 Doreen L. Smith
© Project SOUND
Hairy (Coastal) Gumplant – Grindelia hirsutula
Grindelia hirsutula var. maritima
© 2008 Jorg Fleige
http://www.coestatepark.com/grindelia_hirsutula.htm
© 2008 Jorg Fleige
© Project SOUND
Hairy (Coastal) Gumplant – Grindelia hirsutula
Var. hisutula – coastal, including western L.A. Co., coast near Santa Monica Mtns.
Var. maritima – north & central CA coast
Both: Coastal areas; sea bluffs and
slopes Sandy soils
var. hirsutula
var. maritima
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?609,1255,1260,1264 http://www.coestatepark.com/grindelia_hirsutula.htm
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Hairy Gumplant - an herbaceous perennial
Size: 1-3 ft tall (v. maritima 1-2 ft)
1-3 ft wide
Growth form: Herbaceous perennial; dies
back in fall
Many slender stems from woody rootstock
May be upright or more leaning (maritima)
Foliage: Blue-green, tinged with red,
purple or yellow
More refined-looking than other Grindelia species
© 2000 Joseph Dougherty/ecology.org
© Project SOUND
Flowers are pure gold
Blooms: spring-summer – usually June-Aug in S. Bay
Flowers: Typical sunflower heads with
well-developed ray flowers (maritima has more ray flowers)
Bright golden yellow
Profuse bloomer – even with little summer water
Pollinator magnets!!
Seeds: Small, but edible
Birds love them!
Vegetative reproduction: not a real spreader
© 2008 Jorg Fleige
https://www.anniesannuals.com/signs/d%20-%20g/grindelia_hirsutula.htm
© Project SOUND
Grindelias are useful
plants as well
Native American kids chewed the ‘gum’ – latex probably protects young flower buds from predation
Tea from flowers/leaves used for coughs – don’t over-use
Tincture (in alcohol) for skin itches, poison oak
Flowers for green or yellow natural dyes
http://www.westernwildflower.com/plant%20index.htm
http://www.backyardnature.net/sierras/wildflow.htm
© Project SOUND
Hairy Gumplant – a natural
for the perennial bed
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/grindella-hirsutula
At back of mixed flowers beds
Along walls, fences
Fine on slopes
Easy, adaptable & hardy
http://sfcompact.blogspot.com/2009/06/mmmmm-food.html
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Coastal Groundcover Gum Plant
- Grindelia stricta venulosa
A.K.A Grindelia arenicola, G.a. pachyphylla, G.s. procumbens
Coastal bluff plant from the bay area.
Low growing - < 1 ft.; spreads nicely as a ground cover
Mix with Baccharis Pigeon Point and Penstemon Margarita BOP on coastal slopes
Likes some summer water – Zone 2 to 2-3; good near Zone 3 areas
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/grindelia-stricta-venulosa © Project SOUND
California/Big Gum Plant Grindelia camporum var. bracteosa
© Project SOUND
Include Gumplants in your garden
because of..
Attractive flowers Mar-Oct
Balsamic aroma
Tolerates any soil – well-drained is best
Drought tolerance; but can take some extra water
Easy to grow
Highly attractive for
Bees Butterflies Other insects (beetles; other
unusual insects) Birds (seeds)
© Project SOUND
Managing Gum Plants is easy
Requires little water while blooming – Zone 1-2 to 2
Cut back in fall to shape – can tolerate heavy pruning
Some species are self-incompatible – so plant more than one plant for seed production
Other than that, require little care https://www.anniesannuals.com/signs/d%20-%20g/grindelia_hirsutula.htm
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© Project SOUND
Watering in sandy soils is different
1. Know your soil’s drainage properties (the perc test)
2. Use appropriate mulch (organic or inorganic) to: 1. Decrease water loss 2. Minimize soil heating
3. Water for longer periods & less often 1. Use droplet type sprinklers, drip,
trickle, soaker hose 2. Aim for 45 min-1 hr per session
(to 1 inch water) 3. Encourage deep rooting
4. Monitor your soil moisture, particularly in hot, windy weather
© Project SOUND
Soil texture/Drainage
Soil type Approximate time
to drain
Hard-pan or sodic soils
days
Clay 3-12 hours
Loam 20-60 minutes
Sandy Loam 10-30 minutes
Sand can't fill the hole, drains too fast
dig hole 1 ft x 1 ft
fill with water and let drain
fill hole again, measure
time for water to drain
How fast is the drainage in your sandy
soil? – conduct a ‘perc test’
© Project SOUND
Some areas are naturals for Zone 1
Hot, dry & difficult to water
There are a wide range of local, S. coast & desert perennials/shrubs © Project SOUND
Desert Mallow – Sphaeralcea ambigua
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Desert Mallow – Sphaeralcea ambigua
Southwestern U.S. including CA, Nevada, Utah, Arizona to Mexico
Dry, rocky slopes, canyon walls & sandy wash edges
Creosote bush scrub, pinyon-juniper woodland, both deserts (Mojave & Sonoran)
http://www.swsbm.com/Maps/Sphaeralcea_ambigua.gif
© Project SOUND
Desert Mallow is really an attractive sub-shrub
Size: to 3 ft tall (to 5 ft. with water)
to 3 ft wide
Growth form: Sub-shrub – partly woody
Mounded to slightly sprawling form – many thin, wand-like branches
Short-lived – but will reseed
Foliage: Gray-green; velvety soft
Leaf shape is typical mallow.
Many people are allergic to the Desert Mallow; often called "Hierba Muy Mala" in Spanish
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36764294@N00/13295740
Foliage is good Desert Tortoise food
© Project SOUND
Flowers remind one of
Hollyhocks
Blooms: Spring is usual bloom season
(Mar-May), following rains
May bloom off and on throughout year in garden
Flowers: Showy mallow blooms along
the stems
Color- usually ‘apricot’ (another name is Apricot Mallow), but differs with variety
Nectar & pollen attract butterflies, hummingbirds, any other insects
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/149/430082786_0b30a88eee.jpg?v=0
© Project SOUND
Flowers of many colors….
http://www.fireflyforest.com/flowers/reds/red05.html
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Sphaeralcea_ambigua_11.jpg
var. rosacea vars ambigua & monticola
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Desert Mallow is easy… Soils: Texture: sandy or rocky –
needs good drainage
pH: any local, including alkali
Light: full sun
Water: Winter: plant in winter; be
sure it gets adequate winter water
Summer: Zone 2-3 for first year; Zone 1-2 to 2 thereafter. Blooms more with water.
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; use inorganic mulch
Other: Cut back to 6” every year or so – wear protection!
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sphaeralcea_ambigua_10.jpg
© Project SOUND
Desert Mallow is
versatile in the garden
Lovely addition to mixed beds – place appropriate for size
Excellent for water-wise garden, particularly in sandy/rocky soils; most drought-tolerant Sphaeralcea
Good for desert-themed gardens
Good choice for containers
Great on dry slopes, hot gardens; not for very foggy areas
Protect roots from gophers (cage) if present
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/sphaeralcea-ambigua
http://www.bridgerlandaudubon.org/wildaboututah/090407xeri-garden.htm
© Project SOUND
Considerations when choosing
Globemallows (Sphaeralceas)
& other Mallows
Choose when in bloom; wide variety of flower color, leaf characteristics
Hybridization can be an issue; deadhead if you don’t want seedlings
Use of local species/ varieties when appropriate
http://www.calisolearning.com/wildflowers2005.htm
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sphaeralcea-ambigua-20080327.JPG © Project SOUND
Cultivar ‘Louis Hamilton’
Beautiful rose colored blooms.
Great in dry garden or on slope.
Stops traffic when in full bloom.
‘Louis Hamilton’
http://www.calflora.net/losangelesarboretum/whatsbloomingmar07E.html
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© Project SOUND
Other perennials for sandy/rocky soils: Penstemons Asclepias (Milkweeds) Eriogonum (Buckwheats) Erysimum (Wallflowers) And many, many more
http://www.shadyway.com/Newsletters/Bits%20and%20Briefs%20March%202002.htm
© Project SOUND
Perhaps some local native shrubs might be nice…
© Project SOUND
San Clemente Island Bush Mallow - Malacothamnus
clementinus
© Project SOUND
Succeeding with San Clemente Mallow
Light: full sun to part-shade
Soils: any
Water: little needed once established; don’t over-water
Nutrients: little needed – pioneer species
The shrub is a vigorous resprouter, sending runners up to 3 meters from a parent shrub
Cut back when starts to look raggedy
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Chaparral Mallow – Malacothamnus fasciculatus
http://www.coepark.org/wildflowers/purple/malacothamnus-fasciculatus.html
© Project SOUND
Chaparral Mallow – Malacothamnus fasciculatus
Coastal ranges and desert mtn. ranges from N. CA to Baja
Common shrub throughout chaparral and coastal sage scrub
Dry slopes and fans to about 2500‘; also on disturbed ground
AKA ‘Mendocino Mallow’
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?5042,5073,5079
© Project SOUND
Chaparral Mallow
in the wild
Large shrub of the foothills
Locally on Catalina Isl, Griffith Park, Santa Monica Mountains
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/bushmallow.html
© Project SOUND
Chaparral Mallow is a mounding large shrub
Size: 4-12 ft tall depending on site
Usually 4-6 ft wide; spreading to 12 ft on optimal sites
Growth form: Mounded woody shrub
Quick to moderate growth
Long, wand-like branches
Somewhat drought-deciduous
Foliage: Blue-green to gray-green;
fuzzy hairs
Typical mallow leaves
Roots: spreads via rhizomes
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2716215190_fbc8ca7d8e.jpg?v=0
http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/plants/sdpls/plants/chap049.html
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Flowers a lovely lavender-pink
Blooms: Long and variable bloom season; mostly
in warm weather
Usually May-Aug in S. Bay; can be longer with summer water
Flowers: Typical mallow flowers
Color: pale pink, lavender
Very showy
Attracts wide range of insects, hummingbirds; excellent habitat plant
Note: foliage is larval food for West Coast Lady,Western checkered skipper, Large White Skipper and Gray Hairstreak
Seeds: eaten by birds; also good cover
http://www.cactusjungle.com/blog/category/california-native-plants/page/2/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malacothamnus © Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils: Texture: any from sandy to
clay
pH: any local; not really alkali
Light: Full sun to part shade; fine
with some afternoon shade
Water: Winter: needs good water
Summer: none to little once established (Zone 1-2 to 2)
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: can be lightly sheared to shape; but will attain large size
http://www.calflora.net/losangelesarboretum/whatsbloomingnov07C.html
© Project SOUND
Chaparral Mallow
makes a good screen
Great for large blooming hedge or screen; best semi-formal to informal
As a large foundation plant or over walls/fences
At backs of large beds
Great on dry hillsides, along roadways, other neglected plances
Great with natural companions: Baccharis pilularis, Eriogonum fasciculatum, Heteromeles arbutifolia, Diplicus aurantiacus, Salvia apiana and Yucca whipplei.
http://biology.csusb.edu/PlantGuideFolder/CSUSBplants.htm
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malacothamnus_fasciculatus_1.jpg © Project SOUND
Cultivar ‘Casitas’
An upright habit - 6-8’ tall and wide.
Soft gray-green foliage and whitish pink/lavender flowers in profusion in the summer.
Ever-green
Selected for garden use
http://www.malooffoundation.org/GardenRoot/Garden_Plant_Slideshow/Pic_Plant_A_F_7-02-
05_046.html
http://www.theodorepayne.org/gallery/pages/M/malacothamnus_fasciculatus_ca
sitas.htm
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© Project SOUND
Jones' (Slender) Bush Mallow - Malacothamnus jonesii
© Project SOUND
Can we use a narrow living screen to
break the yard up a little?
© Project SOUND
* Southern Flannelbush – Fremontodendron mexicanum
http://www.magicoflife.org/flower_photos/Freemontodendron_mexicanum.html
© Project SOUND
* Southern Flannelbush – Fremontodendron mexicanum
Current range: Sand Diego Co & Baja
Former range: to Los Angeles Co
Locally present in dry canyons
Chaparral, southern oak woodland, around 1500‘
Always within ~ 15 mi. of the ocean
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?7705,7708,7712
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Southern Flannelbush: a large shrub
Size: 6-20 ft tall – usually 15-20
ft. at maturity
10-15+ ft wide
Growth form: Stout woody shrub
Upright to sprawly; can be shaped, espaliered but will attain large size
Fast-growing
Branches have dark gray bark
Foliage: Gray-green; very hairy
(irritating to skin)
Roots: resent moving
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=FRME2
© Project SOUND
* CA Flannelbush – Fremontodendron californicum ssp.
californicum
http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=38718
© Project SOUND
* CA Flannelbush – Fremontodendron californicum ssp.
californicum
Widespread: western CA from AZ to Baja
Locally in San Gabriel Mtns
Dry, mostly granitic slopes, rocky ridges to 6000-7000'
In chaparral, oak and yellow pine woodland, pinyon-juniper woodland
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?7705,7708,7709
J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database © Project SOUND
Flowers are well-
known favorites
F. californicum has more showy flowers
Blooms: in spring - usually Apr/May in our area, but varies with temperature, rains.
Flowers: Large and showy
Golden-yellow with orange
Just cover the plant
Seeds: Abundant seeds in hairy
cabpules
http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=38718
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© Project SOUND
Plant Requirements Soils:
Texture: must be very well-drained – prone to root-rots
pH: any local
Light: Full sun to light shade (F.
mexicanum takes more shade)
Water: Winter: needs good winter rains
Summer: no or very little (only in sandy soils); Zone 1 or 1-2
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
Other: once established it will do well in sandy soils with proper watering; F. mexicanum X F. californica hybrids are best adapted for garden life
http://coolexotics.com/plant-558.html# © Project SOUND
‘California Glory’
Size: to 20 ft tall & wide
Large, lemon-yellow flowers of F. californicum
Fast-growing; early flowering
Longest history of garden use
http://montereybaynsy.com/F/fremontodendron_california_glory1.jpg
© Project SOUND
‘Pacific Sunset’
Typical large size
Does a little better in clays
Very showy
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/fremontodendron-pacific-sunset © Project SOUND
‘San Gabriel’
Probably the largest cultivar
Very showy, large flowers
http://www.wildscaping.com/plants/plantprofiles/Fremont_SanGabriel.htm
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Fremontia californium var.decumbens X F.
californicum ‘Ken Taylor’
Smaller size (8 ft x 8 ft)
Shape: more sprawling – like a tall groundcover
A bit more garden tolerant
Fewer flowers – but still showy
http://www.calfloranursery.com/pages_plants/pages_f/frekentay.html http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Gcg6zKY-sww/SNUsfzN-3xI/AAAAAAAAC0o/9qJU6Qi6p4U/DSC01849.JPG
© Project SOUND
F. californicum ssp. decumbens
Quite low-growing; < 2 ft tall
Flowers more orange, less showy
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fremontodendron_californicum_ssp_decumbens_1.jpg
© Project SOUND
Managing Fremontias
Light prune in summer to encourage blooming
Can prune and shape in Fall/winter
Remember to wear long sleeves, gloves & eye protection
Remember: will grow to ultimate size – so place accordingly
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarleys/3612540169/
http://www.calown.com/nativegarden_plants.html
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for
Fremontias
As a large accent shrub Trained as a small tree – looks
nice all year Espaliered along a wall or
fence Hard-to-water places For erosion control on slopes Wonderful paired with
Ceanothus Inner bark powder used to
treat wounds, sore throats Remember: it gets big
http://coolexotics.com/plant-558.html#
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?strLetter=F&plant_id=655&page=
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Evergreen plants from the Northern CA coast are good
choices for sandy front yards
The front yard needs a makeover as
well…
© Project SOUND
Chaparral Whitethorn – Ceanothus leucodermis
© 2004 Michelle Cloud-Hughes
© Project SOUND
Chaparral Whitethorn – Ceanothus leucodermis
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6586,6589,6624
Foothills of the Coastal Ranges and Sierra Nevadas from Mexico the N. CA
an important component of many chaparral, coastal sage, and oak (Quercus spp.) woodlands of southern California.
Generally found on dry,
rocky or sandy slopes below 5,500 to 6,000 feet
http://oregonstate.edu/dept/botany/herbarium/projects/ceanothus/CeLeu/maps.html
© Project SOUND
The genus Ceanothus
~50–60 species of shrubs (most common) or small trees
In buckthorn family Rhamnaceae.
Mostly in North America, the center of its distribution in California (some species in the eastern United States/Canada, and others extending as far south as Guatemala).
The majority of species are evergreen
Ceanothus species are easily identified by their unique leaf-vein structure. Leaves have three very prominent parallel veins extending from the leaf base to the outer margins of the leaf tips and the leaves are ovate in shape.
The roots of most species have red inner root bark
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Ceanothus_leucodermis.htm
http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/plants/sdpls/plants/Ceanothus_leucodermis.html
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Genus Ceanothus
The flowers are tiny, in large, dense clusters that are reported to be intensely fragant (said to resemble the odor of "boiling honey in an enclosed area”.
The seeds can lie dormant for hundreds of years, and Ceanothus species are typically dependent on forest fires to trigger germination of its seeds
http://biology.csusb.edu/PlantGuideFolder/CeanothusLeuc/CeanothusLeucPage.htm
http://www.smmtc.org/plant_of_the_month_200603_Ceanothus.htm
© Project SOUND
Chaparral
Whitethorn – really?
© 2003 BonTerra Consulting
© Project SOUND
Chaparal Whitethorn –
large & shrubby
Size: 6-12 ft tall
6-10 ft wide
Growth form: Dense, mounded shrub
Stiffly erect, evergreen
Twigs white, thorn-tipped
Foliage: Leaves gray-green, attractive &
neat-looking
Highly flammable
Roots: To 21+ ft deep
Sprouts from stem after a fire
© 2004 Michelle Cloud-Hughes
© 2005 Steven Perkins
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/chaparralwhitethorn.html
© Project SOUND
A cloud of blooms in
spring
Blooms: in spring, Apr-June
Flowers: Many tiny flowers, in
clusters typical for Ceanothus
Color: usually very light blue or white
Showy, sweet scent
Attract numerous pollinators
Fruits: usual small, sticky fruits of genus – birds like them & the seeds
Dense foliage provides good cover and nesting sites for birds
http://www.calflora.net/bloomingplants/chaparralwhitethorn.html
http://www.researchlearningcenter.com/bloom/species/Ceanothus_leucodermis.htm
http://biology.csusb.edu/PlantGuideFolder/CeanothusLeuc/CeanothusLeucPage.htm
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© Project SOUND
Whitethorn thrives in sandy soils
Soils: Texture: sandy or rocky; needs
well-drained soil
pH: any local
Light: full sun
Water: Winter: regular winter rain; plant
needs ~ 15 inches of rain per year
Summer: can be tricky; Zone 2 for first year, then Zone 1 or 1-2
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils; low nitrogen mulch (oak leaves, redwood
bark, pine or oak shreddings)
Other: if happy, it will live many years – if not, 2-4.
© 2003 Christopher L. Christie
© Project SOUND
Garden uses for
Chaparral Whitethorn
Good choice for large screen, hedgerow
Showy specimen plant – year-round
Excellent choice for habitat
Great for slopes, hillsides, erosion control on steep slopes
Anywhere else you’d like a shrub Ceanothus
© 2005 Steven Perkins
© 2003 Christopher L. Christie
© Project SOUND
‘L.T. Blue’ hybrid may be easier in garden
setting L.T. stands for leucodermis X
thyrsiflorus
8' tall, 4' wide.
Gets most of its characteristics from Ceanothus leucodermis white bark medium blue flower, glossy rounded leaves extremely drought tolerant
and smells good.
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus parent contributes uniformity and garden tolerance.
http://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/ceanothus-l-t-blue © Project SOUND
Torrey Pine – Pinus torreyana
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© Project SOUND
Torrey Pine – Pinus torreyana
Current distribution: two small popuations - the coast at Del Mar in San Diego County, and the E end of Santa Rosa Island; rarest U.S. pine
Former distribution: probably along much of CA coast into OR
The only southern California coastal pine forest
Forests merge with coastal sage scrub, chaparral, dune scrub, and coastal salt marsh
Torrey pine has adapted to a harsh environment of poor soils and little moisture. The climate is maritime with low winter rainfall and frequent fog
http://www.nearctica.com/trees/conifer/pinekey/mtorrey.jpg
Torrey Pine has been cultivated in California since 1858-59
© Project SOUND
Torrey Pine – an opportunist
Size: 30-40 ft tall in nature; to 100+
ft. in garden setting 15-20 ft wide
Growth form: Shape depends on conditions Fast or slow growing depending
on water Long-lived (to 150 years in wild);
evergreen Excellent habitat plant
Foliage: Long, gray-green needles – like
Canary Isl. Pine Fairly ‘open’ – not dense
Roots: extensive & deep
http://www.cuyamaca.edu/oh170/Thumbnail_Pages/Pinus_torreyana.asp
http://www.sci.sdsu.edu/plants/sdpls/plants/Pinus_torreyana.html © 2003 BonTerra Consulting
© Project SOUND
Cones are large
Blooms: Jan-Feb in S. CA
Flowers: Fairly insignificant
Male flowers produce wind-blown pollen
Cones: On trees at least 12-15
years age
Fairly large
Slow release of seeds (over years)
Birds (jays) disperse seeds in wild
http://www.cuyamaca.edu/oh170/Thumbnail_Pages/Pinus_torreyana.asp
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_G7DZHnRhMCE/Rngey4H4DpI/AAAAAAAAAS8/y0U1sqEetSg/IMGP2238.jpg
© Project SOUND
Torrey Pine is
undemanding Soils:
Texture: sandy or rocky; well-drained
pH: any local except very alkali
Light: Full sun along coast
Part-shade is ok, particularly for young trees
Water: Winter: needs good winter
rains
Summer: quite adaptable; Zone 1-2 to 2. In nature gets fog drip, so best along coast
Fertilizer: none; likes poor soils
http://www.cuyamaca.edu/oh170/Thumbnail_Pages/Pinus_torreyana.asp
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© Project SOUND
Torrey Pine is great
choice for sandy soils
As an alternative to Canary Island & Italian Stone Pines
Canary Island Pine
http://www.geocities.com/billyimiller/images/PinusCanariensis.jpg
Italian Stone Pine
Just remember, it’s large
© Project SOUND
If you live in a sandy soil area, get out and see what’s thriving
© Project SOUND
Remember: your sandy soil is an asset!
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