Ever wonder if there are flowers for a small space with grim growing conditions that are nearly impossible to ignore to death? There actually are some that don’t include the word “plastic.”
With spring flowers fading as hot weather rolls in, the inevitable question is: What summer bloomers have the most impact with the least effort? Small shrubs, perennials and annuals that can take heat, all-night humidity and heavy rains followed by prolonged drought – in broiling sun, with little to no watering.
Adding to the challenge is radiated heat from patio or curb paving – conditions I call “mailbox murder.” From a plant’s perspective, areas by the street, in full sun and beyond the reach of a hose, are similar to the narrow strips in parking lots or between sidewalks and curbs, where pavement can reach 150 degrees and radiate heat well into the night. Soil dries quickly and plants get baked. Horticulturists call these spots “hell strips” for good reason.
While it is easy for designers to sketch plans and assign plant names, real-life conditions can be harsh for both plants and gardeners. Many plants fail quickly or languish, creating an unsightly result.
Other challenges in pedestrian areas include keeping plants low and compact to avoid blocking sightlines or encroaching on walkways or traffic. Plants also need to recover quickly from foot traffic or vehicle contact and look good most of the year without frequent pruning. Ideally, they should not have thorns, attract excessive bees, be poisonous to pets or create litter.
Some plants, however, can survive and even thrive in these conditions. Through years of trial and error – including growing plants in a small metal box mounted on a pickup truck and exposed to extreme conditions – I have identified several durable options.
Among the most reliable are dwarf yaupon and Chinese hollies, dwarf nandinas, compact shrub roses, iris for year-round foliage contrast, rosemary, silvery artemisia, oregano, variegated liriope and small ornamental grasses. Hardy sedums and other succulents also perform well, though some, such as agaves, may not be suitable for all settings. Compact soft-leaf yucca (Y. recurvifolia) and variegated yuccas are strong choices, as is a thornless prickly pear cactus.
For continuous summer and fall blooms, consider lantana, cockscomb and prince’s feather celosias, angelonia, periwinkle, red-blooming Texas sage salvia and native gaura, including newer compact varieties with deep pink flowers. These plants also attract butterflies.
These selections provide a strong starting point. With proper soil preparation and mulch, they can perform well even in difficult conditions. Gardeners should also be mindful of attracting pollinators, particularly in areas near walkways and mailboxes.
Felder Rushing is a Mississippi author, columnist and host of “The Gestalt Gardener” on MPB Think Radio. Visit his blog at felderrushing.blog. Email gardening questions to [email protected].
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 28 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
