The MGS Forum

Gardening in mediterranean climates => General Cultivation => Topic started by: pamela on July 29, 2013, 04:03:13 PM

Title: Thinking caps on please!
Post by: pamela on July 29, 2013, 04:03:13 PM
I have 2 large terracotta pots which are on one of the corners of our naya (verandah) facing north north west.  I had 2 Dypsis lutescens which were never successful as they had to endure sometimes a cold wind in winter, probably too much water (from me) or none at all.  We have no prevailing wind. Our winds vary a lot.  
I am looking for something to fill those pots, which I will plant up in October.  I want something sculptural and interesting that doesn’t drop flowers or berries (which stain terracotta tiles) and which can endure the vagaries of the seasonal weather.
Any ideas?  
Title: Re: Thinking caps on please!
Post by: SusanIbiza on July 29, 2013, 04:43:31 PM
What about a nice strelitzia reginae (bird of paradise)? 
Title: Re: Thinking caps on please!
Post by: Trevor Australis on July 30, 2013, 05:52:25 AM
North means shade and possibly little sun. A shade tolerant evergreen that flowers offers possibilities. Camellias? Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'? What about the new soft-leaved Mahonia Mahonia eurybracteata ssp. ganpinensis 'SOFT CARESS' which was offered at Chelsea this year? I'm not sure who is selling it but since it received an award at Chelsea the nursery at RHS Wisley (or on-line sales) would seem a likely place to start.
Title: Re: Thinking caps on please!
Post by: Miriam on July 30, 2013, 10:06:21 AM
You can plant two different Agave plants.
Agave americana 'mediopicta Alba' and Agave attenuata are two of my favorites.
Title: Re: Thinking caps on please!
Post by: pamela on July 31, 2013, 08:11:22 AM
Thanks everyone very much.  The Mahonia looks a wonderful plant...
Title: Re: Thinking caps on please!
Post by: Trevor Australis on August 03, 2013, 08:11:43 AM
There's also a white variegated form of Agave attenuata that needs a bit od shade so it doesn't scorch.  tn