Nandina domestica

Nandina, or heavenly bamboo, is a versatile shrub that can take sun or shade.  In our climate, it appreciates some shade in the afternoon.  Growth rate is moderate up to eight feet tall, depending on the variety.  ‘Fire Power’ is a nice small plant that only grows to about two feet high and wide and turns bright red in winter, as do most Nandinas.  Clusters of white flowers appear in spring, followed by red berries on most varieties.  Nandinas make good hedges or screens and will do well in pots.  One variety, ‘Harbor Dwarf’, spreads by rhizomes and makes a good ground cover.

Ilex

Ilex is, of course, holly.  There are many species, all of which will need shade in the north county.  Some species have few spines while other are very pokey indeed.  Hollies prefer slightly acidic soil, so some soil amendment is required.  There are green leaved and variegated versions.

Sarcococca ruscifolia

Sarcococca is an evergreen shrub with dark green leaves and very fragrant tiny white flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring.  It is a slow grower that will eventually reach four to six feet.  It can grow even in very deep shade and needs moderate to regular water.

Pittosporum tobira ‘Wheeler’s Dwarf’

Pittosporum tobira is an evergreen shrub with either all green or variegated foliage.  The species can grow six to fifteen feet, but “Wheeler’s Dwarf’ gets only to three feet and about five feet wide.  There are also variegated dwarf forms, ‘Turner’s’ that is the same size as ‘Wheeler’s”, and ‘Cream de Mint’ that grows to about two and half feet high and wide.  Fragrant white flowers appear in the spring.  This plant can take some sun, but does better with afternoon shade.

Correa

Correa is a fairly low growing shrub to a little over two feet high and about eight feet wide.  It likes fast drainage and does not need a great deal of water or feeding.  Flowers are mostly pink or white.  It does well in pots and in poor, rocky soil.