Rhamnus californica
Rhamnus californica, or coffeeberry, is an evergreen shrub that can grow from three to fifteen feet, depending on the variety and the climate in which it is planted. The common name comes from the berries that turn black once they have ripened. It is not particular about soil and can take sun or partial shade. Established plants need no irrigation, but will look better with at least some water.
Ribes sanguineum
There are many species of Ribes, both evergreen and deciduous. A very nice evergreen species is Ribes viburnifolium with roundish, dark green leaves and dark red stems. It needs no irrigation, making it ideal for planting under oaks. It grows three to six feet tall and can spread to twelve feet.
A lovely deciduous species is Ribes sanguineum. It has dark green maple-like leaves and clusters of white, pink or red flowers in spring. It requires little water.
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.
Nerium oleander
This plant, commonly called oleander, is a beautiful shrub that can range in size from three to twenty feet, depending upon the variety. ‘Sister Agnes’ is white and can grow to twenty feet. ‘Little Red’ grows from three to four feet and makes a nice informal hedge. Oleanders need little water once established. The primary thing to remember about them is that all parts of the plant are extremely poisonous, so use caution in choosing a planting location.
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.
Feijoa sellowiana
Feijoa, or pineapple guava, grows to eighteen to twenty-five feet, usually as a multi-trunked shrub. It can, however, take considerable pruning, making it ideal for hedges, espaliering or training as a small tree. The leaves are grey-green on top and silvery underneath. Flowers are white with red stamens and are edible. Feijoa can produce fruit that is also edible. It is drought tolerant, but will do better with some water.
Loropetalum chinense
Loropetalum, or Chinese fringe flower, is a very attractive shrub that thrives in shade. It is fairly slow growing to six to ten feet high and wide. Most of the varieties available have purple leaves and pink, fireworks-like flowers, but the green leaved, white flowering varieties are lovely, too. Flowering is heaviest in the spring, but there is usually a nice repeat bloom in autumn.
