ABC of Shrubs

The following shrubs are all suited to our area, but need regular watering the first two years. They cope well with the dry, hot summer temperatures. Some of the shrubs when grown on alkaline soil may suffer from chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves), this can be treated with an anti-chlorotic compound.

Large Evergreen Shrubs, more than 3 metres high :

• Abelia x grandiflora H-3m, S-4m; Abelia x grandiflora ‘Edouard Goucher’.
• Aucuba japonica H-3m, S-3m; Aucuba japonica ‘Crotonifolia’ H-3m, S-3m – they prefer shade.
• Buxus balearica H-3m, S-2.5m; Buxus sempervirens ‘Handsworthensis’ H-5m, S-5m – they prefer shade, full sun dulls their leaves.
• Carpenteria californica H-3m, S-3m.

• Ceanothus ‘Concha’ H-3m, S-3m; C arboreus ‘Trewithen Blue’ H-6m, S-8m; C incanus H-3m, S-4m; C ‘Autumnal Blue’ H-3m, S-3m. Ceanothus may become chlorotic on alkaline soil.
• Cotoneaster ‘Cornubia’ (semi-evergreen) H-6m, S-6m.
• Cytisus battandieri (Pineapple broom) (semi-evergreen) H-5m, S-5m – could become cholorotic on alkaline soil.

• Elaeagnus pugens ‘Maculata’ – may become cholorotic H-6, S-6m; Elaeagnus x ebbengei ‘Limelight’ H-3m, S-3m.
• Euonymus japonica, suitable for dry conditions, many varieties, H-3m, S-2m.
• Escallonia ‘Iveyi’ H-3m, S-3m; Escallonia ‘Leucantha’ H-3m, S-2.5m.
• Fremontedendron ‘Californian Glory’ H-6m, S-4m, a very suitable shrub.

• Garrya elliptica (Silk Tassel Bush) H-4m, S-4m.
• Heteromeles arbutifolia H 5-10m.
• Jasminum mesnyi H-5m, S-5m; J humile (Yellow Jasmine) H2.5m, S-3m; J humile ‘Revolutum’ has more and larger flowers; J nudiflorum (Winter flowering) H-3m, S-3m.
• Ligustrum lucidum ‘Excelsum Superbum’ H-10m, S-10m; L ovalifolium, semi-evergreen H-4m, S-4m; L sinense, semi-evergreen H-4m, S-4m; L vulgare, semi-evergreen H-3m, S-3m, native to the region; L ‘Vicaryi’ H-3m, S-3m.
• Myrtus communis, native to the region H-3m, S-3m.
• Nerium oleander, many different types.
• Olearia traversii H-10m, S-5m.
• Phillyrea angustifolia, native to the region H-3m, S-2m.
• Photinia serralata H-10m, S-8m; plus all other hybrids and varieties.
• Pistachia lentiscus (Mastic tree), native to the region H-3m, S-3m.
• Prunus illicifolia H-6m, S-4m.
• Pyracantha ‘Golden Charmer’ H-3m, S-3m.
• Rhamnus alaternus, native to the region H-4m, S-3m; Rhamnus alaternus ‘Argenteovariegata’ H-4m, S-3m.
• Spartium junceum, native to the region H-3m, S-3m.
• Viburnum tinus, native to the region H-3m, S-2m.

Large Deciduous Shrubs, more than 3 metres high:

• Buddleja alternifolia, H-4m, S-4m; Buddleja 'Lochinch', H-2.5m, S-3m; Buddleja officinalis, H-2.5m, S-2.5m.
• Caesalpinia japonica, H-2m, S-3m.

• Colutea arborescens (Bladder Senna), H-3m, S-3m, Colutea x media, H-3m, S-3m.; Colutea orientalis, H-2m, S-1.5m.
• Corylus avellana 'Contorta' (Corkscrew Hazel), ideal for chalky soils, H-5m-S-5m.
• Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple', H-4m, S-3m; Cotinus obovatus, H-6m, S-4m.
• Dipelta yunnanensis, H-3m, S-4m; Dipelta floribunda, H-4m, S-4m, both like alkaline soil.
• Elaeagnus angustifolia, has grey leaves, H-6m, S-6m, can become chlorotic.
• Escallonia rubra macrantha, the best Escallonia, H3m, S-4m.

• Hibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart', H-3m, S-2; Hibiscus syriacus 'Woodbridge', H-3m, S-2m, Hibiscus needs some watering, they like alkaline soil.
• Kolkwitzia amabilis 'Pink Cloud', H-3m, S-4m.
• Lonicera tatarica, H-4m, S-2.5m; Lonicera xylosteum, H-3m, S-3m; Lonicera ledebourii, H3m, S-4m.
• Lycium barbarum, native to the region, H-3m, S--3m.
• Olearia x haastii, H-2m, S-3m; Olearia 'Henry Travers', H-2.5m, S-2m.
• Osteomeles schweriniae, H-3m, S-3m.
• Paliurus spina christi (Christ's Thorn, Jerusalem Thorn), native to the region, H-4m, S-3m.
• Philadelphus coronarius 'Variegatus', H-3m, S-2.5m; Philadephus delavayi f. melanocalyx, H-3m, S-2.5m.
• Pistachia terebinthus (Turpentine shrub), native to the region, H-6m, S-6m.
• Ptelea trifoliata 'Aurea', H-5m, S-4m.
• Rubus 'Benenden', H-3m, S-3m.
• Syringa x persica (Persian Lilac), H-6m, S-6m; Syringa vulgaris cultivars are not really suited to this climate.
• Tamarix ramosissima, H-5m, S-5m.
• Vitex agnus-castus var. latifolia, H-5m, S-5m.

• Vitex negundo var. cannabifolia, H-3m, S-3m.
• Xanthoceras sorbifolium, H-4m, S-3m.
• Zanthoxylum simulens, H-6m, S-5m.

Medium Evergreen Shrubs, from 1.5 metres to 3 metres high:

• Acca (Feijoa) sellowiana (Pineapple Guave), H-2m, S-2

• Atriplex canescens, H-2m, S-2.5m; Atriplex halimus, H-1.5m, S-2m.
• Bupleurum fruticosum, H-2m, S-2.5m.
• Callistemon rigide, H-2m, S-2m.
• Cassinia vauvilliersii, H-2m, S-2.5m.
• Ceanothus impressus, H-1.5m, S-2.5m.
• Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange Blossom), H-2.5m, S-2.5m.
• Cistus ladanifer, H-2m, S-1m; Cistus x purpureus 'Alan Fredd', H-1.5m, S-1.5m.

• Coronilla glauca, native to the region, H-2.5m, S-2.5m.
• Escallonia virgata, H-2m, S-2.5m; Escallonia 'Donald Seedling', H-2.5m, S-2.5m; Escallonia 'Apple Blossom', H-2.5m, S-2.5m; Escallonia 'Langleyensis', H-2m, S-3m.
• Justicia (Jacobinia) carnea, H-2m, S-1m; Justicia (Jacobinia) spicigera, H-1.8m, S-1.2m.
• Lavatera 'Lilac Lady', H-1.7m, S-80cm; Lavatera olbia 'Rosea', semi-evergreen, H-2m, S-2m; Lavatera assurgentiflora, semi-evergreen, H-2m, S-1.5m.
• Lycium excertum, H-2m, S-80cm.

• Myrtus communis ssp. tarentina, H1.5m, S-1.5m.
• Osmanthus delavayi, H-2.5m, S-3m.
• Ozothamnus (Helichrysum) rosmarinifolius, H-2m, S-1.5m.
• Pistachia lentiscus (Mastic Tree), H-2.5m, S-2.5m, native to the region.
• Pyracantha x watereri, H-2.5m, S-2.5m; Pyracantha 'Golden Dome', H-2m, S-3m.
• Teucrium fruticans, H-2m, S-2m.
• Viburnum suspensum, most beautiful of all the evergreens, needs a little shade and occasional watering, H-2.5m, S-2.5.

• Ulex europaeus (gorse), H-2.5m, S-2m.
• Yucca gloriosa (Spanish dagger), H-2m, S-2m.

Medium Decidious Shrubs, from 1.5 metres to 3 metres high:

• Abelia chinensis, H-1m, S-1.5m, semi-evergreen
• Aloysia triphylla (Lemon Verbena), H-2m, S-3m.
• Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea, H-1m, S-2.5m.
• Campylotropis macrocarpa, H-2m, S-2m.

• Caryopteris incana, H-2m, S-2m.
• Colutea arborescens, H-2m, S-2m; Colutea orientalis, H-2n, S-1.5.
• Eleutherococcus sieboldianus, H-2.5m, S-2.5m, well suited to our area.
• Fallugia paradoxa, H-2m, S-2m.

• Hibiscus sinosyriacus 'Lilac Queen', H-2.5m, S-3m, needs some watering, likes alkaline soil.
• Indigofera heterantha (gerardiana), H-2m, S-3m.

• Kerria japonica, H-2m, S-2.5m.
• Lespedeza thunbergii, H-2m, S-2m.
• Lonicera frangrantissima, H2m, S-2m.
• Medicago arborea, native to the region, H-2m, S-2m.
• Neillia thibetica, H-2m, S-2m.

• Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Blue Spire', H-1.2m, S-1.2m; Perovskia scrophularifolia, H-1.2m, S-1.2m.
• Philadelphus 'Beauclerk', H-2.5m, S-2.5m; P. 'Belle Etoile', H-1.2m, S-2.5m; P. Boule d'Argent, H1.5m, S-1.5m; P. Dame Blanche, H-2m, S-2m; P. 'Lemoinei', H1.5m, S1.5m.
• Phlomis fruticosa, H-1.5m, S-1.5m; Phlomis longifolia subsp. longifolia, H-1m, S-1m.; Phlomis lunariifolia, H1.5m, S-1.5m; Phlomis lycia, H-1.7m, S-1.7m.
• Piptanthus nepalensis (laburnifolium), H-2.5m, S-2m.
• Prinsepia uniflora var. serrata, H-1.8m, S-1.8m.

• Rhus trilobata, H-1.2m, S-3m.
• Sophora davidii (Sophora viciifolia), H-2.5m, S-3m.
• Syringa laciniata, H-2m, S-2m.
• Viburnum x carlcephalum, H-2.5m, S-2m.
• Vitex chinensis, H-2m, S-2m.
• Zanthoxylum piperitum, H-2.5m, S-2.5m

Small Evergreen Shrubs, up to 1.5 metres high:

• Artemisia x Powis Castle, H-60cm, S-90cm

• Berberis empetrifolis, H-45cm, S-60cm.
• Buxus microphylla 'Green Pillow', H-45cm, S-1m.
• Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens, H-1m, S-1m.
• Chamaebatiaria millefolium, H-1m, S-50cm.
• Choisya 'Aztec Pearl', H-1m, S-50cm.
• Cistus albidus, native to the region, H-1m, S-80cm; Cistus atriplicifolium, H-1.2m, S-1.2m; Cistus creticus, native to the region, H-1m, S-1m; Cistus x argenteus 'Peggy Sammons', H-1m, S-1m; Cistus x florentinus, H-30cm, S-50cm; Cistus x hybridus var. corbariensis, H-80cm, S-1.2m; Cistus x purpureus, H-1.2, S-1.2m; Cistus x purpureus 'Alan Fradd', H-1.5m, S-1.5m; Cistus x skanbergii, H-1m, S-1m.

• Convolvulus cneorum, H-60cm, S90cm.
• Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca, H-1.5m, S-1.5m.
• Daphne odora leucantha, nicest specimen, does not like its roots to become too dry, H-1.5m, S-2.5m.

• Escallonia rubra 'Woodside', H-75cm, S-1.5m.
• Grindelia chiloensis, H-1m, S-1m.
• Hertia cheirifolia, H-40cm, S-1m.
• Hypericum calycinum, better in shade, H-60cm, S-indefinite.
• Iberis arborea, H-40cm, S-40cm.
• Leptospermum humifusum, H-1.5m, S-1.5m.
• Nandina domestica, H-1m, S-80cm.

• Ozathamnus ledifolius, H-1m, S-1m.
• Phlomis italica, H-30cm, S-60cm; Phlomis cashmeriana, H-1m, S-1m; Phlomis chrysophylla, H-80cm, S-80cm; Phlomis 'Edward Bowles', H-80cm. S-30cm; Phlomis grandiflora, H-80cm, S-80cm.
• Prunus laurocerasus 'Otto Luyken', H-1m, S-1.5m.
• Rosmarinus eriocalyx, H-80cm, S-80cm; Rosmarinus officinalis 'Pointe de Raz', H-60cm, S-1m; Rosmarinus officinalis 'Corsican Blue', creeping rosemary, H-20cm, S-1m; Rosmarinus officinalis 'Majorcan Pink', H-1m, S-1m.
• Ruscus hypophyllum, native to the region, H-60cm, S-1m.

• Sarcopoterium spinosum, H-50cm, S-50cm.
• Scabiosa cretica, H-50cm, S-1m.
• Sphaeraicea ambigua, H-1m, S-1m.

Small Decidious Shrubs, up to 1.5 metres tall:

• Abelia schumannii, H-1.5m.

• Berberis thunbergii 'Aurea', H-1.5m, S-2m; Berberis 'Rubrostilla', H-1.5m, S-2.5m.
• Caragana arborescens 'Nana', H-1.5m, S-1m.
• Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Heavenly Blue', H-1m, S-1.5m; Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Kew Blue', H-1.m, S-1m.
• Ceanothus 'Perle Rose', H-1.5m, S-1.5m, Ceanothus 'Gloire de Versailles', H-1.5m, S-1.5m

• Ceratostigma willmottianum, H-1m, S-1.5m.
• Cotoneaster horizontalis, H-1m, S-1.5m.
• Cytisus x kewensis, H-30cm, S-1.5cm; Cytisus x praecox (Warminster Broom), H-1.2m, S-1.5m; Cytisus x praecox 'Allgold', H-1.2m, S-1.5m.
• Elsholtzia stauntonii (Mint Bush), H-1m, S-1m; Elsholtzia stauntonii 'Alba', H-1m, S-1m.

• Genista tinctoria, H-90cm, S-1m; Genista hispanica, H-75cm, S-1.5m.
• Indigofera dielsiana, H-1.5m, S-1.5m.
• Philadelphus 'Manteau d'Hermine', H-75cm, S-1.5m.
• Potentilla. fruticosa, tolerates poorest soils, H-75cm, S-1.2m; Potentilla fruticosa var. mandschurica can stand more drought than others.

Bibliography: The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia, Pépinière de l'Armalette brochure, Mediterranean Gardening by Heidi Gildemeister, Mediterranean Gardener by Hugo Latymer.