Thread: Shrubs for hot and cold?

Anyone any suggestions, I am trying to fill in 150m of post and rail fence with flowering shrubs.

The problem I have is that being up in La Alpujarra, and my garden being open to the elements, in summer it is in full sun reaching temperatures of 50C+ and in winter icy winds blow off the Sierra Nevada dropping to -15C.

I tried Bouganvillas, but they died in the cold, as did Galan de la noche, both of which I love, even when I wrapped them in fleece for the winter. Falso Jasmin grow, as do Buddleias, but I want something fragrant and colourful if possible.

I have got some Mock Orange, but whether they will survive the rest of the summer is debateable.

I have planted a conifer hedge as a windbreak for my orchard, but I am not sure they are going to make it either... I have lost about five of thirty so far despite regular watering.

I used to think that asking the Garden Centre was the best option, but as they are all down on the coast, that doesn't work in my case. Suggestions gratefully received.

I have a copy of Lorraine Cavanaghs' Mediterrean Garden Plants so will have a look in there bearing mind your temperature differences, see what I can come up with. Meanwhile some of our other members may give you a few suggestions.

Quick look what about lavenders, the english and french ones go from full sun to -10c evergreen fairly low growing and smell lovely.

Sage also full sun to -10c as does rosemary but only down to -5c

Oleanders although all parts poisonous (the plants in the middle of the highways here) are full sun to -10c

The spanish rose also.

Red hot pokers
Bearded Iris
Beauty Bush
Honeysuckle and St Johns Wort all full sun to -10c

That great, thanks Val, I hadn't thought of the smaller varieties, because I was looking at larger shrubs to hide the fence and provide privacy, but I could always put these in front to provide the scent.

Oleanders I am not so keen on for the reasons you have given, mainly because of the Grandchildren... I don't want to get rid of them just yet!

Thanks Phil

Hahaha no I quite like my grandkids too. The lavender can make a nice hedge in time the roses grow here lining the streets like a hedge. Honeysuckle could be trained along top.

I'll give them a go, better wait until it cools down a bit. Thanks again

Dear Cadiar
I too have tried so many different plants and also like you have found it difficult to find the right plants for our location. We are very high up and its freezing in the winter and cook in the summer but we do have a constant breeze which is lovely. All the exotic plants I had dreamed about did not survive so its nearly all those which I grew in the UK. Forsythia is tough and pretty Honeysuckle has started covering the fences now and I have just planted some pyrecantha with its lovely red berries around the chicken house for looks and security with its serious thorns. I was suprised how well the climbing roses are doing although its taken some time to settle them in. Good luck with your planting let me know of any successes.

Many thanks for the suggestions, I shall do some more planting in the autumn, once the heat has abated, just to give any shrubs a chance to establish. I'll let you know how I get on.

Cape Honeysuckle does well down here, all the Cyprus and Junipers. Bottlebrushes and of course Boogy villieas! Your low temperatures may be problem for the Honeysuckle.