Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - November 22, 2014
From: Orangevale, CA
Region: California
Topic: Invasive Plants, Privacy Screening, Shrubs
Title: Replacement for Amber Jubilee Ninebark in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
AMBER JUBILEE bush separating my neighbor and me, is spreading its roots into our water pipes. Want to rip out. What plants are root friendly and also give you privacy?ANSWER:
Physocarpus opulifolius 'Jefam' (Amber Jubilee™ Ninebark) is a cultivar of Physocarpus opulifolius (Ninebark), a North American native plant, but not native to California. Its native habitat has a higher moisture content (rainfall and soil) than most of California so its roots are trying to find that level of moisture. This may be one reason its roots are getting into your water pipes. Native California shrubs would be a better choice since they are accustomed to growing with less water. Here are some native California shrubs that are better choices for your privacy shrub:
Fremontodendron californicum (California flannelbush)
Arctostaphylos manzanita (Whiteleaf manzanita) Here is more information about one of the cultivars, Arctostaphylos manzanita 'Dr. Hurd' from Las Pilitas Nursery.
Woodwardia fimbriata (Giant chain fern) This is not a woody plant and the roots would not expand so much. It grows in part shade and moist soils. This would be a good choice if your soils are moist. Here is more information and photos from Yerba Buena Nursery in Half Moon Bay, CA.
Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon) grows in sun, part shade and shade and in dry soils.
Prunus ilicifolia (Hollyleaf cherry) grows in sun and dry soil. Here is more information with photos from Las Pilitas Nursery.
You could consider installing root barriers around your shrubs to keep the roots from growing into your water pipes. Although the concern for installing root barriers tends to be for preventing roots from harming concrete foundations and other structural components, they can also be used for preventing roots from entering plumbing and other water pipes. Here is more information about root barriers.
From the Image Gallery
More Invasive Plants Questions
Eliminating suckers from roots of Moraine locust in Hilliard, OH
July 07, 2009 - We removed a large Moraine Locust tree and also the stump. Now little trees from the roots are coming up. How do we get rid of these so something else can be planted?
view the full question and answer
Plants to replace Polygonum cuspidatum ( Japanese knotweed)
August 10, 2013 - I live in a heavily wooed area of Chippewa Falls, WI. Our property is covered with Giant Japanese Knot Weed. We have been trying to get rid of it for years. We are finally going to try using the dr...
view the full question and answer
Competition between Horseherb and Chickweed
July 04, 2014 - Ok, sorry I did it wrong the 1st time!? I live in Houston, and I have chickens! I also have mass amounts of Horseherb, and I want to buy some chickweed seeds and plant it for my chickens! My question ...
view the full question and answer
Hybrid Campsis radicans 'Madame Rosy' from Medina OH
July 07, 2012 - I have a Madame Rosy Campsis that is not blooming. We purchased and planted it last year, mid-summer and it did well for the remainder of the season but this year...nothing but green leaves........wh...
view the full question and answer
Identification and replacement of chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach)
April 24, 2007 - I am trying to identify and locate a native tree. We live in Fairview, near Allen, Texas. It is in bloom now. It has fragrant small lavender 5 petal flowers in clusters. They develop into yellow/t...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |