Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Monday - May 11, 2009
From: Huntington Beach,, CA
Region: California
Topic: Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Plants for wall behind pool in Huntingdon Beach California
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have a backyard pool and I just removed a messy ivy hedge that grew along the back block wall. The plant was shedding too much leaves. I would like the new plant to hide the fence and grow close enough to the wall that it won't stick out more that a foot. The wall is about 3 ft from the pool, so whatever plant grows there needs to have a root system that won't affect my pool wall. I don't want plants in pots by the pool, tried that didn't work. Also a plant that is fast growing is desired. ThanksANSWER:
We were stumped for a while; we could not find a vine that appeared to be satisfactory for very southern California, and no shrub would tolerate being kept cut back so it only stuck out a foot. Then, we thought of grasses. We're not talking lawn grass that has to be mowed, these are grasses native to North America and to California that require little care beyond trimming them down to about 6 inches late in the winter. We chose grasses that are ornamental, hold their place year round and of various heights so you could arrange them as you chose. You didn't say how high your wall is, nor whether it was in sun or shade, but as you follow the links below, you should be able to find several that will suit your purpose. Grasses have fibrous roots, but not the woody invasive kind of root that would interfere with your pool wall.
Grasses for poolside in Southern California
Achnatherum hymenoides (Indian ricegrass) - 1 to 2 ft. tall, low water use, sun
Bouteloua curtipendula (sideoats grama) - 1 to 3 ft., medium water use, sun or part shade
Bothriochloa laguroides ssp. torreyana (silver beardgrass) - 3 to 6 ft., low water use, sun
Calamagrostis canadensis (bluejoint) - 3 to 5 ft., medium water use, sun, part shade or shade
Deschampsia cespitosa - 1 to 3 ft, low water use, part shade
Festuca californica (California fescue) - 3 to 6 ft., medium water use, part shade
Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley) - 1 to 3 ft.
Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem) - 18 to 24 inches tall, low water use, sun or part shade
More Grasses or Grass-like Questions
O.K. to grow grass under a live oak?
November 26, 2014 - Is it a bad idea to plant grass around a mature live oak? We have erosion issues and trying to keep mulch in the beds around the tree groves is a challenge, even with edging. Much of the native dirt...
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for Austin yard
March 08, 2012 - My main goal is to cover my yard with a "grass" or groundcover that can handle the Texas heat, predicted long drought and some dog paw traffic (without going dormant/brown in the winter). I don't n...
view the full question and answer
Grasses and flowering plants for Dallas
July 02, 2008 - I have an area of morning sun next to my house about ten feet deep. I would like to mix a fairly tall grass with two other plants, flowering. What are some of your suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Will buffalograss thrive in Ada OK?
May 08, 2013 - Would buffalo grass thrive in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, where my sandy loamie soil struggles with summer droughts?
view the full question and answer
Creating a wildflower meadow
May 18, 2013 - I have an area 1-6 acres worth that is currently grass that I would like to overseed with wildflower seed. The local native plant nursery says that would be a waste. I don't really want to kill gra...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |