What kind of plants...?

Question

In my school there is an outdoor student lounge that is all cement, and we are trying to green the school. What kind of plants can we grow in either pots or plant boxes that are green all year, and do not require a lot of water (watering more than once a week).
The school is in Los Angeles, CA, if that makes a difference.

Answer 1

I'd consider Yucca, Agave, Jade Plants and maybe some aloes. There are a group of plants related to Sempervivum and Sedum that would also do well.

All of these plants would require more sun than shade, and infrequent watering. You should check some of these options out, at your local independent garden center or nursery. They will also be able to help you with other, local, good choices.

Remember that many of these plant choices might work out well in different areas of the nation, they might not be right for a hotter area, like L.A.
If there's one thing I'd strongly recommend- No Impatiens... they require quite a bit of watering!

Good luck-
I hope that this helps

Answer 2

I will give a list of plant materials that you may look into. They are going to be succulent type plants such as Kalanchoes, Sedums, Yucca's, Aloe Vera, small Agave's. Asparagus ferns will add a nice texture to the underplanting of any of the above. It stores water in underground tubers and can take care of itself when established. There is the key to maintaining potted plants. All will need to be established by regular watering once a week. I might add that there are some smart soils on the market, those that holds water back from the plants roots until it is needed. Made by Sta-Green Co. Also contains fertilizer to feed for 3 mos. much like Miracle-Gro's soil line. In any case, if this is an open area, try clustering pots of different heights with your plant selections. Maybe the improvements will stimulate others to cover the concrete with plants and take back our green.

Answer 3

Spider plants!

They are very hearty little plants. They should do fine even if the kids forget to water them for a few days. They don't take up a lot of room, but they can spread fast so it might be a cheap way to cover a large area with plants fairly quickly.

They also look really cool.

Before you get a plant in your school, make sure that it can't be used as a drug. You might not know it but the kids probably do. There are lots of plants you probably wouldn't think of... nutmeg, morning glory, etc. I recommend you at least give it a search to make sure.

Answer 4

I'd say Lantana. They will need bigger plant boxes but grow easily and flower pretty much year round in your climate. (The plant is literally covered with tiny little flowers.) If it drops below freezing they will stop flowering, but you hardly ever go below freezing and they recover very quickly. In your area they won't require extra watering as long as they get rain. Extra water once a week would help, but it's not necessary by any means. The plants can take abuse from children just fine. And most importantly, the kids won't hurt themselves on the plants.

If you are committed to watering the plants once a week you should be able to get away with something more fun for the kids, such as spearmint. It's also easy to grow and can take abuse. The kids might pick at it but they won't get sick. Another fun plant would be Garlic Chives, which would also be green year round but might require thinning from time to time. Purple Dark Opal Basil is another one that should be fun. Kids don't necessarily like basil so the plant is more likely to be left alone. It too should remain alive year round, although it's purple not green.

On those garden shows they always say to ask your local nursery for suggestions, so keep that in mind if nothing else catches you. Just remember kids are kids. They WILL eventually end up in your plants. So pick something that isn't too fussy, and please pick something that doesn't have thorns or sharp edges (such as roses, cacti, agave, yucca, etc).

Answer 5

Large Plants:
*Roses do well in really large containers that are approx. half barrel size.
*Nandina are lovely evergreens that turn red when the weather cools.
*Dwarf Crepe Myrtle
*Hibiscus

Small Plants:
*Lavender
*Geranium
*Hosta, Astilbe, Impatiens, for shady areas
*Petunias

Answer 6

plant a crape myrtle and under plant it with lantana

Answer 7

Cacti. And the students won't pick at them either!