Hi. Friends of ours are moving to Comox shortly, and she would like to start a garden - unfortunately, she seems to kill every plant she touches. We'd like to give them something to start their garden, but I don't know what's hardy in Comox. I'm thinking of some sort of perennial that thrives on neglect - perhaps a flowering shrub? From the pictures I've seen, there appears to be very little shade around the house, although there is a protected patio area, so maybe container gardening would be an option. Any ideas? Thanks for your help. Laurie
Also depends if it's fenced or not--lots of browsing deer in and around Comox. Brachyglottis greyi (also sold as Senecio greyi) does well in the area, and forms a large mound with little care that will thrive in full sun. Deer will eat it, though.
To hear her tell it, she just gets within 10 ft, and that's it. I suspect too little water though, because her last effort was a miniature rose which, I'm told, just dried up.
Thank you, that might be perfect. The rear of the house is fenced, although I don't know if it's deer fencing. I'll keep brachyglottis greyi in mind. Thanks again!
Nope, mostly maritime until you head up towards the mountains....though things such as Myrica californica and the like which grow on the South island don't persist here, and my property in particular is behind a ridge and a frost pocket. Still, B. greyi thrives--both at my place and throughout the area, and is commonly available at a couple of local nurseries who propagate from mother plants on site. Mine have endured a couple of drops into the -10 C and below (lowest was a ten/twenty year dip to around -15/-17 at our place which wiped out a number of things...including my acacia dreams/pretensions). Mine are around 10-11 years old now, and came from another long established specimen at another local garden. Perhaps it's hardier than presumed.
