Screening plant for heat pump

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by Aileen, Sep 12, 2006.

  1. Aileen

    Aileen Member

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    Location:
    Victoria
    The area around the heat pump is shaded. Because of the change in temperatures given off by the heat pump I am stumped as to what plant to choose? The maximum height would be 48".Thanks A.
     
  2. HortLine

    HortLine Active Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Vancouver, BC
    The heat pump is likely to heat the air minimally. Bamboo, clumping (less invasive), is a hardy plant that will tolerate some shade and lots of drought. Fargesia nitida is a variety you might try: light airy graceful narrow slump needing shade to do best. Inquire at your local nursery for the varieties that grow best in your area. Just make sure you get the clump forming variety and not the running variety. Dwarf varieties are available as well. Portugese Laurel is a plant with an iron constitution that would offer green foliage all year long, slow growth, and the option to trim when necessary. Prunus lusitanica.
     
  3. Weekend Gardener

    Weekend Gardener Active Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Coquitlam, BC
    My understanding is that most if not all bamboos need a consistently moist soil and do not tolerate drought well. The ones in my garden show their dismay by doing their leaf rolls if I don't pander to their water needs. Do you mean "draft" rather than "drought"?

    Invasiveness pertaining to bamboos is a relative term. It depends on the species and the growing conditions. Phyllostachys aureu will always be a villain when it comes to invasiveness, wherever you plant it. Indocalamus tessellatus can be rampant given the right conditions. In constrast, I wish my Phyllostachys vivax 'Aureucaulis' will get off the starting block and start spreading - so I can get new divisions soon. The clump of Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo) intergrown with what I think is P vivax in it's sheltered hollow in Queen Elizabeth is bludgeoning at the edge of the clumps (I see that rhizome barriers were recently installed), but my friend's 8 year old Phyllostachys nigra in the North Shore remains confirmed to an area of about 8 feet in diameter - hardly rampant. I agree, your safe bet is to go with a clumping bamboo - in which case, my absolute favourite is Chusquea culeo. There is even a variety ('Cana Prieta' ) with black canes. But not all running bamboos desire the bad reputation oft touted.

    You will be hard pressed to find a true dwarf, clumping, temperate bamboo. The majority of temperate clumpers get to 10-15 feet in height, except for Borinda and Chusquea which can get up to 20 feet. However, if you are interested in bamboos less than 10 feet tall or even smaller, don't be afraid to use a dwarf running variety - just make sure you install the proper root barriers. Most bamboo specialist will supply the right material for this and will likely offer advice as well. For a shady spot, my favourite dwarf bamboo is Pleioblastus viridistriatus.
     

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