Any plant/shrub suggestions for landcaping one north facing and one east facing bank around our pad? My husband is leaning toward iceplant, but I am not a fan. We are east of San Diego, CA (2,000 ft elevation). Drought tolerance and fire deterrents are also characteristics we need to consider for this area.
It would be advisable to use plants native to your area like: Ceanothus spinosus http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/364.htm Arctostaphylos glauca http://www.laspilitas.com/plants/808.htm Check out you local garden store and look into native plant providers for your region.
I am not a big fan of Iceplant either. We often use Daylillies for banks around here, don't know how they do in San Diego. I normally pick 5 or 6 cultivars for each bank (depending on the size) and keep them in separate groups.
The Arctostaphylos genus does well - even another which is kinnickinnick. Crimson pygmy barberry is a small shrub that's fairly tough too. Berberis genus.
