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Old 15-05-2006, 05:04 PM posted to austin.gardening
Richard
 
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Default Alternative to Oleander

Here are some things that come to mind right off in addition to what's
been offered:

Mexican Sage - a bit fuller than Mexican Oregano with larger leaves and
blue spires that shoot up about three or four inches. Overall, it'll
get to be about three feet tall, maybe. It does die back in the
winter.

Esperanza (Yellow Bells) - Loves sun, can be a bit leggy but is
beautiful when it's covered in yellow tubular flowers. I think it can
get to be about five feet tall or so???

Bush Germander - More like a bush or shrub than these prevous two &
gets little purple or lavendar blooms on it. It'll grow to four or
five feet. I think it's evergreen.

Dwarf Nandina - Not a bloomer but it is more shrub-like. It's light
green leaves will turn more or less orange/red depending on the amount
of sun it gets. Not really a favorite of mine, but you'll see it lots
of places & may be worth checking out.

The other thing you could do is check out various types of salvias, for
example salvia greggii (cherry sage or autumn sage) or majestic sage.
Some are more evergreen than others and they come in various heights &
bloom colors.

rj