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Questions and Answers: 2014

Question: Hi: I'm planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers in my son's school courtyard as part of a project featuring indigenous plants. …

• Question

  Hi: I'm planting trees, shrubs and wildflowers in my son's school courtyard as part of a project featuring indigenous plants. We have about 850 square feet of planting beds, which surround central concrete pavers. The courtyard gets quite hot in summer, yet the plants get only partial sun (maybe 5 hours max in summer). What type of ecosystem is that? I'd love to plant a dogwood (cornus florida), but know they like it cooler. Can I plant a groundcover around the base?

  Answer

  Dear mcmica2000, These are tough questions to answer without detailed site information. But, it sounds you need something that will do well in dry shade, something that has 4-season interest, and something that can probably tolerate salt (assuming it’s going to be at least somewhat close to a parking lot). That said, dogwood would do fine in the heat; in fact, it would probably help prevent anthracnose to be in an area that retains some heat. But, it could be preferable to steer toward Ostrya--it will deal well with the heat and the low sunlight. Think also about evergreens--maybe something like an American holly or a pitch pine. Best wishes.