It's too bad that you cant go just a tad bit shorter than 2 to 3 feet, I had lots of suggestions for you that stays with the same one plant, but with color varations. One suggestions was to go with the Cosmic cosmos--all three colors red, orange and yellow which are totally stunning and vibrant mixed together. And incredibly easy to grow from seed! Another suggestion was Magellan zinnias, which will grow like dwarf hydrangea shrubs smothered with handsized blooms that last for months. I had blooms that did not need be removed for 4 months, I kid you not! And there is just about every color available, coral, ivory, yellow, pink, scarlet, cherry, orange, salmon. I am growing over 400 of these this year. Another suggestion was a mixture of Celosia 'Fresh Look' colors in red, orange,and yellow. Most people hate celosia because they have never had good luck with keeping them going, but the Fresh Looks are very stunning, lush, healthy plants that get just under 2 foot tall, if I remember correctly. Another suggestion was to do Gomphrena, in a mixture of colors. Gomphrena, if plants are kept together and properly spaced will grow to a 2 foot tall airy "shrub" that stands up to rain, drought, etc. I grow the "All Around Purple', 'Strawberry Fields', and other colors from Park Seed, including white, rose and bicolor rose. Dont underestimate those small colored balls! They can REALLY make a huge standout, if they are grown correctly. I second the idea of using Profusion zinnias. These are like the perfect daisy like flower! Also, the blooms did not need removed for 4 months, available in colors: cherry, white, orange, Fire (reddish orange) and Apricot (my favorite). Very easy to grow from seed. You may want to check into the Tidal wave Petunias. If you space them about 2 foot apart, they will spread out like you wouldnt believe and grow to about 2 foot tall. I have never seen a petunia grow like this before last year! Though, the silver would blend right into your house color, but they do make a purple, hot pink, and cherry color that I will be doing this year. Tidals have a massive branching system to them. Do a search on gardenweb and you will find lots of pictures and ideas for them.

i will be the second or third person to tell you it NOT A WATER issue... but continue to ignore such if it makes you happy ... you arent doing harm with your idea.. but it isnt going to solve the problem .... my bet is .... and i see you are rooting more plants in the same pot.. that you have significantly OLD MEDIA.. that is used up.. and not allowing proper MOVEMENT OF WATER THRU THE WHOLE ... its still a water issue.. but not the one you are fixated on ... get those babes their own pots.. and repot the big one ... and if it dies.. you still have it.. because those cutting are the same plant.. exactly ... and move them closer to a window.. as there may not be sufficient light in what looks like the middle of the room ... there is a houseplant forum if you wish to delve further into the proper culture of houseplants ... all this is that your mom would have done if she was any kind of houseplant gardener .... the best idea.. would be to pot up the little ones fist.. and in a month or so.. when they are all fat and happy.. and your have your failsafe.. you can give it a go on the big one ... and what they said on the lowest leaves falling off... they do that annually.. no plant holds it oldest leaves forever ... and just to be sure.. potting media is NOT dirt from the yard ... good luck ken

Thanks for the tip Satellite. I'll try there if no luck here. Maybe you're onto something in the Salvia category. I'm not sure it's Compton's, but the leaf looks like it may be similar and the overall form is alot closer than what I had been looking at in my previous searches. Sincerely, Danielle

All you need is patience. Those are so going to fill the space and beyond. all you need is some low groundcover type plants filling in the blank areas. On another subject, it would be a mistake to let any of the lower branches remain on the tree long enough that they start to become part of the permanent canopy. This is something you do right along as the tree grows instead of waiting until it is overdue.