Well, I know people view oleander with almost pathological horror, but unless herds of toddlers will routinely storm the hedge, I think the petite pink and petite salmon varieties of oleander can't be beat for the conditions you put forth.

While deciduous, the dwarf crepe myrtles flower all summer, but check for mildew problems in your area first.

BTW, if I lived in Vista, I'd high tail it over to Buena Creek gardens and ask those fine folk for ideas.

Here is a link that might be useful: buena creek gardens

Thanks for the oleander suggestion, I'll definitely consider it. I finished an e-mail to Buena Creek Gardens just as your suggestion to contact them popped up. *lol* It's a great nursery (I used to work there), and I asked them the same question I posted here.

It isn't too hot and dry for long term health of Hebe species and cultivars in your area? Would Crowea exalata work for you, or how about one of the larger growing Lavandula species/cultivars such as L. Provence? Diplacus aurantiacus would fit the bill, as would Howard McMinn manzanita. Callistemon 'Little John' could also be kept trimmed to this size, and has a long season of bloom.

If you didn't mind something exotic and also thorny, some of the Puya species such as P. venusta or P. caerulea could look pretty exotic as a hedge. Some of the Aloes would also work well in this area, like A. striatula or A. spinossisima.

Polygala (Sweet Pea Shrub) does well in San Diego area and flowers pretty much year round there. (I know this because a friend of mine has them). The regular one gets about 5-6', but there is a cultivar called 'Petite Butterfly' that gets 3x4. It might be just the thing for you.

Be sure to click on the second image

Here is a link that might be useful: polygala petite butterflies

I have grown Hebe "Amy" here and it is a handsome plant when healthy, but it is subject to disease that may wipe it out about the time it fills in to make a hedge. Al

BAHIA ~ The hebes in my last garden did GREAT for the entire 6+ years I owned the house. Thanks for the suggestion of Crowea, tho - never heard of it before. It's a little shorter and less dense than what I had in mind, but could work. I'm hoping the hedge will be between 3-4' tall and wide, so I don't think the Lavenders you mentioned get big enough. Diplacus aurantiacus is a little rangy for what I had in mind, and Arctostaphylos 'Howard McMinn' too large, but Callistemon 'Little John' sounds like a good possibililty - thanks! Maybe I need to consider a less formal looking mixed hedge?

WANDA~ I love Polygala 'Petite Butterfly' and just planted 5 of them in my new front yard. They could also work well in the back for this small hedge - thanks!

AL~ I've had good experiences in Encinitas with Hebe 'Amy', but have been told that sometimes they do fail due to phytopthera (sp?). I just love them, tho!

Thanks to you all for your suggestions!

I have heavenly bamboo planted along my front at the edge of the porch.I keep them trimmed to a hedge,but don't have to do that more than once a year if that.They get very pretty if they get enough sun and in the fall they produce berries,that are also pretty.There is nothing messy about it.Low maintenance,thrives on neglect etc.Mine has been in place for 11 plus years. Here's a picture.

{{gwi:545025}}

Kathi

KATHI - Thanks for the suggestion, but this plant has the potential to be very invasive and I live right next to a native plant habitat.