Hey Fran, I dont know the answer to your question but wanted to let you know that I tried to answer your email and for some reason it keeps coming back to me. I would have picked up the phone but hubby has been sick and god knows he'll need everything the minute I make a call. We just found out that he has contracted lyme disease. He started his meds earlier this week and hope to see an improvement in his health in the next week or so. The answer to your question about the poppies is I have no idea. I must have labeled the marker wrong on the monarda poppy. I didnt keep very good records, what a surprise! I'm heading off to work today but will try and give you a call after the holiday. Lisa

I planted fig vine to cover cement block wall many, many years ago and now have had to take it all down. The reason, the roots are traveling to house, etc. and uprooting cement walkways. The roots have grown to at least four or five inches circumference (sp??). What a bummer. This plant covers everything. All plants near it were being covered. Planters beware....think ahead about 10 or 15 years.

I was hoping it was hardy in the soucal coast or so. That usually translate I can grow it in sun in summer..and winter on the porch in winter up here in the bay area,like Stephanotis or Mandavilla's. But,if its ultra tropical,like a Jade vine,then its a no go I guess.

Yes, I have a similar spot. An East-facing wall with vine-supporting lattice that gets sun from sunrise till about 2pm during the height of summer. Not to mention, it gets reflected heat from the concrete driveway that leads up to it. I have also tried morning glories and moonflowers here. Both also failed. But I've got some things working for me... I have two different vines on it right now. One is my Clematis henryi, which was an experiment. It blooms, yet wilts. Has survived one year. Probably will not survive for the long term. The other is Blue Sky vine (Thunbergia grandiflora). This is a rampant vine. It has gone from a small 1-gallon potted plant to covering 3/4 of a 10'x20' lattice in about 4 months. I have to prune it back every few days, but it is a tough, beautiful vine with nice blue flowers. Confederate Jasmine could work. You might also try any one of the many Passion Flower vines. Another neat vine that I like is Brazilian Nightshade (Solanum seaforthianum). This vine stays neatly in bounds and has cool purplish white flowers. It takes the heat in stride and does quite well. Good luck on your search!