Need Advice on Calif. Natives?

I'm available to help out if you have questions on landscaping with California Native plants.

Do you know where I can obtain a Quercus durata (California Scrub Oak), other than Las Pilitas in Escondido? A 12-15 gallon size would be great, but I could settle for smaller. Also, I need the true form not the Q. durata var gabrielensis. Thanks!

Hi Richard:

Boy, that's hard core! I know LP doesn't carry it, but you might try Cal Native nursery in Menifee or El Nativo, but unfortunately not feeling optimistic. If you get up to their native range, you might still be able to find viable seed, though the window is closing on that. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

I looked at the LP site and they do have duratas in San Luis in 5 gallons, but they are probably the local form up there. I know they ship, but don't know if they ship 5s as well.

Wow, thanks for checking the San Luis inventory! I'm going to try this plant in my native clay soils (zone 23 of San Diego county). I grew up with these shrubs and their larger sibling, the CA evergreen oak. I miss them! What suggestions do you have for planting it out of the pot and long term care?

We typically don't amend soils with natives - higher fertility and organic matter really work against the mycorrhizal colonization. We usually just dig a hole and stick them in! I'll usually hit a 5 gallon plant with up to 30 gallons of water to settle the soil around the root ball. We also tend to plant a little high to ensure adequate drainage. Our favorite mulch is shredded redwood, or in the case of the oak, nice clean oak leaf litter would suffice, 2-4 inches thick. I like to put down a pre-emergent just after planting and before mulching to help control some of the annual weeds.