In an attempt to find a drought-tolerant ground cover for his Irvine homeowners’ association landscape, Jim Harrison introduced kurapia in selected areas this summer. Harrison wrote that it was “planted in July, filled in nicely in August, and survived well in September heat.”
He found it to be a “great substitute for brown grass problems. We are expanding the use in mixed shade/sun areas; it uses the same sprinkler time as low-water plants watered from the same valve.” He did mention that “some dog owners are concerned about the increase of bees” since bees do sting dogs, as you may know. I would suggest monthly mowing of the kurapia since that generally prevents kurapia flower development. The kurapia had been installed in sod-like strips.
I received another email from Irvine, this one detailing the history of a Japanese maple that was planted in an enormous ceramic pot five years ago.