Are there any plants with shallow roots for a bed along house?

I have a flower bed, roughly 2'x20', that I want to liven up with some plants--anything, even if just ground cover. The problem is that there is little soil before I hit landscape rocks. They were most likely put there by the previous homeowner.



I think the obvious solution is to dig out the rocks. I have gone out several times with a wagon, intending to take out the rocks. Each time I end up talking myself out of it after seeing how much work it will be. I was wondering if there is something I could plant that doesn't need much depth of soil.



At this time, I have three fairly large flower pots spread out evenly. It's not enough. It's too plain. Any ideas?

Are there any plants with shallow roots for a bed along house?
could you make a raised bed?



you could just simply get some railroad ties, drive some stakes in to make them stay put, and fill the boxes with dirt, and have ample room for some nice plantings.
Reply:Use the rock you take out as a border......put you some mums in there since fall is here...
Reply:Any type of moss would due , the rock's would work in there favor since the roots will cling onto it . great ground cover . happy planting............
Reply:Try Portulaca . Very drought tolerant %26amp; will self-sow , for subsequent years, if the soil is exposed to light . Also , look for seed , to fill in . It starts flowering in about 4 weeks, so there is still time . For something perennial, Hens %26amp; Chicks ( Sempervivum) %26amp; groundcover-type Sedums will work well . They aren't as colorful as Portulaca, though.



You could try some smaller(or even larger) pots between your current pots.





http://www.parkseed.com/webapp/wcs/store...
Reply:You don't say how far down the rocks are located, so this is only a guess on my part. Your location would also help to establish what plant would grow well in your locale. Iam going to go out on a limb here and suggest the "azalea". It has a fiberous and shallow growing root system and all the roots are found within the top foot of soil. They also make for a nice flowering shrub in the spring, and stay green after the bloom is done to add a nice touch to the front of the house. Hope this answers your question..

http://www.azaleas.org/index.pl/azaleas....



**Billy Ray**