When I was still working for Caltrans we tried Escallonia on one on ramp. Last time I saw them they were solid aphids. The Abelia we had in a large quadrant were huge fountain shaped plants, which was ok because they weren't in a place where they impeded traffic or blocked visibility. Raphiolepsis did pretty well if we could get them established before the gophers found them. I stood and watched one of our new Raphs. slowly sink into the ground one day...like a scene from caddy shack. You've never gardened until you try it on a freeway! Between the varmints, the traffic running over the plants and irrigation, the compacted, contaminated soil, and the safety issues, it's really a challenge.
Can't say I miss it.
