If you are planting in direct sunlight you might think about using vetiver grass, it is non evasive, grows about 2 to 4 feet high, roots to between 8 and 12 feet, roots almost vertically, absorbs heavy metals and when planted about 8 inches apart forms a very solid barrier for eroison. It establishes in less than a year. It withstands drought for about 3 months and is extremely hardy. Almost no downside, check vetiver in any search engine for more info.

1/4 & 3/4 acre ponds. A thousand miles from no where and there is no place I want to be...
Dwight Yoakam