Planting against a west facing fence

Emma230

Hello

can anyone recommend a evergreen shrub which would grow well against a west facing fence on clay soil. I've placed a ceonothus and mock orange here currently but neither seem to be growing as well as the two I've planted on the east facing fence. Ideally I'd like something that will grow to at least 6ft in order to hide the fence. Unfortunately a climber won't be suitable as the fence belongs to my neighbour and so I don't want to cause any damage to it.Thank you. Emma

Borderline

There is another type of Mock Orange that will do well in that spot. Choysia Terrnata, the Mexican Orange Blossom will grow well in that position. You do need to still condition the soil well before you plant any shrub. Be generous with the planting hole space and mix in lots of compost or similar to allow the roots to grow into. Then water in thoroughly. The watering will need to be consistent right up to December. Then start watering again from March onwards. Shrubs can take up to 2-3 years to settle, so always keep the watering up especially in hot dry periods.

Tanty2

Choisya is a great idea!  Also maybe a Pittosporum (hardy, evergreen quite slow growing but not too dear to buy at a decent size), Griselinia Littorals - grows fast, hardy, evergreen, needs a fair bit of sun, easy to prune to shape and size, around the £30 mark to buy one already at 6ft.  Also, there's a few varieties, including a variegated one.   Have you thought about laying some Reshredded Mushroom Compost on top of the clay soil?  It'll gradually help it break down, I think.  Doesn't need dug in, either, can just be spread on top and the worms'll do the hard work   Could you put a couple shrubs in pots until the soil's improved a bit?

Fairygirl

Osmanthus and the evergreen Viburnums will be fine there. Rhododendrons, Pieris and Camellias will be fine if you don't have alkaline soil. Mahonia and Berberis if you don't mind the prickles - although not all Berbs are evergreen. Eleagnus - lots of varieties. 

If you're in a colder, wetter area, I wouldn't try Pittosporums - they're not reliably hardy in those conditions.