Ideas and Suggestions
Richard Mccreary
Posts: 20
in Plants
We have redesigned our driveway and have increased the size and number of borders. One is north facing and is backed by a fence. I need shallow rooting plants, shrubs etc due to gas pipe running across part of the border, which didn't realise was so close to the Surface.
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Posts
If it's quite shaded, geranium phaeum are supposed to do well. I've just bought one, yet to see how it gets on.
I also like cyclamen as they appreciate dappled shade (not sure about heavy shade). You can get different varieties depending on when you want them to flower. I've had success with cyclamen coum (flower late Dec to March) and am now buying cyclamen purpurascens for summer flowering.
I would plant annuals for the summer and autumn bloom, and bulbs for spring.
Don't forget a patch of columbines, they do well in shade and their foliage is always interesting.
Also adding a few heucheras will give year round colour. Many are shade tolerant:
https://www.heucheraholics.co.uk/Shade_Tolerant/cat3666017_3411917.aspx
Polygonatum odoratum var pluriflorum 'variegatum'
" " 'Double Stuff'
" " x hybridum 'Striatum'
The three above are variegated Solomons Seals ; attactive foliage stays throughout the summer , more importantly shallow carpet forming root system ; shade and drought tolerant ; scented flowers and easy to divide and give friends and neighbours .
HOSTAS.
Hostafan1
Would I be correct to assume that you like Hostas ?
Be wary of Solomons Seal - in my garden they do very well in dry and shady situation but after flowering the caterpillars move in and cab strip the plants in a couple of days!
My deutzia does well in a shallow dry shady area in front of a fence, and also jasmine beesiana if you are looking for more height. The jasmine can get a bit unruly but is easily tamed.
Be wary of Solomons Seal - in my garden they do very well in dry and shady situation but after flowering the caterpillars move in and can strip the plants in a couple of days!
My deutzia does well in a shallow dry shady area in front of a fence, and also jasmine beesiana if you are looking for more height. The jasmine can get a bit unruly but is easily tamed.