Forum home Plants

Shrub suggestions new border

FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
Hi All,
long post!
I’m working out the design for a new border near my pond. The border to the right I’m happy with its very relaxed and a little wild and want to continue with this theme of grasses, yarrow, alliums, ammi majus and verbena etc. I’ve planted a silver birch behind/under which will be a small seating area, with a wooden screen and water feature to the the left. (The screen is there to break up the fence line and will also be inscribed with some words of a song my mum and grandmother used to sing when I was little- my little inheritance I got when mum died paid for the pond and the trees).
so in general I have a handle on planting, but I need some suggestions for a largish shrub to go in the left hand corner to balance the height of the trees on the right. It’s east facing, area of about  1.5m sq, exposed, neighbours patio is on other side so nothing with too much spread. I don’t mind height as long as it’s compact in structure, soil is poor chalky clay, dry in summer, stoney and slightly alkaline. Obviously I can improve soil to some extent. Colours- generally lots of purples, pinks, whites and touches of yellow from the yarrow. Fragrance would be nice! Any suggestions please? I will post photos and design plan too...
«1

Posts

  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883

  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,237
    edited March 2019
    Hydrangea aspera villosa perhaps?

    https://youtu.be/Itj2AZnAjaI

  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
    Just looked it up! I’d discounted hydrangeas as I thought the soil too poor but this one might work thanks WillDB. I’m a bit unsure about it, only in terms of it working with my scheme, bit blousy maybe?? I like it though, will definitely have it on my maybe list! 
  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
    Lol! Just watched the video! The story about his cousin Derek made me laugh! My daughter is ginger lol! 😂
  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
    It looks great actually and could be the one! 😀
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 11,179
    Choisa ternata?  Evergreen, white flowers, scented, rounded shape.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
    Thanks Lizzie... If im honest I’m not a huge fan of choisya.. for some reason I find the smell a bit like cat wee/spray lol! I’m sure there is a gene like the coriander one, but for some reason scientists aren’t researching it lol! 😂
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,699
    I can see a Euonymus Europaeus 'Red Cascade' fitting in there. Should do fine on your soil. Will add a relaxed feel and lovely late season interest too.
  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
    Ooh yes I can see that too, thanks Borderline will add to my list! I’d only got as far as a variegated eleagnus, so I’m pleased I posted! 😁
Sign In or Register to comment.