What shrub for front garden

alexpnlZrLVF

Hi all,

Very new gardener here! 

We have just had our front drive done and have had a 0.4m (16 inches) wide flowerbed put in behind our front wall. We would like to plant an evergreen shrub (or something similar) that will grow to about 1.6m (5’3) high and not disrupt the wall or tarmac drive.

The front drive is north east facing. 

Does anyone have any recommendations? I initially was thinking about a laurel but am concerned the flowerbed may be too narrow. Very open to suggestions though!

Thanks.

bcpathome

How about a euonymus or two and some spring bulbs to brighten it up between March and May .

Silver surfer

16" is too narrow for any shrub...in my humble opinion.

Slow-worm

Silver surfer said:

16" is too narrow for any shrub...in my humble opinion.

Tell that to a buddleia! 😉

GardenerSuze

@alexpnlZrLVF Have you considered grasses? I think these are the only plants that will give height with out the need for too much space at the roots . All shrubs of the height you mention will need a deep root run. A shrub of 5ft will need to spread it's roots out about 3ft in all directions at least, as general a guide.

Silver surfer

Slow-worm said:

Silver surfer said:

16" is too narrow for any shrub...in my humble opinion.

Tell that to a buddleia! 😉

Ahh yes..many plants will grow in that space...including Buddleja.

However the request was for.... "We would like to plant an evergreen shrub (or something similar) that will grow to about 1.6m (5’3) high and not disrupt the wall or tarmac drive."
Buddleja would probably block the drive completely.


Lots of dwarf conifers/evergreen shrubs...but they will not be tall enough.
Any tall evergreen shrub will expand over the drive..bed is only 16 "wide!

AnniD

You could try something like Euonymus japonica Green Spire, bear in mind you'll need to keep an eye on the watering 

Topbird

I agree that 16" is a very narrow space to grow a shrub but a carefully euonymus might do the job.

The other suggestion I'd make is Choisya Dewitteana "White Dazzler"

I have one growing in part shade and, after 4 years, it's about 1m x 1m. Blurb says eventual height could be 1.5m. 

It's an attractive evergreen shrub with nice small, soft leaves (no scratching of cars or people!) and mine is smothered with beautifully scented white flowers over many weeks in spring and is budding up for a second flush towards the end of August. It can be left to develop a natural shape or pruned into a more 'manicured' shape if desired. It's a fairly slow grower so easy to monitor and keep within bounds if necessary.

A hebe might also be worth looking at. Not something I grow so no advice re variety etc.

Fairygirl

I think it's 16 inches front to back, rather than the length being 16 inches. However, the length of the bed is a factor for suggestions. 
Also - what direction does the bed face, and what height is the wall? You say the drive is NE facing, but it's not clear what aspect the bed itself is, or how wet/dry, heavy or light the soil. Your approximate location is also important, as there are huge variations throughout the country.
If it's quite sunny and bright, with reasonable drainage, Escallonia or Ceanothus might work.
 
A photo will help too @alexpnlZrLVF

Silver surfer

Topbird said:

I agree that 16" is a very narrow space to grow a shrub but a carefully euonymus might do the job.

The other suggestion I'd make is 

Choisya Dewitteana "White Dazzler" 

It's an attractive evergreen shrub with nice small, soft leaves (no scratching of cars or people!) and mine is smothered with beautifully scented white flowers over many weeks in spring and is budding up for a second flush towards the end of August. 

My Choisya Dewitteana "White Dazzler" is a similar age to yours.
It is planted in a wide border, maybe 2ft from the pavement and is already hanging over the path.
I agree it is a super shrub.
However in a 16" wide border maybe 20" will be sticking out over the drive.

Busy-Lizzie

A Nandina might work but it must be the right variety. I had one that grew to a narrow tree about 5 ft. It had red berries in winter.