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Perennials for East Facing Border

PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 1,941
in Plants
I have a sheltered east facing border which gets morning sun for about four hours until midday, followed by light shade.  I've got some young lupins, Nepeta faassenii and Heleniums ready for planting soon and wondered whether this border might suit them as there's not much space available elsewhere in full sun.  The soil is sandy and free draining but I will add some  organic matter to improve it.  Last year the Heleniums were unhappy in full sun without regular watering.  Some sources say that these three plants will be OK in dappled shade, with reduced flowering, but I'd appreciate any thoughts or experience you may have please.  Thank you.
Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.

Posts

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 20,967
    I have a lupin, a nepeta Walkers Low and a couple of heleniums in that sort of border in that sort of soil. I added compost when I planted them and they have been fine.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 1,941
    That's great @Busy-Lizzie, thank you, I'll get to work soon!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,262
    I'd think the Heleniums would be fine.  :)

    I don't grow Nepeta as I don't like the colour. Lupins just get eaten, so I no longer grow those either, but many of them will take some shade.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 3,567
    edited 19 February
    Heleniums need water throughout the growing season. They hate to dry out and if they do flowering is poor.
    The yellows seem to be more tolerant of shade not sure why. H Moerheim Beauty also hates competition from other plants and loves sun.

    If I only had space for one it would be H Sahin's Early Flowerer.
    RETIRED GARDENER, SOUTH NOTTS, SOIL CLAY

    A garden is an oasis for creation, available to anyone with a little space and the compunction to get their hands dirty.

    Dan Pearson
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 1,941
    edited 19 February
    Thank you @Fairygirl and @GardenerSuze.  I'm going to see how they fare and then move them if progress is slow - or they start to get eaten!  I agree that H. Sahin's Early Flowerer is a good one @GardenerSuze, but it's not keen on full sun in sandy soil here so I'll see if it does better with some shade.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,262
    I think it'll come down to what else you have nearby too @Plantminded . My east facing borders are quite  shady because of other trees etc, and the soil is clay, so it's consistently damp. I don't think Heleniums would work there for me, but the lighter soil you have will be a factor  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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