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Bristol, United Kingdom Gb

could someone suggest some nice looking shrubs, big and small to make a tired, large, north facing border look structured? I am looking for flowering shrubs and evergreens so that there is something to look at in the garden during the winter. Thanks




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I'd suggest Sambucus 'Black Lace', which is extremely easy but wonderfully attractive with pink/white flowers in spring, purplish foliage, and wonderful dark berries in autumn (which you can eat in pies or as part of a 'summer pudding'). Easy to propagate, and kept in check with strict pruning will remain as small as you want it.

14 Mar, 2010

 

Evergreens: Mahonia aquifolium, Mahonia 'Charity', Berberis darwinii, Brachyglottis (used to be Senecio 'Sunshine') Skimmia, Pieris forestii, Photinia fraserii 'Red Robin', Choisya ternata 'Sundance', Sarcoccoca varieties, Euonymus fortunei varieties, Phormium , Hebe'Youngii' (all these look good year round)
Deciduous: Cornus alba 'Sibirica variegata' Berberis thunbergii atropurpureum, Berberis ottawensis, Cotinus coggrygia Royal Purple, Spiraea 'Goldflame', Deutzia, Forsythia, Ribes sanguinum
Maybe that's enough for now - you need to check out what they look like and sizes to decide

14 Mar, 2010

 

It's been pointed out to me that I neglected to say that, if your soil is chalky or alkaline, Pieris and Skimmia won't like it - they prefer neutral to acid, so if your neighbours grow rhododendrons, camellias, blue hydrangeas, both pieris and skimmia will be fine in your soil. I didn't say it cos I thought I'd said enough, otherwise it'd be a dissertation, lol;-)

14 Mar, 2010

 

dont forget escalonia too. good list there bamboo :o)

14 Mar, 2010

 

As it's north facing, I would include a sarcococca - these are evergreen and flower in February with VERY scented flowers

14 Mar, 2010

 

Wow! thanks, off to garden centre now, am guessing will need my credit card!!

15 Mar, 2010

 

No, hold on - you need to check them out first before buying - check heights, widths, leaf colours, flowers etc, lol!

15 Mar, 2010

How do I say thanks?

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