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What plant on north side of fence in west facing garden?

Lesley218Lesley218 Posts: 5
in Plants
We are redesigning the front garden, pictured here. The photo is taken pointing west north west but I’m looking to replace that fence with something a bit higher and plant something that is technically north facing. Whatever I plant will want to climb into the neighbours south side! This spot is in shade for half the day but full sun later on. We are after a Japanese style theme. Prob not good for Acers as a bit windy. Was thinking maybe climbing hydrangea, jasmine?
Any other ideas or thoughts anyone?!

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    You'll need a very strong, hefty fence to take Hydrangea petiolaris. it's get big if it has the right conditions. I'm not sure how well a jasmine would cope with that - I don't grow them [ they're not hardy enough up here] but I think they need very different conditions to the hydrangea.
    I take it you mean the fence on the left, and not the one with the hedging?
    Are you looking for something to give a backdrop to other plants, or a more solid, evergreen? Flowering in a particular colour? 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Lesley218Lesley218 Posts: 5
    Oh yes you’re probably right about the hydrangea getting heavy! I’d like something elegant and architectural I think as it’s the view from our lounge window. Was just planning to have gravel and big stones in the centre. Maybe some Japanese Forest grass...
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    There's nothing to stop you having an Acer once you create a bit of protection along the fence. Pyracanthas can be kept quite 'tight' against a fence, and have the added bonus of flowers at this time of year, and berries later  [all great for bees, birds etc ] 
    You can also prune them in a very architectural way  - like topiary - if you feel inclined! I've seen them cloud pruned against walls and they look stunning.
    There's a hydrangea called seemanii, which might be more suitable. I haven't grown it myselef, but I think it's evergreen,and possibly a bit lighter in weight. I don't think it's as robust as petiolaris though.

    There isn't a huge amount of room there, but a few well chosen, Japanese style plants and grasses, and some statues/water etc, would work very well in there.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Lesley218Lesley218 Posts: 5
    Hey FG thats brilliant advice. I almost ordered some pyracanthas the other day. I do fancy trying some cloud pruning too! Just need to get that turf shifted and get on with it! Thanks!!
  • soulboysoulboy Posts: 429
    Winter jasmine would thrive there. It's not a climber but can be trained and pruned to grow where and how you you want it and while it's not a very fast grower it does grow reasonably quickly.

    It will grow as tall and wide as you want it to, in about 3 years mine had reached a height of about 6', or just under 2 metres. Naturally it has an arching aspect and will root itself if the branches are allowed to touch the soil.

    It has lovely, small, yellow flowers from late autumn through to early spring but they aren't fragrant like the summer jasmine. It's also very easy to propagate, just take a cutting and stick it straight in the ground (having trimmed all but the last top leaves).
  • Lesley218Lesley218 Posts: 5
    Thanks sb I have winter jasmine in the back garden so could take cuttings from that!
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Lots of the Clematis alpinas are very happy on a north-facing fence 

    http://www.taylorsclematis.co.uk/Clematis-alpina/

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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