Thanks everyone I am enjoying your suggestions, particularly like 'smoke bush' but again can it be kept under control? also, agree Berberis are the right colour but are they all thorny? looked at Berberis Atropupurea but it only grows up to knee high (lovely colour though) I agree, it does seem the dark foliage varieties are deciduous. Thanks
My sambucas nigra "Black Lace" was one of the most admired plants at our Open Days over the weekend - I just love it. I once grew it with the palest pink foxgloves and a purple heuchera underneath, a divine combination!
That's so funny, @Lizzie27 as I bought my Sambucus Nigra 'Black Lace' after seeing it at an Open Gardens a few years ago... I love it! Thanks for the very useful pruning tips, @Pete8 (I think it could co with a bit of height reduction), and for the cordial-making tips, @Loraine3. Great plant, would definitely recommend!
Thanks everyone I am enjoying your suggestions, particularly like 'smoke bush'
I bought a second 'smoke bush' thinking it would be as lovely as the first, but the second has larger leaves and seems a bit more thuggish... Just check them out before you commit (sorry, don't know the varieties...)
Saw a 'Smoke Bush' at Beth Chatto's garden a few years ago and she suggested coppicing it so you had it under control and nice stems to use for flower arranging.
Loropetalum Chinense "Fire Dance" - purple leaves with little pink flowers in late spring/early summer. The combination ought not to work, but in a weird way it does. Needs full or partial sun, is frost-hardy to -10 C and will ultimately grow to 1 m high. Quite slow growing, though, but currently looking very good against a Chosyia "Sundance."
@greenfingers steve Hi there, Steve, yes, you're right, I've finally remembered to check the aggressive smoke bush and it is indeed Grace (Dummeri). Just going completely wild and taking over the bed!
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Sounds like you might have Smoke Bush "Grace"
Hi there, Steve, yes, you're right, I've finally remembered to check the aggressive smoke bush and it is indeed Grace (Dummeri). Just going completely wild and taking over the bed!