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Flowering plant suggestions for a difficult spot?

ZeroZero1ZeroZero1 Posts: 577
in Garden design
I have a new space in my garden and am looking for a special flower (s) to fill it. It's in shade under a tall copper beech hedge, and the space is about a yard square. I would like something a bit special. It's between the hedge and a path.
Would love to hear ideas from others
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Posts

  • ZeroZero1ZeroZero1 Posts: 577
    Something that flowers...
  • GrottoGrotto Posts: 2
    Hi, 
    Azaleas or Rhododendron grow and bloom well in the shade, make sure not to buy Rhododendron ponticum because it is invasive.
    Hydrangeas are great for shade too, they have big flowers and are easy to grow. I'll recommend you Mariesii Variegated Lacecap Hydrangea, the white and green leaves will make a lovely contrast with the Copper Beech.
  • ZeroZero1ZeroZero1 Posts: 577
    Thank you for the post Grotto - we must think alike, I have Hydrangea "Incrediball" planted a couple of feet away, next to that a rhodo (I have about 8 of these already). Any further thoughts appreciated. Something robus and perrenial. To be clear, in the same 30ft border I have white daisies, a purple geranium (the hardy one), a couple of peonies, a tree peony, and a few liliies. These are underplanted with bulbs and dog's tooth
    Your post was appreciated thanks for the considerations
  • ZeroZero1ZeroZero1 Posts: 577
    Oh and some delphiniums
  • Nanny BeachNanny Beach Posts: 8,719
    can we have a picture, you might find its too dry under the tree for hydrangias (clue in the name they like lots of water) and rhododendrons, they re both Janapanese woodland plants, yes like shade but prefer i damper.
  • ZeroZero1ZeroZero1 Posts: 577
    There is really little to picture it is just a empty space about 1 yd sqr between a path and a tall (9ft) copper beech hedge
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    You mention under a beech tree, is it very dry in the summer months? What type of soil do you have there? It helps to source the right type of flowering plant. 
  • ZeroZero1ZeroZero1 Posts: 577
    it's not that dry its under a beech hedge about 9ft tall. The Soil is london clay and i will be adding garden compost
  • ZeroZero1ZeroZero1 Posts: 577
    I have been considering hardy geranium summer skies, or birch double. Not sure if htey will flower in shade
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    edited July 2018
    I don't know that one, so can't comment. But Geranium Nodosum and Oxonianum 'Wargrave Pink' are absolute work-horses. They should do fine as well as Phaeum which has flowers held well clear of the leaves which adds a nice airy feel to them. I think suits your setting.

    Adding vertical contrast in leaves, you could try Luzula Nivea, Snowy woodrush. Or for more evergreen structure with Liriope Muscari. They come in mauves and white colour. If you get some sun for part of the day, you could try some Japanese Anemones too.
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