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Evergreen suggestion

Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
edited August 2018 in Plants


To the right of the fuchsia is where I'm looking for a flowering evergreen to go. I'm allowing for that whole area eventually, the foxgloves etc. will be getting moved.

I have bees and such like in mind so something that flowers in the winter is a must.

It'll need to be something that can tolerate full sun in the summer though. Was thinking along the lines of Mahonia 'Winter Sun' as apparently it can tolerate a lot of sun but it's fully grown size is a bit much, can it be pruned successfully to keep it in check without compromising on flowering etc.?

The wall is around 6ft high for a sense of scale.

Viburnum tinus was something else I'd thought of but I already have one in the corner of the garden and like to mix things up a bit. Could still be an option though.
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Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    edited August 2018
    Viburnum tinus ?
    Large Mahonias are, IMHO best kept in check by removing whole stems to about 12" from the ground. If you do about 1/3 each year, you'll keep the height, but keep newer branches coming along behind.
    Devon.
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    Hostafan1 said:
    Viburnum tinus ?
    Just as I finished editing the post.  :p
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    edited August 2018
    It sounds like a nice protected area with the wall. You could try the Chinese Witch Hazel, Loropetalum Chinense Var. Rubrum 'Fire Dance'. Lovely deep purple/red leaves in winter time that tends to turn dark green in the summer. The pale pink flowers can start from as early as January right up to March. 
  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,906
    Hello Dirty Harry. You could go for a Choisya (Mexican Orange Blossom). It flowers twice in the year and there is a nice golden one called Aztec Gold. Its height can be kept within the bounds you want.
    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I was thinking of that too Ladybird. They'll take quite a bit of sun and easy to keep tidy. They don't flower in winter though. 
    Does it absolutely have to be winter flowering Harry? 
    Daphne? I think some are evergreen. I don't grow them but someone will advise about that.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    Thanks for the suggestions. I'd prefer winter flowering as there won't be much else in the garden for bees etc.
  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,906
    Take a look at Sarcoccoca (Sweet Box) then Harry. Its Winter flowering, evergreen and has the most delicious perfume.
    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • MarlorenaMarlorena Posts: 8,705
    You should consider Daphne bholua 'Jacqueline Postill'... it's very hardy, tolerates full sun, evergreen and blooms from late December to April...  rather slow to establish and must not be moved after... easily kept to about 6 x 5 foot after 5 years or so.. or taller if you wish...
    East Anglia, England
  • MarlorenaMarlorena Posts: 8,705
    I should supply a photo...


    East Anglia, England
  • Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713
    A winter flowering heather would attract the bees, we have a lovely white flowering heather that keeps the bees happy.  A Hebe perhaps or mix a few early flowering bulbs under the plants.
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