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Can anyone recommend a shrub (or two)
Good morning 
Ive been clearing away a part of my garden that was fun of mildew infested plants and some out of control soapwort. There are still lots of roots to get rid of, but in the meantime I would really appreciate some recommendations for some medium sized shrubs (or one) in the space I have created.
What I like:
- Evergreen, with all round interest (berries, flowers etc.)
- In terms of appearance...I like dark and light foliage...I like laurels, choisya (the one with with light green/yellow fleaves)) I also like plants like photinia...I like succulent looking leaves, or waxy leaves...
My garden faces north-ish, but it is not shady. The shrub will be planted in between a young (and poorly) amelanchier candensesis and a holly tree, near a fence.
Here is a photo of the spot:
I would appreciate and welcome any ideas! I guess I am looking for medium sized shrubs (so a lot I like are not an option), and nothing too delicate (namely kids kicking balls in it, although being near the front, it may be ok!).
Thank you
Ive been clearing away a part of my garden that was fun of mildew infested plants and some out of control soapwort. There are still lots of roots to get rid of, but in the meantime I would really appreciate some recommendations for some medium sized shrubs (or one) in the space I have created.
What I like:
- Evergreen, with all round interest (berries, flowers etc.)
- In terms of appearance...I like dark and light foliage...I like laurels, choisya (the one with with light green/yellow fleaves)) I also like plants like photinia...I like succulent looking leaves, or waxy leaves...
My garden faces north-ish, but it is not shady. The shrub will be planted in between a young (and poorly) amelanchier candensesis and a holly tree, near a fence.
Here is a photo of the spot:
I would appreciate and welcome any ideas! I guess I am looking for medium sized shrubs (so a lot I like are not an option), and nothing too delicate (namely kids kicking balls in it, although being near the front, it may be ok!).
Thank you
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Big long waxy (laurely) leaves, flowers followed by red berries and tough as old boots.
There's a photinia "Little Red Robin" which is supposed to be a smaller version of Red Robin. Mine was bought earlier this year and is in a pot waiting for autumn planting so I can't confirm its actual size, but the label says 1m high and 1m spread.
Skimmias don't get too tall either.
Try this for more ideas https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=845
JennyJ the little red robin sounds great, I will see if I can source any. Thank you!
Will have a look through those suggestions definitely, but I was hoping for the useful extra little info everyone is so good at sharing here
Pop in a Rowan and a pyracantha and you've got my previous front garden and no maintenance!
upnorth thank you, will have a look
For the back wall, slim growing usually means wall training shrubs for me. A Pyrancantha wall trained can add maturity with evergreen glossy foliage and contrasting berries. But, the ornamental quince, Chaenomeles Japonica/Speciosa always look good wall trained, and a bonus of quince fruits in autumn.
If you are thinking of wall trained, always think about access to the wall area first, since you will need to prune and train often to keep it growing against a wall.