When I first looked, I thought hydrangeas, but thought it might be too dry for them at the top of the slope on sandy soil. That really useful RHS link (which has a great selection of plants) does to my surprise have hydrangeas, are they not as thirsty as I imagined?
I think my only comment would be not too have too many different types of shrubs, as you are limited for space, and it might look a bit "bitty"If you have too many different ones. But then, you might feel "to heck with it" and go for it! I'd be interested to see what you decide
I think about three different shrubs would be about right, maybe four and you're right a cordyline might look stunning. You could try placing it offcentre for effect and if it gets too big, does that really matter - you can always dig it out and start again.
Just to add to Lizzie's post, a cordyline would look good, but if it gets too big ,digging it out is a bit of a bug*er. "Voice of experience". However, you have plenty of room there, so l don't think it would be a problem somehow.
I'm also thinking of a Choisya ternata, (evergreen, white flowers) Potentilla "Abbotswood" white, deciduous, or "Elizabeth" (pale yellow flowers), Osmanthus heterophyllus aureomarginatus (what a mouthful!) a lovely softly variegated evergreen holly like bush. Stipa Gigantica is a big focal point grass that might also suit. There's probably lots more.
I have recently learned that the "hydra" in hydrangea refers to being many headed rather than water loving. That said, I planted several of my paniculatas in what I thought would be a good, dapple shaded spot and have had to water them copiously over the summer. Too much competition from nearby trees with deeper roots so they are gradually being moved to a better position.
Sandy soil at the top of a slope in full sun ay be astretch too far too unless lots of moisture retentive material is worked in - well-rotted garden compost or manure or spent compost and some fertiliser - and then a good mulch once planted and watered in.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
Would it be too common of me to suggest Cotoneaster horizontalis against the wall? I know some consider it a bit of a pest with seedlings but they are not hard to get rid of like any other self seeder. I never found it hard nor found that many, I guess it depends on conditions where you are.
The structure is beautiful, bees go mad for the flowers, birds like the berries. The leaves are tiny and there are even variegated varieties if you like. I find it hard to not like them.
They could be used to support a couple of carefully chosen small climbers to give added colour. I imagine a clematis or two could be used. Perhaps some of the less vigorous viticellas would fit the bill. Alpina spring flowers would they clash with any pruning or be good? They might do better as they do like free drainage compared to others, though the soil can be improved anyway.
That's a good idea Rubytoo, as Madpenguin says, there are different types. Do they cope okay with sandy soil? As you say, they are so common l never even thought of them and personally l like them !
Posts
Sandy soil at the top of a slope in full sun ay be astretch too far too unless lots of moisture retentive material is worked in - well-rotted garden compost or manure or spent compost and some fertiliser - and then a good mulch once planted and watered in.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I know some consider it a bit of a pest with seedlings but they are not hard to get rid of like any other self seeder. I never found it hard nor found that many, I guess it depends on conditions where you are.
The structure is beautiful, bees go mad for the flowers, birds like the berries.
The leaves are tiny and there are even variegated varieties if you like.
I find it hard to not like them.
They could be used to support a couple of carefully chosen small climbers to give added colour. I imagine a clematis or two could be used. Perhaps some of the less vigorous viticellas would fit the bill. Alpina spring flowers would they clash with any pruning or be good? They might do better as they do like free drainage compared to others, though the soil can be improved anyway.