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Can you recommend a plant to hide an ugly drain?

zsedenyzsedeny Posts: 32
in Problem solving
I’d appreciate any recommendations for a low-level evergreen plant that would grow up and over this drain, in order to cover it. (The pot currently on top of it will be removed.) It’s a partly shady spot. Bonus points for a pretty plant! 

Posts

  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    I would plant shrubs around it to conceal it. Is it in use and do you still have to access it? Maybe shrubby hebes or Heathers if your soil is suitable. 
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    edited June 2020
    Would encroaching roots be a problem?
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • zsedenyzsedeny Posts: 32
    Yes, roots - a good point because I wouldn’t want problems with roots wheedling their way into the pipework. 
    I don’t need access to the drain, except perhaps in an emergency situation (leak etc).
    It’s in our front garden so we’ll more be looking down on it than seeing it from ground level. But I’d like to have good all-over coverage. 
    Thanks for suggestions so far!
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    There are low growing, spreading forms of cotoneaster which would do the job.  I wouldn't personally use ivy as it's a b***er to control the spread once it gets going.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Euonymus or Cotoneaster horizontalis might work
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Or box hedging to all 4 sides and clip to a cube 
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    What's the tree that is leaning to one side and how tall is it? Rather think it's roots could cause a problem to the drain if it falls?  I like WillDB's suggestion of box hedging and you could also put a rectangular container on top with seasonal flowers in it.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    If you could slope some soil up to the edges, I would suggest Pachysandra terminalis.  Lovely serrated leaves, nice little white flowers in Spring, and it will cover the drain.  You will be able to (gently) lift any that grows over the drain, so you can access it.  They don't like too much sun, but ours get a few hours of sun per day and seem to cope OK.


  • zsedenyzsedeny Posts: 32
    Thanks everyone. I like the idea of the Pachysandra terminalis. I might just try that. 

    The tree is a sumac. It’s about 3m at its highest point. 
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