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Shade loving screening plant

r.bourke.8OoraZOVSr.bourke.8OoraZOVS Posts: 28
in Garden design
Hi, 
we are starting to design our garden after moving in, we have cleared the area and are putting plans together for the planting and what should go where. I’d like a cottage style border with a path running through for this area of the garden. I have a small patio right at the top which I’d like to screen off from our neighbours but am stuck as to what plant I should put there. It’s a shaded area which gets no direct sunlight and is under a maple tree. The soil is well draining, soft crumbly soil. I was thinking of placing a viburnum under the trees but open to suggestions or better options. It is the beginning of the borders so feel it is important it is in keeping  (borders will curve between 4ft and 6ft wide each side) 
thanks for your help! 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hi @r.bourke.8OoraZOVS - have you a photo of the area?
    That will help with suggestions, and give an idea of the distance/size you're trying to screen.
    The big problem you'll have is establishing something under a maple. There will be options, but more info needed  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    I have two shrubs that are evergreen and grow under trees in horrible dry soil, Aucuba japonica (spotted laurel) and euonymus, a green and gold one. Maybe not to everyone's taste but they are tough and I like them. Also good for making bunches for Christmas decorations!
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • r.bourke.8OoraZOVSr.bourke.8OoraZOVS Posts: 28

    So I’m trying to just close off that patio section from the part behind the trellis, it’s already quite covered from the tree but I wanted to just back that up with a thicker foliage lower down
  • r.bourke.8OoraZOVSr.bourke.8OoraZOVS Posts: 28

  • r.bourke.8OoraZOVSr.bourke.8OoraZOVS Posts: 28
    I’ve been looking and researching and I’m not sure a shrub of any kind is going to establish there as the maple roots are quite shallow.
    i noticed this post and wondered if they would be suitable for ground cover instead. 
  • PoppypussPoppypuss Posts: 143
    Just thinking our native honeysuckle would be fine there and climb up to the light. I have a couple of them in shady conditions under trees and they do remarkably well 
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    I don't think those two trees are going to be that constraining. Aucuba would do absolutely fine (but isn't everyone's cup of tea), Laurels would cope, Deutzia might be worth trying. As you move out from the tree your options are a bit more open, Hydrangea paniculatas, Choisyas etc (which would probably survive directly under the trees, but emphasis on 'survive' rather than thrive).
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Looking at the soil type and light levels, it's not that shady. I think not to go for medium to tall growing shrubs. Stick with small to medium height slow growing shrubs. It would be in keeping with the scale. Those shrubs will not need to have deep roots and should cope in with their roots being shallow.

    Something like Fuchsia Magellanica var. Molinae and Viburnum Davidii. I would try a Sarcococca Hookeriana var. Humilis. All the above should create a good year-round interest. 
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I'm thinking it might be easier and quicker just to put a couple of solid fence panels instead of the trellis (or in front if it's not yours) and stand pots in front of the fence.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • r.bourke.8OoraZOVSr.bourke.8OoraZOVS Posts: 28
    Thank you for all your advice. I’m going to look into a few of the above plants and see if I can get them in and working.
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