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Expert opinion on Choisya and Cytisus

PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
in Plants
Hi all.
I am looking for two shrubs with white flowers for a south-facing area in full sun, that can each be kept to c. 1m circumference. Soil is neutral, and isn't heavy. I have found Choisya White Dazzler, and Cytisus praecox Albus. Would very much welcome comments, both pro/con, and any other suggestions.
Thanks.
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Posts

  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    edited July 2020
    Cytisus is a rather short lived plant and choisya is a shrub so it lives longer. I suppose it depends what you want really, I couldn't say one is better than the other, they're just different. I do like the look of the white cytisus I must admit. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I love my white broom. It flowers at the same time as a couple of early clematis, and then a philadelphus. I just take individual stems/branches off if it gets a big hefty. Gets zero attention.
    It will also be a frame for a new clematis to clamber over for summer.
    This from 2 years ago

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    I love our Choisya, especially the foliage of Aztec Pearl.  Take a look at Abelia, we have the standard variety, but also a nice hybrid called Kaleidoscope.  It has very colourful foliage and small white flowers.  It can be pruned to limit size.
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    @Bijdezee thanks, yes I liked the look of it too - and even more now, having seen @Fairygirl wonderful photo - looks great, and just what I am after. The `zero attention` also appeals.
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    @KeenOnGreen Thanks very much for the Abelia kaleidoscope suggestion - really good foliage. Added to my list!
  • rachelQrtJHBjbrachelQrtJHBjb Posts: 819
    There's also Philadelphus Manteau d'Hermine...
  • rachelQrtJHBjbrachelQrtJHBjb Posts: 819
    Choisya 'Aztec Pearl' has always done well for me. I did try 'White Dazzler' but found it never really got going. Forgot to mention spiraeas, though no winter interest. Pittosporum tobira 'Nanum' could be another option as the scent is glorious.

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    rachelQrtJHBjb said:
    There's also Philadelphus Manteau d'Hermine...
    That's what I have beside the broom and that Phormium  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PianoplayerPianoplayer Posts: 624
    @rachelQrtJHBjb thanks for the suggestions, lots to ponder. I have been weighing up Aztec Pearl vs White Dazzler, so your comments are helpful.
  • gardenninggrannygardenninggranny Posts: 803
    My Aztec Pearl hates my clay soil - I don't think it will last another year.  I do have a very floriferous Deutsia however which is a mass of flower early in the year - a very upright shrub.  The Pittosporum (no idea what variety) is a wonderful shrub - evergreen and forms a mushroom shape with heavily scented creamy white flowers.  It just loves full sun too and mine is growing in very poor soil. Vry easy to trim into shape too.
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