Plain green and variegated shrubs both have their own merits, it's really down to what the gardener wants for a particular situation. I have both versions of these plants in my garden for exactly that reason!
The green one is on my shortlist for another project so thanks for introducing me. 👍🏼
Still on the subject of evergreens, another often overlooked shrub/tree is Arbutus unedo, the Strawberry tree. It prefers sun but easily tolerates shade. Nice glossy leaves, small white flowers held in sprays and strawberry-like fruit that the blackbirds like, performing stunt acts to reach them! The bark is also an attractive cinnamon colour.
Hello @Devonian, I've kept it just a foot deep. I literally just wanted an attractive evergreen screen to act as a backdrop to other plants and make the patio private. It has fulfilled both needs! In sun it will grow quickly, I just nip the growing tips off after every six inches of growth and it bulks up well. Highly recommended! I presume you are in Devon so it will like your climate! The variegated version, like all variegated species, is slower growing but still very attractive.
Thanks @Plantminded, it looks absolutely perfect for what I want - and a lovely light green colour too! What a lovely backdrop, I just love the leaf shape.
It's a shame it doesn't really like the climate here. It would be a good alternative to laurel etc. I expect in a sheltered town garden, or where there's lighter, well draining soil it would be ok, but that's quite difficult to have here, especially with a hedge. It's the same with those Photinias. Very hit and miss. The only decent one I've ever seen round here is the chap across from me, It's right up against the south facing house wall, so that keeps it warmer during autumn and winter, with loads of other shrubs round it soaking up the excess wet. If it was in the middle of his plot, it would look completely different. Can mitigate a little, but can't fundamentally change the conditions.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I'm a bit obsessed with this plant @Fairygirl, I've got loads of it! You'll see in that second photo that the hedge is next to my fence with my neighbour's monster laurel behind it. Now that my hedge has grown to the height of the fence it looks like a more polite version of the laurel! It reminds me very much of a plant called Seagrape which grows near the beach in Barbados where I spent 10 years as a youngster - that's why I like it and why I also like grasses and bamboo which grew in our garden!
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@Plantminded out of interest, what depth is that [stunning-looking] Griselina hedge? It looks quite shallow, which is exactly what I'm looking for.
Apologies for hijacking your post @TheGreenMan!
I expect in a sheltered town garden, or where there's lighter, well draining soil it would be ok, but that's quite difficult to have here, especially with a hedge. It's the same with those Photinias. Very hit and miss.
The only decent one I've ever seen round here is the chap across from me, It's right up against the south facing house wall, so that keeps it warmer during autumn and winter, with loads of other shrubs round it soaking up the excess wet. If it was in the middle of his plot, it would look completely different.
Can mitigate a little, but can't fundamentally change the conditions.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
It's a very pleasing colour. It's like a more lush privet. Looking forward to seeing how it performs here.
Not at all. It's on topic so it's most welcome.