Underplanting for Hornbeam

Lisa.Perry · March 2022

Hi everyone

I have a Hornbeam hedge that's next to a 3' brick wall on our boundary (1.5 foot gap) . I'm looking for some shade and clay tolerate plants that I can underplant the Hornbeam with.

I have a few periwinkle and hellebore in the gap between the hedge and wall. I have more space, any ideas for full shade? Preferably winter interest for when the hedge is a bit more see through.

Also the other side of the hedge has good space for plants in semi shade, any ideas?

bertrand-mabel · March 2022

Our hornbeam is like yours. And we have hellebores, periwinkles all doing very well but not under the hedge but in front of.

We also have Solomon seal and a lovely wigelia (again in front of the hedge).

All in clay soil.

Winter interest though in this area ....no... but we don't mind the change.

Fairygirl · March 2022

The area next to walls can be dry, and the hedge will also affect that, so it depends on how moist the area is.
I'm intrigued as to why you have the Hellebores in between the hedge and the wall though. Why not bring them forward, as @bertrand-mabel has done, or have I misunderstood the site?
Is the hedge new @Lisa.Perry ? A photo would be helpful of your site too

Loads of plants will suit if we get an idea of the size of space too. Viburnums are fine in lots of shade, and some are good for winter. Osmanthus burkwoodii as well. The white Spireas are good for late winter into early spring and are fine in a fair bit of shade. Hydrangeas - loads of varieties. The white Dicentra is excellent for shade -they have a different name now which I can't remember, but you'll still find it under dicentra. Convallaria would be fine around the hedge. Wood anemones, native primulas. Ferns.

Underplanting for Hornbeam

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