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Need to fill a space..

Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
in Plants
This bed is bright, but only gets late afternoon/evening sun, so I've removed a fuchsia which was struggling, and I have a gap now of about 4ft × 2ft. I don't think the astrantias would fill it, and I've got more poppies than you can shake a stick at.
I'm hoping for a few suggestions I wouldn't think of, or know of. Must be slug proof, like slightly alkaline soil and perennial. 


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  • pitter-patterpitter-patter Posts: 2,429
    Trailing heucherella, such as Plum Cascade, would look very good there. 
  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    It would indeed, what a gorgeous colour! I'd prefer to have something light/bright though, as further right is a massive cherry tree and a substantial castor oil plant, so it's a bit dark there.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited May 2022
    A hardy geranium might suit, lots to choose from.  Or you could consider a shade tolerant grass like Hakonechloa macra aureola.  Both perennial and not popular with slugs - in my garden anyway!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Slow-worm Origanum Laevigatum Herrenhausen would extend the flowering season.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494

    I'd go for one of the cherry coloured Heucheras, I find the foliage stays colourful most of the winter which is a bonus. I think mine's called 'Cherry Cola'. The lime green/yellow ones would also stand out.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Just out of interest I have struggled on line to find an acurate photo of the Oregano I mentioned. The only good photo I could find is on Wikipedia, Origanum Laevigatum. It has long stems and flowers for weeks.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I found a photo here @GardenerSuze - I bought one a few years ago and it is one of the most popular bee magnets in my garden!

    Buy marjoram Origanum laevigatum Herrenhausen: £7.99 Delivery by Crocus

    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    That's lovely!! I have a golden oregano bought from Sainsburys years ago, and it's been expanding & bringing in the bees and hoverflies ever since - but it's in full sun, which I thought they all needed; I'm not brilliant with herbs as I've never been able to grow many, so I haven't taken much notice of different types and their requirements. 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Plantminded Thankyou a lovely photo. It has wiry dark stems which are part of it's charm.
    @Slow-worm I did notice that you are growing Stachys so oregano might be worth a thought. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    They do prefer full sun @Slow-worm, mine gets about six hours of sun - if you have a sunnier place elsewhere it's worth a try for the bees!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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