Thanks for the suggestions. I don't think holly is the right choice. Cupressus was one of my first thoughts but almost all of them need full sun - only leylandi is listed as coping with part-shade. I definitely don't want a sculpture
At the moment I'm leaning towards a mahonia or viburnum, but still thinking. Sarcococca as a back-up.
At the moment I'm leaning towards a mahonia or viburnum, but still thinking. Sarcococca as a back-up.
Quote...."It can't be allowed to spread more than about 50cm, and can grow about 3m tall."
Mahonia is not suitable...it grows large and is prickly...pics below Viburnum also grow too big...see different ones below Sarcoccoca is a smashing shrub and will just about fit in your space, but it is not tall.
Maybe you could make a topiary effort with chicken wire and small leafed ivy. Plenty of images on Google but make sure you add 'live ' to the search or you'll get a load of plastic stuff.
@B3 Yes sorry I have seen this done by Fibrex Nurseries they have a pollytunnel of these fantastic hedera towers, that go from garden show to garden show.I would think that they are very old. Perhaps they might be happy to share the principles of what to do. They also have an amazing collection of Pelargoniums and rare ferns.
I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
Agree it a a super Mahonia. Yes soft. But far too wide for the 50cm space.B3 said:
Maybe you could make a topiary effort with chicken wire and small leafed ivy. Plenty of images on Google but make sure you add 'live ' to the search or you'll get a load of plastic stuff.
I also agree with @cheznousbs I think it was who mentioned Camellia 'Spring Festival'... which doesn't need acid soil and grows perfectly well on neutral, even slightly alkaline..
It has a very narrow habit when young, more triangular shape when quite mature. Easy to trim.. Ground or pot, sun or shade.. beautiful young foliage, bronzed.. I kept it in a pot for years..
Yes, the mahonias are probably too wide. The camellia is an option, but ideally I'd like something a bit more wildlife-friendly. I think I'll have to compromise on the height or spread - if i go for height I'll have to prune the spread, if I get the right spread those plants don't usually grow more than 1.5m.
Does the space count as part-shade or full shade? Although it won't get direct sunlight, it's not a dark area and gets quite bright in the afternoon. I put couple of small yew trees there temporarily and they seemed to grow quite happily, so if I can't find anything else I might just put a yew tree there.
If I accept that I'll have to prune to maintain the right spread, which plant would you choose for this location?!
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Mahonia is not suitable...it grows large and is prickly...pics below
Viburnum also grow too big...see different ones below
Sarcoccoca is a smashing shrub and will just about fit in your space, but it is not tall.
Mahonia.
Viburnum.
Plenty of images on Google but make sure you add 'live ' to the search or you'll get a load of plastic stuff.
Seems adaptable to any situation... no thorns..
https://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/mahonia-eurybracteata-subsp-ganpinensis-soft-caress/classid.2000020849/
Yes soft.
But far too wide for the 50cm space.
..is it for a pot or in the ground?
I also agree with @cheznousbs I think it was who mentioned Camellia 'Spring Festival'... which doesn't need acid soil and grows perfectly well on neutral, even slightly alkaline..
It has a very narrow habit when young, more triangular shape when quite mature. Easy to trim..
Ground or pot, sun or shade.. beautiful young foliage, bronzed.. I kept it in a pot for years..