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Suggestions for very difficult spot - dry, east facing

Robert WestRobert West Posts: 241
in Plants
I have a narrow border that is east facing and runs along the side of the house. It is very sheltered but it is also very dry, largely due to rain shadow from the house. Even after heavy rainfall the back half can be almost bone dry. As a result most things struggle to grow.  The one thing that is doing ok at the moment is a nandina, which a few years to get going but is now looking really good.

The obvious plants for very dry sites such as salvias and golden rod would be ideal but I'm not sure they'd get enough sun. It's in shade soon after midday. I also thought about planting a bottlebrush, but again, I don't know if it would be ok with so little sun. 

The border is about 80cm deep. Any suggestions would be gratefully received. Or do people think the plants listed above would be ok? 

Ideally I'd like a bit of height, especially at the back, and maybe something to then go in front.

Posts

  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    edited September 2022
    Border is very narrow.
    Difficult to get something tall and very narrow.
    Have you considered Pachysandra terminalis?
    A dwarf evergreen.

    Pics below very old when very narrow bed was first planted.
    Since been widened and Pachysandra removed.,
    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae would tolerate those conditions, it’s evergreen and has lime green flowers in early spring.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    There are some ferns that might also suit that situation.  One of the Polystichum varieties mentioned here for example: Ferns Suitable for Dry Shade. (plantsforshade.co.uk)
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • MikeOxgreenMikeOxgreen Posts: 812
    Certain species of Alpines.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited September 2022
    I think you are going to struggle with height especially in such a dry site. If there a  wall behind, Tetrastigma objectum would work. It is slightly tender but if you are considering Bottlebrush guess you live in the south. Bottlebrush or Callistemon does need a lot of sun to do well.
    Polystichum setiferum with Pacysandra terminalis would give a different leaf texture. Whatever you plant I would improve the soil before planting. Will need to be watered over the winter months.
    I also have Euonymous Green Pillar in a dry easterly facing border. 

    It is different leaf texture that will create interest as there will be a shortage of flowers. It may also need to be watered and mulched even when establised. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    Berberis Maria would give you some height and can cope with dryer conditions, and, unlike some of the red columnar types, appreciates some shade. Some roses can cope with just morning sun, including climbing roses trained against the wall, providing they get properly watered and fed. Anything there will still need watering to counteract the rain shadow.
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • Robert WestRobert West Posts: 241
    Thank you all for your suggestions. It really is the only part of my garden that I've ever really struggled to get looking good. I will look through all the plants suggested.

    Thanks again. 
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