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Shrubs near house

LmmcLmmc Posts: 6
in The potting shed
Hi, I’ve googled but cannot seem to find an answer so hoping for some help here 🤞. I have a Siberian dogwood and common elderberry shrub (I think!) which have grown very quickly (both at 6 ft) and are right next to the front of my house. They appeared by themselves - question is, are they ok so close to the house? Nothing else I’ve planted survives there as very dark and gloomy so I’d like to keep them if possible. Many thanks! 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Not likely to be a problem, but when you say 'right next to the front of the house' what exactly do you mean? If they're blocking the access for example, you'll be constantly fighting them. 
    Plenty of plants will grow in shady sites - it just depends on the conditions you have re soil type and whether it's wet or dry, and the amount of room - a border or a bed? 
    If you can post a photo that will help with advice too  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    The dogwood will respond well to pruning so should be OK. The elderberry will grow into a tree very fast if left alone and in my opinion doesn't look good when pruned. I would say get it out while you can!
  • M33R4M33R4 Posts: 291
    Lmmc said: .... I have a Siberian dogwood and common elderberry shrub (I think!) which have grown very quickly (both at 6 ft) and are right next to the front of my house. They appeared by themselves - question is, are they ok so close to the house? ...
    If you're worried about the roots affecting the foundation of your house then you have nothing to worry about. It takes some huge tree roots to cause such damage.
    I wish I could garden all year round!
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    How close to the house are they? You won't want them causing any damage. Do you really want a tree very close to the house? Elderberries are rather messy trees, their flowers shed everywhere and have quite a bit of pollen which some people are allergic to and the berries make a black squishy mess when they rot on the ground. The birds will eat a lot though. 

    Wild cornus that seeds itself isn't nearly as attractive as the bred cornus that you find in the garden centres. It was acually rather a pest in my previous garden and it' very hard to dig out.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd agree that the Elderberry would be a bigger problem than the Cornus - for the reasons mentioned, especially the mess if it's right at a door. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LmmcLmmc Posts: 6

  • LmmcLmmc Posts: 6
    Here they are, thank you for the advice. I’ll remove the elderberry and prune the dogwood 🙂. Much appreciated 
  • M33R4M33R4 Posts: 291
    Lmmc said:
    ...I’ll remove the elderberry...
    I would have loved to have that off you  :)
    I wish I could garden all year round!
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