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Shrub suggestions

WildFlower_UKWildFlower_UK Posts: 236
edited April 2023 in Plants
Looking for suggestions for a shrub that will add structure and colour all year round in a new semi-shady border (which is 5m wide, 1m deep).

The shrub (duplicated two or three times) will be planted with more 'wispy' plants such as ferns, foxgloves and astrantia, as well as an amelanchier alnifolia obelisk. Looking for something to add some contrast.

Ideally something that is fairly dense, with dark and smallish leaves, round (either naturally, or can be pruned) and won't exceed around 80cm in height/diameter. 

The space gets sun until midday but is then in the shadow of a fence. Preferably hardy and evergreen - doesn't need to flower. Avoiding box (for price and pest reasons!) so keen to see what others might suggest.

Thanks!
"If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need"

Posts

  • Cambridgerose12Cambridgerose12 Posts: 1,134
    Box would have been the obvious one, but for the blight... Failing that, I have the following suggestions. How about Skimmias? There are now lots of these, including some mini forms that would stay within your bounds. Alternatively, if there is enough sun, then a short-growing form of Pittosporum, like 'Golf Ball', would do well. It's hard to find hollies that could be kept that short, but you might succeed with Ilex crenata if you have moistish soil. I also love Sarcococca confusa (but cannot bring myself to clip it because of the flowers).
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited April 2023
    My choice would be Sarcocooca there are different ones. Also Euonymous Green Pillar ans E Emerald and Gold keeps it's colour it that aspect.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Osmanthus (would need to be kept clipped though).
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited April 2023
    I’d suggest Euonymus japonicus Jean Hugues which fits your description.  It has small, dark green leaves, happy in part shade and can be easily shaped.  It is often recommended as an alternative to box, without the problems or price tag!  I’m interested to see the variety of Amelanchier you have chosen.  I planted the same one last month in a similar border as yours.  It’s making good progress and about to flower! 
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Plantminded I think the Euonymous plants we have suggested are very much the same. Local GC had two, a lovely cone shaped one and a ball, you could easy describe them as looking like a slightly larger leaved more open Box.  They were expensive enough at £25.00, just had a label with the price, they were Euonymous and lovely too. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • WildFlower_UKWildFlower_UK Posts: 236
    Wow, thanks so much everyone! I've have definitely disappeared down a shrub-shaped rabbit hole the last hour or so :) So many great suggestions to think about.

    @GardenerSuze and @Plantminded - I think you might both be on to a winner with a Euonymous. Will delve into the options further and maybe visit a GC and see what they have.

    @Plantminded - our Amelanchier was only ordered this week so we're still awaiting it's arrival. Will post an update here when I'm all planted up (if I remember!). 
    "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need"
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    GardenerSuze said:
    @Plantminded I think the Euonymous plants we have suggested are very much the same. Local GC had two, a lovely cone shaped one and a ball, you could easy describe them as looking like a slightly larger leaved more open Box.  They were expensive enough at £25.00, just had a label with the price, they were Euonymous and lovely too. 
    I think they are very similar @GardenerSuze, I bought some small ones last year from my local GC to create a Box like edging at £1 a plant!  You can get larger plants to cultivate into shapes at less than £10.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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