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Plant suggestion needed

benjmorg64463benjmorg64463 Posts: 5
in Garden design
hi there,
I've got a straggly Choisya in my front garden that is too leggy to keep. I'm stuck on what to replace it with - any suggestion helpful. Behind it is a brick enclosure for a wheelie bin. On the right is a nice lacecap Hydrangea. The garden faces northeast. thanks.

Posts

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Sarcococca would be good, for its sweet winter scent, or/and a specimen of Mahonia 'Soft Caress' which you could underplant with a few ferns, Pachysandra terminalis etc.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • benjmorg64463benjmorg64463 Posts: 5
    Thanks, great suggestions that I wouldn't have thought of myself!
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Arbutus Unedo is another evergreen shrub worth considering. It will disguise your bin store and provide some wildlife interest, blackbirds enjoy the fruits that look like strawberries.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • benjmorg64463benjmorg64463 Posts: 5
    Thanks, Arbutus looks interesting, I will do some "research" (googling)!
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I’ve got one growing in a shady spot with ferns and hardy geraniums nearby for added interest.  It may be worth adding some organic matter to your bed when you remove the Choisya to improve water retention and add some nutrients.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • PerkiPerki Posts: 2,527
    Just cut it back hard early spring to about a 30cm , it will come back no problem .
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Osmanthus is another useful, quite dense shrub that will be fine there. There are various types but O. burkwoodii would be fine. It has small creamy, scented flowers in late winter/spring which is always nice when you have bins and the front door nearby  ;)
    You can add other bulbs and/or perennials too, especially while the main shrub you choose is establishing and growing.
    If the soil isn't alkaline, you could consider Rhododendrons or Pieris  too.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • benjmorg64463benjmorg64463 Posts: 5
    Perki said:
    Just cut it back hard early spring to about a 30cm , it will come back no problem .
    Great to know. Looks like I have lots of options
  • benjmorg64463benjmorg64463 Posts: 5
    Fairygirl said:
    Osmanthus is another useful, quite dense shrub that will be fine there. There are various types but O. burkwoodii would be fine. It has small creamy, scented flowers in late winter/spring which is always nice when you have bins and the front door nearby  ;)
    You can add other bulbs and/or perennials too, especially while the main shrub you choose is establishing and growing.
    If the soil isn't alkaline, you could consider Rhododendrons or Pieris  too.
    That looks good for topiary to, which would work in that spot as there are a few clipped balls and rectangles close by
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