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Native alternative?

Denno666Denno666 Posts: 109
in Plants

I've brought 4 dogwood (Siberica) to arrange somehow around 2 silver birch I have in my garden. I was thinking of underplanting with some carex evergold, which seems quite hardy. However, I was wondering if there were any alternatives that were similar but native to the UK? (I know the dogwood isn't but I'm happy to make an exception in this case image).

Posts

  • happymarionhappymarion Posts: 4,591

    How about Somerset Hair Grass - not really a grass but a sedge?

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,138

    Have a look at the Purple Moor Grass, Molinia caerulea - it has lovely purplish seedheads - there's also a variegated form. 

    If you're soil's slightly acid and on the damp side it would be great.

     

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    If my molinia is anything to go by, it is far bigger than the carex and may not suit the desired effect.

    Have a look at this list for alternatives - http://www.knollgardens.co.uk/choose-the-right-plants-for-your-garden/#grass-uk   It does say carex evergold is native but there are some prettier (IMHO) forms listed too.

    You could also underplant the cornus with native snowdrops as they look great against the red stems.

     

    .

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,138

    Nice link obelixx - I wonder if the molinia I saw is the shorter form that they have, as it's certainly not as tall as the other one pictured!


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,064

    Mine has a lowish foliage base but the flower stems get very high - clearly happy just above the edges of my unlined pond.  I moved them there where they could have the space to grow high and a bit of protection from prevailing gales as they'd also been just a bit too happy in my damp bed next to the terrace where their stems were constantly broken by strong winds tunnelling along the back of the house.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Denno666Denno666 Posts: 109

    Thanks for the replies - that is a good link obelixx! It's strange how the smallest of decisions can sometimes drive you crazy - in front of the birch or behind; straight line or cluster image. 

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