Colourful plants for shady area
Previously just a gravel path and barbed wire fence, I have turned the path that runs roughly north/south along the side of our house into a walk way of various planted pots and climbers. I've mainly used acers, ferns, evergreens (dwarf furs, honey suckle and bamboo) but I'd like some add some Rhododendrons or Azaleas in pots (some I have some colour from flowers).
As the path runs north south, with the house wall on the west side and a six foot fence on the east side, the area is shaded only with the exception of midday (when the sun is directly overhead). I've canvassed opinion and I've received mixed feedback for planting Rhododendrons or Azaleas in pots - some people say they've had great success, with good growth and regular flowers. Others advise that they are susceptible to root rot and it's best to plant them in more free draining soil.
So, ultimately I'd like a flowering evergreen (for greenery in winter and flowers in spring/summer), ideally Rhododendrons or Azaleas, but the plants need to be happy in shade and being planted in a pot (as I can't dig below the gravel). Any ideas or suggestions would be most welcome!
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I'm not sure re the pot situation you would have to check but I've had success with the following in shade.
Dicentra
Cyclamen
Astilbe
Corydalis
Begonias
What about a Viburnum Tinus variety, I am eyeing up Gweillian or what about Bodnantense dawn which isn't an evergreen but looks nice
Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll look them up. I forgot to say however, ideally I'd like something shrub or small bush sized that would tolerate the odd prune (hence the thinking behind Azaleas)
Evergreen Camelias can do well in pots, have beautiful flowers and they like it shady. You just need to plant in ericaceous compost and give it a feed of chelated iron once a year in spring. They don't like frost on their buds so midday sun shouldn't be a problem. There are lots of colours available. Skimmias are shade tolerant with year round interest. Azaleas and rhododendrons rarely do well in pots in my experience - prone to leaf drop.
I like Hellebores but not sure about being in a pot
Camelias would look great, but will only flower Dec to April, depending on variety. Golden rule is to never use tap water on them.