Creating winter interest.

@Verdun Thanks. In that space I need something soft as it will most likely encroach into the cat cage. It must be hardy too for reasons discussed above.

After writing the last thread I went out and measured the gap by the shed. It is only 80cm at its widest. That means no room for a shrub. In a way its a shame but at the same time it simplifies things.

I noticed my bergania has this black leaf.



What would cause this. Is it too wet or too dry? Or something else entirely?

G.

 

They colour up as it gets colder Gary and newly planted too. Prob cossetted in the gc or nursery but bergenias are tough and, as far as I know, pretty free of pest and disease problems. Will look good in spring.
A "soft" evergreen? Santolina? Wonderful silver grey foliage and, if trimmed in spring, will make dense mounds of aromatic, tactile foliage.

 

A pretty winter interest are the blue conifers. Nice color touch in the summer. but in the winter, with white snow on it. beautiful.

 

I've been looking at Heuchera today. I was wondering if they might work in the space between the tree and the perennial flowers.

I have seen some good strong coloured varieties, Orange, Volcano and Frosted Violet come to mind.

Again I'm just thinking out loud. I think I need something of interest to fill that dead spot.

G.

 

Heucheras are uniquely beautiful plants Gary and provide nice contrast of shape to other perennials .......from almost black (Obsidion and Black Taffeta) to almost red (Berry Smoothie) to yellow (limelight) to orange (Marmalade) to almost white (Snowstorm). Venus has a nice combination of leaf colours with a wide spreading robust habit.
Just consider the soil....wet soil wont suit them....and the exposure to sun. Many yellow varieties will burn in strong summer sun.
For a shady spot if you are looking for a "filler" check out a hardy phaem geranium called Margaret Wilson. Unlike other geraniums I know of this has lovely white/grey foliage.

 

Unhappily, I have given up on Heucheras. The only one that survived vine weevil is a seedling that wedged itself between the paving slabs .....in just the wrong place

 

As an alternative to Mahonia how about Munstead. A nice compact plant. Spikey grey foliage to contrast the geum. Purple flowers would complement other potential blues and oranges. Any thoughts?



G.

 

Munstead? You mean lavendar Gary?
Can you provide it with very sharp drainage and plenty of sunshine? This is essential.
I prefer it as a hedge, edging (both preferably curving) or as a group, 3 or 5. If possible, every garden should have lavendar.
An alternative to mahonia? Very different plant in most every way and requiring different soil conditions!
Agree with the proposed colour combination though

 

Is there a variety of Californian Lilac that would work there?

G.

 

Concha is a good compact variety Gary

 

I think concha might be a little on the big side.

G.

 

What size do you want? All ceanothus are vigorous even the prostrate ones
Not evergreen but caryopteris and ceratostigma wilmottianum are excellent blue shrubs.
Anchusa loddon royalist is a brilliant spring blue
Teuchrium Azura is evergreen with nice blue flowers

 

Autumn/Early Winter Camellia sasanqua if your soil is neutral to acidic? Or even for a pot if it is a smaller variety

 

I'm back again . Today I'm looking at Brachyglottis Silver Dormouse. The size is right 3ft high by 4ft wide but can be pruned as required. It has evergreen silver foliage. It flowers well. It likes the sun and tolerates most soil types. At least that's what I read. Comments please.



G.

 

Dont grow this particular variety but do grow its similar and slightly bigger cousin Sunshine. I know it as senecio. It does spread so more wide than high. These shrubs grow well down here on our light soils and coastal situations.
One for sharp drainage, sun and warmth.......shelter too in cold areas.....so I would disagree it tolerates most soil types; avoid heavy damp soils Gary
silver leaves typically are resentful of damp, shady spots where they will turn green