Shrubs

its my grans birthday soon and she's requested we all buy her shrubs instead of a present. i'd like to get here something a little different but not sure what, so any suggestions would be greatfully recieved.

 

That's a tricky one, best ask her what she wants. They vary so greatly in size, colour and shape, that I generally look at the space and decide what will suit it.

Here are three suggestions though if you want to surprise her.

Buddliea (butterfly bush) is good in that it is fast growing so can be kept in shape by cutting it down. Black Knight has strikingly dark purple flowers.

Leycesteria formosa has interesting shaped flowers and berries all summer and autumn. It can also be cut down each year and doesn't take up much room.

Most people would be pleased to find a home for an Australian bottlebrush (callistemum).

I' you're not sure what they look like google images will show you.

 

nandina domestica [sacred bamboo]summer/autumn

olearia macrodonta [daisy bush]summer
garrya ecliptica spring
three easy care shrubs for all year interest
much better gift idea good luck

 

To those suggested add the golden form of philadelphus for early spring colour and flower scent, and the hebes for evergreen foliage and late summer/autumn colour - they got variegated leaf forms as well. :eek:

[ 11. October 2005, 09:43 PM: Message edited by: Fran ]

 

Hope it's not too late, but why not all take her out to a big garden centre, let her choose & buy her lunch while you're there.

 

Fran, Anywhere on the internet I can see a golden philadelphus, and would it grow in partial shade. Also is it a compact bush?

 

Fran, I've just found a photo on "Glenville Nursery's" site. I didn't realize its other name was "Mock Orange" They have a lovely one called "Belle Etoile" which I have put on my shopping list.
Larburnum

 

Good to hear - tis a lovely shrub, and will take hacking back hard to keep in shape if thats whats wanted and will tolerate partial shade. I have one ordinary philadelphus that I just allow to grow thinning occassionally, and one golden form that I keep pruned under a hawthorn tree - and it don't seem to mind when I do it.

The golden form, does give a more extended eye pleasure before and after the flowers.

[ 18. October 2005, 09:01 PM: Message edited by: Fran ]