Large colourful shrubs - ideas?

In front of my house is a small paddock in which we have just planted some young trees - some fruit trees and some native broadleaves which will grow quite high. However some power lines and a telephone cable run across one corner, so I can't put anything tall under these. Can anyone suggest 3 large, colourful shrubs ( max height about 15 feet; unlimited spread which I could plant there? They will be in sight of the house so I am looking for things which would be noticeable from about 50 metres. They don't have to be unusual - just bright, or striking in some way.

 

Rhodedendrons seem to be a winner in this role. You might have to check with the local authorities though because in some areas there are bylaws restricting them because they can become invasive in certain conditions.

 

Hi Lindico, Sumach (Rhus) will meet your height restriction and give you fabulous autumn colour. Cotoneaster will give you good berries. Philadelphus will give you a lovely show of white flowers in summer. You could think about adding in buddlea - that will get you plenty of butterflies.
There are so many things you could have. See what other suggestions you get.

 

Maybe because they are at their best at this time of year I would suggest a mahonia, every opportunity of planting peonies should, in my opinion, be taken, and you can get some beautiful hydrangeas that would suit it well-my favourite is izu no hana.

 

to keep the agricultural feel I would go for native hedgerow shrubs or , if allowed, varieties of these.

Yellow leafed elder

purple-leafed hazel

cornus - winter stems and variegated leafed varieties

Variegated hollies (it takes a long time to get to 15')



There can always be a planning problem with planting up agricultural land as a garden