Front Door Shrubs

Hi there!

I'm looking to plant a shrub/bush/small tree either side of our (north facing) front door. I'd prefer evergreen, and something with flowers/variegated leaves/fragrance so it keeps year round interest and doesn't look too depressing in the winter time! I was thinking of something that won't grow too fast or try and spread too wide - perhaps a Camellia or a dwarf Rhododendron...

And I was wondering if anyone else had any advice or experience? Many thanks in advance!

 

Personally, I would go for a Camellia, so long as you give it space to grow. You would need to plants it a minimum of 18inches away from the wall and keep it well watered, particularly in the first year, and during later summer as this is when they set their flower buds. As its North facing, I would go for one with White flowers as they would stand out more in shade, darker colour can be a bit dull, particularly on a dull day/evening.

You probably know that they need ericaceous soil, but I dont. I mixed 50% Ericaceous compost and also treat it with Sulphate of Iron in spring, mine grow really well like this.

 

You could try a Skimmia. I've got Skimmia japonica Rubella by a north facing door. The bees like it too.



(photo's off the net)

 

I do like Skimmia, struggled to grow them in my garden, but the scent is excellent at a time of year when everything else is a bit drab.... In Fact, I may get some this weekend to fill a couple of pots by my front door!!!!

 

They need neutral to acid soil. Mine's growing in a container. @Dryranger are you planting in a border or a container?

 

Thank you for the swift responses! Oh I hadn't considered Skimmia at all! I was thinking of something that would come above waist height, but I suppose I could have a Camellia with Skimmia lower down in front perhaps... beats bulbs I guess! I'm planting in borders not containers. The door is up a couple of steps which adds to my desire for something that can put a bit of height on, though I do intend to build up the border when it comes to putting these in.