Planting advice

Discussion in 'NEW Gardeners !' started by Michael12345, Mar 18, 2025 at 9:16 AM.

  1. Michael12345

    Michael12345 Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi

    Looking for some recommendations please. I'd like to plant 1 or 2 plants/shrubs in the space shown.

    The soil is quite clay heavy although happy to enhance it with new compost.

    I'm not an expert with varieties of plants & gardening in general so looking for something, possibly evergreen, that is easy to maintain, looks good and is suitable for all year.

    The area shown is apprx 2m wide x 1.2m deep and gets partial sun.

    Any help greatly received.

    Regards

    20250317_165950.jpg
     
  2. noisette47

    noisette47 Total Gardener

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    Hello Michael12345, whereabouts are you in UK? That will have a bearing on recommendations!
     
  3. Michael12345

    Michael12345 Apprentice Gardener

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    Sorry forgot to mention - I'm in the sunny south (or not so as the case generally tends to be!) in Kent.

    Thanks very much
     
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    • noisette47

      noisette47 Total Gardener

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      Over to our panel of experts.....:) I noticed that you've already got a Euonymous growing by the wall....evergreen, will make a shrub and also gently climb the wall. Does flower but not spectacularly. Perhaps it needs some fertiliser and water to give of it's best?
       
    • Plantminded

      Plantminded Total Gardener

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      You could try a Phormium in that area to add interest. There are many colour variations, I'd choose one of the white and green variegated ones like Cream Delight. It's evergreen and a small sized one so it won't obstruct your window. If you prefer one with more colour, try Phormium Jester or Joker.
       
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      • Michael12345

        Michael12345 Apprentice Gardener

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        Ok thank you for the suggestion!
        Would a Cordyline also be an option & would it be suitable all year round?

        Many thanks
         
      • noisette47

        noisette47 Total Gardener

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        The more highly coloured they are the more tender. If it was happy, it would get too tall for that situation, leaving you with a bare trunk and a tuft of leaves at the top...so not really....Have you already considered Lavender, Rosemary, Cistus, Hebe, dwarf forms of Photinia, Pittosporum or Escallonia?
         
      • Michael12345

        Michael12345 Apprentice Gardener

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        Thanks for your suggestions. To be honest I'm really lost with all the plant names and even though I'm trying to do as much research/reading about different options as I can, it's proving to be a bit of a minefield!

        I'm just after something simple that fills the space and pretty much takes care of itself. Would a simple rose bush or two be suitable?
         
      • Philippa

        Philippa Gardener

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        Hebes would probably be a good choice as would the other evergreens mentioned by @noisette47 . Just bear in mind that most plants will require some maintenance at some point tho to keep them in shape/looking good/flowering.
        If you can, have a look at some of your neighbouring gardens and see what does well in a site similar to yours. Good luck with finding something you like and which will thrive :)
         
      • JennyJB

        JennyJB Head Gardener

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        Shrubby salvias do well for me in partial shade (for example near the west-facing front of the house, so no sun until the afternoon), and they won't mind the dryness that you get near paving and wall foundations.
         
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