Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => General Gardening => Topic started by: MalcW on May 18, 2017, 11:51

Title: What shrub/bush to get?
Post by: MalcW on May 18, 2017, 11:51
Hi all. I could do with some recommendations for what to get. I have a shady corner in the garden, between the back of the garage and the garden fence. It gets virtually no sunlight at ground level, and the soil is clay with about 6 - 8 inches of topsoil covering it. I would like to get a shrub that will be happy there; something that will grow to around 6ft or so, with ideally a spread of no more than around 5ft. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: What shrub/bush to get?
Post by: mumofstig on May 18, 2017, 14:38
Emerald N Gold Euonymus would certainly brighten the dark corner, it would take a long while to fill the space though, as it is a slow grower.
Title: Re: What shrub/bush to get?
Post by: New shoot on May 18, 2017, 16:00
There are few very tough evergreens that you could try - Aucuba, Fatsia, Mahonia if you want something decorative.  If you just want screening, Laurel is faster growing.

All can be pruned.  For the Fatsia or Mahonia, take out some of the bigger branches each year to get more growth generating from the base.  The Aucuba or Laurel can just be shaped with shears each year.

As the soil is poor, it would be worth digging a bigger hole than usual and incorporating some manure or garden compost  :)
Title: Re: What shrub/bush to get?
Post by: MalcW on May 19, 2017, 09:23
Thanks for the advice. I'll make a note of these and look them up. And whatever I get I'll do as you suggest and dig a well oversized hole and put some manure in. That's what I did with some rhubarb recently, and that seems happy.
Title: Re: What shrub/bush to get?
Post by: Goosegirl on June 02, 2017, 12:19
Viburnum tinus is another one to consider as it has white flowers in winter/spring and can be cut back with no problem.
Title: Re: What shrub/bush to get?
Post by: sunshineband on June 02, 2017, 16:27
I was going to suggest spotted laurel. I know New Shoot mentioned laurel, but the spotted variety really lights up a dull corner with its golden splashed leaves