Replace this Hebe..

Hello!

Leat year I cut back a hugely leggy Hebe. However, as expected, it didn't respond well. It's just to the left of the holly. I'm wondering what I can replace it with when I dig it out next week.

The border faces the south west, so gets a good amount of sun, even under the holly. I may 'lift' the lower branches of the holly, too. Sandy soil, slightly on the acidic side.

Would love some inspiration. Think I could do with spring colour, and ideally not yellow (as I've got enough spring yellows).

Any ideas? Many thanks

 

Raphiolepis, Pieris, Cistus, Ceanothus repens....to name a few Lucky you!

 

I really like the idea of the Cistus. I think it will grow fairly quickly to fill up the gap too. Going to look into that thank you!

 

Pieris will be fine too. Hardy shrubs. They prefer some dampness though, so it depends on how decent the soil is to start with. They adapt well once established.
Your location/climate, and the size of the space, also dictates what will be happy, so it helps to give that too

 

I guess my only concern is that it's going between two very well established plants - the spindle thing on the left and the big holly. Wondering if it will get a hard time competing for moisture?

 

Oh - location and climate. North west England, 200m from coast. Generally mild winters

 

That should be fine in terms of climate. The space is always a deciding factor, but Pieris can be pruned if needed. Cistus may not be ideal where you are, but I expect you could try it.

What size is the area you have available though? You may have to opt for something small, or more of a perennial rather than a shrub, so that it isn't impacted by the other established shrubs.

 

Cistus thrive in dry conditions and are also allelopathic so they tend to hold their own against competition If they've got a drawback, it's their short flowering season.

 

That’s interesting @noisette47, I’ve not heard that before. We had three large cistus which we took out last year , they surrounded a struggling magnolia. It’s now looking better than ever and was smothered in flowers this spring.

 

Fuchsia Magellanica will be happy in your climate.

 

@noisette47 - I had to hit wiki for that new term. Fascinating concept.

@Sheal, thanks for that idea. Will take a look now.

Just borrowed my mattock, so the old plant is coming out soon!