Making the right choice

I need some advice about shrubs/plants suitable for a 32’ x 4’ flowerbed that backs onto woodland.

I have already partially cleared the stony flowerbed and removed any plants I want to retain, leaving only a Buddleia to relocate elsewhere and a Rhododendron that I'm unsure about. The rest of the work will be completed next week when the property boundary will be delineated by a 5' fence sitting on a 12" concrete lintel with concrete posts. The work will also involve completely removing a large section of holly, and digging over the remaining flowerbed with added top soil.

Please note that the sun rises to the left in the photograph (East), rapidly passing over in front of the flowerbed and leaving it in shade for much of the day. The dry looking lawn area is because of the recent heatwave; normally, it is the greenest part of the lawn. Come Autumn, there is usually a heavy leaf fall from the trees (oak, etc) in the background.

I need shrubs and plants that will quickly establish themselves, concealing much of the fence line.

I am also looking for a pink hydrangea for another part of the garden. This would be in a border that faces East with the sun passing directly overhead to set behind it.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Thank you for your suggestions.

 

Hi Tim,



Welcome to Gardeners Corner

Essentially this is North facing. I have a similar area whichh I have planted up with Digitalis ( Foxgloves ), Primroses, Dwarf Narcissi and Erythronium for the Spring and then Lilies, Delphiniums and Hardy Fuchsias for the Summer and into Autumn. ( My Fuchsias even flower into December- early January there as they are sheltered ).

 

I would go for woodland edge plants too as suggested above. Ivy would be good on the fence and when mature is an excellent plant for wildlife.

 

Hiya Tim....warm welcome

Lots of plants to recommend but your soil's PH is important before then...is it acid or alkaline? You mentioned wanting a pink hydrangea yet you can grow rhododendrons that require an acid soil!
If your soil is acid a pink hudrangea is unlikely to remain pink. Blue hydrangeas for acid soil, pink and red for alkaline soil

 

I thought that you might like to know how the planting has progressed to date. The photograph is to give you some idea of the revised 'bare canvas'.

Climbers

Albéric Barbier Rambling Rose
Clematis Capitaine Thuilleaux
Hedera Helix Gold Heart
Lathyeus Latifolius Red Pearl
Trachelosperum Star of Toscone

Shrubs

Hydrangea Wedding Gown
Hypericum Hidecote
Jasminum Officinale
Phsyocarpus Lady in Red
Potentilla Abbotswood White

Others

Antirrhinum x 3 white, orange/scarlet, yellow
Astilbe Younique x 2 silvery pink/white
Deutzia Montrose
Miscanthus Red Cloud ornamental grass
Penstemon Polaris Rose

The Albéric Barbier Rambling Rose forms the centre-piece and follows advice I took from a specialist rose nursery. As for the rest, there are a few transplants (not mentioned) some of unknown origin, one or two bargains and, doubtlessly, a few mistakes! When planting, I've tried to keep in mind that the sunlight improves from right to left as the day progresses. Doesn't look much at the moment, but time will tell!

 

Some very nice plants TimC