Ideas for West-facing area in dappled shade.

I am hoping you garden gurus will have some ideas for me. I’ve just removed a Skimmia from this area and thinking what to replace it with. It’s West-facing but in dappled shade once the big apple tree (right of this) greens-up. The soil is on the clay side but not too heavy, and there are several large shrubs around it - a Photinia behind and a Japanese Cedar (type) tree to the left.

As it’s a bit dark green with the foliage around, the white blooms on the Skimmia worked well. I am happy to do a ground cover of woodland-edge plants like geraniums etc but am looking for a small shrub too.

Thanks in advance!

Ps. First time posting a picture so hope it works…

 

I grow Osmanthus burkwoodii in a similar site. That might work for you. Mine is just starting to go over in terms of flowering, but it might flower earlier where you are.
They get to quite a decent size, but can be pruned too.
Pieris would also work and would tone in with what you have, re the new red foliage. If a Skimmia was happy enough, they should be ok. Some of the Jap. azaleas should be fine too.

 

Thank you @fairygirl. I was thinking maybe a Pieris (there’s a remnant of one at the base of the Red Robin which was hidden so I hard pruned it last year) and there is an Azalea bottom right in bud now, so that might work. I like the Osmanthus idea as it would brighten it up early Spring.

 

They're very easy, and I'm guessing you'll not have too much of a problem with moisture, although mine is in a raised bed which also contains the bird cage, so there's less water getting in.
They're quite adaptable.
Loads of perennials/bulbs will be suitable for your ground cover too

 

I think I’d go for something with contrasting foliage shape or foliage colour in that location @AuntyRach. I have a variegated Griselinia in a similar position, it’s evergreen and the variegation makes the area feel brighter all year. The flowers are insignificant but I don’t mind. There’s also a variegated Photinia called Pink Crispy which is unusual. My neighbours have one and the foliage really stands out at this time of year.

 

There’s also another variegated Photinia called Pink Marble which is a bit more subtle @AuntyRach, it depends how daring you are!

 

Thank you @Plantminded. I always say my garden is a wide selection of green - I love mixing shades of green and leaf shapes. Variegated could work well and would give the splash of light/white that I think looks good in that spot.

Edit: just seen your second post! I’ll have a look at both…

 

A hydrangea might work, maybe one of the smaller paniculata ones like Little Lime?

 

Thank you @KayJ - I really like Hydrangeas- maybe a lime or white one would look good. I’ve just looked and the first sentence in ‘growing conditions’ was dappled shade! Another contender then.

 

What about a hardy fuchsia? They like dappled shade. It wouldn't flower until summer but one like Delta Sarah with white and purple flowers would brighten up the spot, you could plant bulbs to brighten it up for spring.

Otherwise I like @Plantminded's suggestion of a variegated shrub.

 

Thank you @Busy-Lizzie - I really like that idea. In fact, my OH loves fuchsias and we may have lost an old pink one in another part of the garden it it’s become very woody and had gallmite. I inherited some lovely mature shrubs with this garden but some have had their time and have been retired over the last few years. Anything bright pink (there were quite a few) I am gradually replacing with my choices - white and purple fit that scheme.

I am spoiled for choice with all these ideas now - what a fab dilemma to have though.

 

There’s some nice options there @AuntyRach, perhaps you could extend the bed a bit and accommodate more than one!

 

It is tempting to extend the bed… you’ve all got me thinking anyway…

 

Bear in mind that some Pieris are also variegated, so you get everything there. I have a fairly new, small one here, and they're certainly popular up here
I wasn't sure if it was evergreen you wanted too, or if it didn't matter. Choysias could also be good.

I meant to ask though - what was the reason for the Skimmia needing removed? That could affect the choice you make.