Shrub Help

Hi all,
Im looking for a shrub for a spot in the garden. Here's what it must have:
1. Flowers
2. Evergreen
3. Bushy Habit
4. Tolerates wet in winter
5. Heavy Soil
Im steering away from Rhodo's or Azalea.
Any help appreciated.
G

 

Some suggestions for shrubs which are quite hardy, although if the soil is particularly heavy then it would be a good idea to dig in some manure or compost beforehand.

Osmanthus burkwoodii
Viburnum tinus
Portuguese laurel (might get too large but can be pruned back)
Elaeagnus x ebbingei
Elaeagnus pungens maculata

Hope this helps

 

Skimmia is one of my favourites. You get a nice, neat evergreen bush, candle-clusters of small flowers in spring and, if you plant a male and a female, bright red berries on the female plant later in the season. I have 'Fragrant Cloud', which doesn't produce berries but does smell delicious - just like hyacinths. It's a favourite with the bees, as well.

It's a fairly tough plant, but will do better if you give it a good start with lots of compost. It is supposed to like acidic conditions, but is doing fine on my chalky soil with the help of a bit of compost.

 

I've got a few Skimmia japonica Rubella which I planted out the front, but they didn't like the sun so I moved them under the pergola last year and they are looking fab. I never noticed before how pretty they are when the flowers open

Didn't know you could get fragrant ones, so will add another to my ever growing list of plants I want

 

Sounds like some of the conditions I grow in in parts of my garden. There are lots of options depending on your specific situation and likes but a suggestion or two:

Ceanothus (various shapes and sizes and flowering times depending, Puget Blue is a compact)
Escallonia (again a variety of options depending on your needs)
Mahonia
Choisya
Hebe
Honeysuckle (the evergreen bush types are handsome and fragrant)

I'd agree on the Skimmia as well. Handsome and tough as old boots.

Good luck.

 

I want a Ceonothos but i fear that it will not like the winter wet soil that it will be in. I had it once in an old house and the insects LOVED the flowers, not sure its right for this position. Choisya i thinks a bit dull (sorry), Hebe, yes i was looking at these but will they sake wet soil in winter ?
I will also look into a Skimmia

G

 

Just had a look and most of the Skimmia say : Plant Weaknesses: Does not tolerate very dry or very wet soils.

My conditions are Part shade (sun in the morning until about 1pm in summer), heavy clay base soil, damp in summer, wet in winter. Plants surrounding it that are doing well are Astilbe, a Wiegiela and Cornus. The Rhodo which i aim to move to accommodate this is not doing well despite copious Ericaceous and feed.

G

 

Ok. Ive seen these. Any advice, do or donts ?

Common Name: Kerria
Genus: Kerria
Species: japonica
Cultivar: 'Pleniflora'

Common Name: Spiraea
Genus: Spiraea
Species: japonica
Cultivar: 'Golden Princess'

 

Both lovely shrubs Mr Grinch although neither are evergreen, I find the Kerria sends suckers off all over the place but still love it
My favourite I'm sorry has to be Choisya Ternata 'Aztec Pearl' evergreen, divided leaves, not fast growing so not having to constantly prune,flowers for ages and that scent

 

I know, thought about the evergreen, in hindsite, it would be great but i didnt want to run the risk of the border looking like a Tesco or council car park.
The Kerria, how would you deal with those suckers ? Im not looking for an inasive plant, god i had grief with the Jap Anen's. Are suckers easier to get rid of that spreading roots that get mingled with other plants root systems ?

 

There is a single form of kerria, which to me looks prettier than the pom-pom double variety. I believe the plant is somewhat daintier, as well.