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difficult spot in garden

Would welcome some suggestions, please, for an awkward spot! Following removal of a large Choisia that died after last winters frosts, the area is about 1x2 metres. It is mostly shaded by an Amelanchia tree, and next to an old mixed hedge. So, there's little direct sun, and very dry! We want something for wildlife, but not taller than about 8 inches, so the local moggies can't hide in it and pounce as there are feeders nearby. Have trawled through books, but nothing seems to quite fit the bill!

  • Hi Rose

    I'm far from being an expert but have you thought of something like a Mahonia. This variety Mahonia aquifolium 'Apollo' is fairly low growing and tolerates shade and all soil types. Not sure about its wildlife merits but it does have very early yellow flowers and purple berries in the autumn and is of course evergreen.

    If you want something even more low growing to provide ground cover what about one of the Vincas like this one perhaps. Probably not especially good for wildlife but very tolerant of shade and soil types.

    There are some expert gardeners on this forum who will probably have better suggestions.

    ____________________________________________________________________

    Tony

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  • What about some Hebes or Euonomise. I'd probably try some grasses they give good year round interest, I love the seed spikes + leave them over the winter. I'd also have a go at some phorniums there are some smaller ones around, there is also a wee bamboo that is rather slow growing.

    Hope that you find something to plant.

    'In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks'  John Muir.       

    Excuse wobbily dyslexic spelling!

  • Hi Rose,

    this is my choice and my top six plants for dry shade that aren't too tall....

    1. Alchemilla Mollis (Lady's Mantle) Lovely serrated grey/green leaves which catch and hold water droplets with yellow flowers in spring - can be a bit invasive but fairly easy to keep in check.

    2. Heuchera 'Regina' I grow this in dry shade and it has really attractive red/purple leaves. I do have other Heucheras but couldn't name them without looking them up I'm afraid but definitely worth researching as they may fit the bill perfectly!?

    3. Bergenia Cordifolia (Elephants Ears!) I love these, they have green glossy leaves which look like elephants ears spookily! LOL....pink flowers on thick stems, again easy and low maintenance

    4. Dryopteris Filix-Mas (fern) If you like ferns (as I do) then for dry shade this is the one to try and it will actually grow really well despite being dry!

    5. Vincu Minor 'Argenteavar legaty' (I think!!??) not so well known but a great little low creeping evergreen 'weed/flower' which will give low ground cover and reward you with pretty pale purple flowers in Spring

    6 Brunnera These are from the 'Forget Me Not' family and I love them as many have really interesting variegated leaves and are great mixed in with some of the other plants above, most varieties have small blue flowers that I'm aware of...

    Hope this helps?

  • There may not be enough sun for it but I've planted four berberis recently, including Berberis thunbergii - 'Atropurpurea Nana'. I'm growing them for the birds - thorns (protection from the sparrowhawk) and berries. The Nana on is lowgrowing and alpine on dry chalk soils.

  • Many thanks for all your replies, there's lots to choose from after all! I think a trip to the nurseries is next!