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Plants for Difficult Places

thorny shade bush

20 years ago

Can anyone suggest a thorny bush or something similar that will grow well in shade? I need something that will discourage loitering/vandalism along a fence in the alley. Something in the 3 to 6 ft range would be ideal. Thank you.

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Comments (4)

laceyvail 6A, WV
20 years ago
I believe Eleutherococcus sieboldii is thorny, and the variegated one is quite beautiful, though it will get considerably taller than 3 feet, up to 8 ft., I believe. Berberis thunbergii aurea would also grow in shade, and will be pale green rather than yellow. The size will be closer to what you are looking for.
SnowOwlMoon
20 years ago
Any kind of Barberry (Berberis). Comes in a variety of sizes, bloom colors, and all have inch-long thorns. There are some dwarf hollies (Ilex). I don't know if Oregon Grape (Mahonia) will grow in your zone, but it has very spikey leaves. Juniper has very sharp needles, and also comes in a variety of sizes, from very low-growing to tree-sized.
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rudysmallfry
19 years ago
Hollies are pretty painful to walk through. I've got them planted under some ground level windows for the same intrusion reason. Too bad it's not a sunny spot. Rogusa Roses are extremely prickery.
sugarhill
19 years ago
Thorny eleagnus?

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