Small Shrub Idea

13 years ago

I have a friend who would like to do a small area in front of their house (approx 8x6). It faces southeast, though there is a strong treeline on the east that blocks most of the morning sun. They currently have a pink crepe myrtle on the right hand (easterly) side. They'd like to add some low-growing shrubs (windows are 3 ft from the ground) that will be green year round, and then add some color with flowers. The flowers part I can handle, it's the low-growing shrubs I'm struggling with. Everything I have and am familiar with are tall. Also, they are definitely not gardeners and will not "baby" and "nurture" anything beyond it's first few months in the ground. (Much unlike me who doesn't know how when to call it quits and rips something out-haha).

Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

girlgroupgirl
13 years ago
dwarf abelias are great. They are very low to groundcover height and rarely need pruning, do not need attention and bloom in very late winter.

Although some folks worry about invasiveness, I do love the very dwarf nandinas. They are great for covering ground and don't mind heat or sun (or neglect)...

and there are so many more choices too!
frankielynnsie
13 years ago
I love my daisy flowering gardenias. They stay full and short, are green all year and bloom once all over and again scattered. They smell yummy and are easy to root so I have them every where.
Related Professionals
Grand Haven Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Mountain Brook Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · South Orange Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Choctaw Landscape Contractors · East Hanover Landscape Contractors · Hampton Bays Landscape Contractors · Mount Sinai Landscape Contractors · Olympia Landscape Contractors · Seven Hills Landscape Contractors · Kingsburg Landscape Contractors · Bloomington Fence Contractors · Silver Spring Fence Contractors · Whittier Fence Contractors · Pedley Window Contractors · Seminole Window Contractors
Iris GW
13 years ago
If they get the hot afternoon sun then I would not do gardenias (although I second the raves on that one). Dwarf yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria 'Nana' or something similar) is nice. If you don't clip it so formally, it has a nice shape by itself. Easily found in most nurseries too.