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ideas for larger-leaved glossy shrub or plant
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Posted by bonnie1_2007 6 (My Page) on Fri, Sep 14, 07 at 10:38
Ok, I'm finally giving in and posting to this site. I've researched endlessly on this particular situation and my mind is finally in a pretzel! I am looking for am looking for a compact shrub or plant (2-2 1/2 feet high and the same in width) that will look good behind an euonymus gaiety which is remaining 1 foot in height. The area to be planted borders the foundation as well as the side entrance of our house. It receives morning sun only (partial shade, I guess).
I would like a plant/shrub that has larger, glossy-green leaves. As far as boxwoods go, we have enough of those around that general area of the house.
I have considered rhododendron, but have reservations about whether the soil is a proper fit for one of those. Also, have thought about mountain laurel, but I'm not familiar enough with those and I'm not sure whether they come in a compact dwarf size. I'm trying to find a picture of one of these taken from more of a distance, but I'm only able to find close-ups. I'm wondering whether mountain laurel would be too random in its growth pattern for my preference.
Now I'm leaning towards Rotunda Chinese holly. However, some statistics say that it grows much more than 2 feet whereas other sources state that it reaches only about 2 feet. Perhaps it's one that I can prune?
Besides the larger-leaved glossy plant idea, I'm open to other suggestions as well. Maybe something with purple/burgundy foliage. Again, I want something that looks compact and neat since it borders the side of the garden and also the area which people walk by. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: ideas for larger-leaved glossy shrub or plant
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| as an afterthought, some type of mounding or shaped darkish-green ornamental grass would look good there, too. I just can't seem to find a type that fits the bill height and location wise |
RE: ideas for larger-leaved glossy shrub or plant
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| There are compact forms of mountain laurel. 'Elf' is one but it is very tiny. Check out some of the others. You are located in Canada, zone 6? By the way, if the area gets 5-6 hours of morning sun, I would consider that "full sun". Do you want the plant to be evergreen (I ask because you considered 3 types of broadleaf evergreens)? |
Here is a link that might be useful: A listing of some Kalmia cultivars
RE: ideas for larger-leaved glossy shrub or plant
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| thanks for the link; yes I'm in zone 6 Canada and I more or less was looking for an evergreen though I'd be open to other suggestions. I never considered this a full-sun area because by the time the sun is direct, the area is in shade. I'll have to inquire about that at a nursery, because that would certainly open up my options to more than I've been looking at. Is mountain laurel an easy one to grow? |
RE: ideas for larger-leaved glossy shrub or plant
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| You could also consider bergenia for this situation. It is not a shrub and also slightly smaller in stature than 2-2.5', but it certainly offers some great foliage contrast - large, glossy green. mostly evergreen leaves take on a burgundy tone in cold weather. Flower spikes in pinks or whites are produced in late spring. Very tolerant of a wide range of soil and light conditions, it can grow pretty much anywhere and with minimal effort or maintenance required on the gardener's part. Gets about 18" tall and will spread to form a nice sized colony. Easily divided if the clump gets too big. It would be a handsome compliment to a planting of Euonymus 'Emerald Gaiety'. Add a planting of Corsican hellebore (Helleborus argutifolius - very bold, very hardy, very sun tolerant) and you will have a great, 4 season interest combo. |
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