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Cottage Gardens

Need shrub suggestions

10 years ago

I planted four shrubs in front of this picket fence.: from left to right: euonymus, knockout rose, butterfly bush ( low and behold) and purple gem azalea. Wanted variety of color and some year round color but the look is not as magical as I had hoped. Any thoughts for improvements?

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Comments (2)

Lilyfinch z9a Murrieta Ca
10 years ago
Did you just plant these those year or last ? I feel like they look fairly new and just need some time to settle in and start to show off. The azalea won't bloom more than 2/3 weeks in spring and then that's it. So I'd replace that . That yellow plant is pretty and looks like a nice anchor. Maybe add a yellow knock out to replace your azalea ? They have a light fragrance and are very pretty. Knock outs will get pretty big , something to keep in mind. Mine in pa got to 5 ft but I don't prune .
I had that butterfly bush once and it didn't thrive for me. Just a side note in case yours does the same. Pink delight and black knight did spectacular for me. And are common in nurseries.
Another thing you could do if u want to give your shrubs a chance before replacing them , is fill in the bed with annuals. They will perk it all up. Snapdragons and petunias are some favorites for sun !
I love your stone edging ! Looks like a very pretty bed'!
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ghoghunter
10 years ago
I agree with Lilyfinch! I also want to say the Knockout can get enormous unless you keep it pruned. I have the original redraz and it gets at least 8 feet tall and then I cut it way down every couple of years so it might soon outgrow the spot you have it in. Now if you cut it down every year then it will be OK I think. I don't think the yellow knockout gets that big.
Joann
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Thank you for all the suggestions so far! Sure I can give more specifics. As I mentioned, the area is about 1/8 of an acre, and it is already filled with a number of trees - a sweet gum, a few dogwoods, a maple or two, and oak tree, redbud tree, and two huge spruce trees. A stream cuts through a teeny tiny corner of the property, so it is attractive to wildlife, including deer. I would like all-season interest and be attractive to birds, but deer-resistant if possible. I'll be putting in some rhododenrons and winterberry hollies, and I'm not necessarily looking for any more evergreens, but since it's shade, and there won't be much bloom in the summer, then a few shrubs with attractive foliage is a must. Oh, and I ask only for shrubs at the moment because I think that I might be able to squeeze in some time to plant those this year and get a start on the garden. I will eventually be adding perennials and native plants, but the soil is pretty heavy clay, and will need some amendment for most shade plants that I want to put in. Right now with two little ones at home and countless projects lined up for inside the house, I just can't take on the entire job right now. So I'm looking for shrubs that can go in with little to no soil amendment, and will do well in the conditions that exist.
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