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Gardening in Oz

Tricky Stairs

21 years ago

I was wondering if anyone could suggest what I could plant beneath our front stairs. The stairs are wooden slat type (see pic) so the area gets enough light. The area is quite moist, it faces south(ish) and gets very little (if any) sun. We live in Nthrn NSW. I was hoping for some suggestions on something that might be non invasive as we are planning on having some neat hedges across the front of the house. We have planted Photinas (SP?) and a couple of port wine magnolias beside the stairs.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/rangi_cooch/Dsc00386.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v632/rangi_cooch/Dsc00387.jpg

I look forward to your comments!

Cheers,

Lyn

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Comments (8)

blackcat2
Original Author
21 years ago
Hmm, let me try that again...

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:2112811}}
User
21 years ago
Hi Lyn,
It sounds like a wonderful spot for some ferns. Or were you after something that flowers?
Cheers,
Dee.
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blackcat2
Original Author
21 years ago
Flowers would be great but I don't know if you would get a decent display in so much shade. Then again, what would I know!

Do ferns tend to spread? I'd like perhaps a shrub, or something that doesn't end up taking over. I think a light green, yellow or blue/grey foliage would be my best bet to lighten up under there. It doesn't have to flower.

Cheers,
Lyn
bernard_qld
21 years ago
Best idea I can come up are Spathiphyllum "Sensation", if you do not get frost in winter. But otherwise your site description sounds perfect (I grow a couple under stairs/deck with no sunlight and they like it).
User
21 years ago
What about fuschias..they come in quite a range of colours in the pink/white/purple/red combinations.
Some other flowers you could consider are Aquilegia, Begonias or Daphne. These are all less than 1m. tall.
Coloured foliage you could consider are Iresine or Coleus. Also less than 1m.
Cheers,
Dee.
Sparaxis
21 years ago
I second Fuschias. I have to keep mine hidden behind the tree ferns here, to protect them from the frost. They peep through the pickets on the decking, and are delightful in bloom. When they are naked, i can't see them.
gardengirlWA
21 years ago
Looks like a good spot for Plectanthrus - the "Mona Lavander" variety is especially good - but any of the others are good too. Lovely foliage and pretty purple/blue or white flowers. Mine thrive in full shade or part shade/sun. Some of the upright fuschias would be great too.
Rach
follicle
21 years ago
Hostas maybe or Helleborus. If you keep it pruned you could try Philladelphus mexicanus,that way the perfume would be near the doorway?

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