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Gardening in the UK

Plant ideas for north facing rock face

13 years ago

Hi,

At the rear of our house we have a near vertical rock face (9m wide x 7m high) consisting of sandstone and shale which will be bolted and netted to prevent rock fall. It is north facing, but sheltered.

Has anyone experience or ideas for planting such an area? I am specifically looking for ideas of plants that would survive a north facing aspect. As the base is paved and there is very limited space I wish to avoid growing climbers out of pots and containers.

Many thanks,

Julian

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Comments (2)

sunflower2
13 years ago
I haven't got a vertical rock face but I do have a north-facing wall which is rather ugly between my house and my neighbour which is north facing and in a very small space of soil have been very successful with a climbing hydranger which literally took off ready to cover the whole house and my neighbour's too! It is covered each summer with masses of creamy lacecap type flowers. It's quite easy to prune back a and control but has disguised the ugly wall really well. Note that it does lose it's leaves each winter. Hope this is of help.
julian1
Original Author
13 years ago
HI,

Many thanks for you reply. Sorry about the delay in replying, but I've been ill the last couple of weeks.

I'll have a think about this, but ideally want the rock face covered in the winter too.

Regards,

Julian
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