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Need some Low Growing/Full Sun suggestions for a Mailbox Flower Bed

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

So i've planted a Mailbox flower bed, its not small and has quite a few things. Right now im growing the Tall Phlox/Lithriope/Oriental poppies/Daylilies and some Northern Sea Oats as a backdrop Grass.

However most of these are tall (well towards the back) and I have some spaces I sorta need to fill. So im looking for some low growing hardy perennials (i've put down good quality topsoil and compost, since the soil is clay-ish.

Also in front of the mailbox there is very little soil depth. (Because of where they pour the cement for the mailbox)...so I need something that is low growing (Preferably) but also has very low growing roots. Also since there isn't much soil depth there it needs to be drought tolerant. (Since it's maybe got...3-4 inches of soil depth, then it's concrete. It's right up against the road too so it can't be anything that gets too scrambly.

I was thinking maybe some Sedum/Hens and Chicks for the front? I mean...it doesn't hold water so their roots wouldn't get too crazy, plus they have tiny roots as it is. (Maybe Coral reef sedum or autumn joy)

Oh yeah this whole area will be mulched. Not sure if that matters? (For my sedum/hens and chicks/succulents suggestion especally)

Featured Answer

greenhearted Z5a IL

7 years ago

Emily:

I don't often post pictures because I am a poor photographer with an even poorer quality camera! It looks better in person when you can really see the textures together. It has a patchwork quilt sort of look to it. Here is S.kamtschaticumt, 'Angelina', 'Blue Spruce' and 'Voodoo' and creeping thyme.

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Comments (11)

greenhearted Z5a IL
7 years ago
I have sedum and daylilies around my mailbox. They have held up wonderfully with little intervention on my part.
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
7 years ago
Hens and chicks, creeping thyme, Angelina sedum will all tolerate dry, shallow soil and stay relatively low. You can use a combination of them to get some interest when they aren't blooming. All do best in full sun.
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Matt S
Original Author
7 years ago
I've been told those types don't do well around Mulch? is this true?
greenhearted Z5a IL
7 years ago
If you plant them high, in my experience the mulch will not be a problem. The idea is to make sure the water can drain easily from the crown. I have quite a few different sedums and chicks and hens in mulched beds and have not had any issues with it. You will probably find as they spread they act as their own mulch and do not need anything added.
katrina_ellen
7 years ago
Depends on the location. I was going to plant around my mailbox at one time, but its by the road where people walk their dogs, and they always sniff the mailbox and mark it, so I decided against it. If you don't have that happening, then sedum is so easy care. In my neck of the woods - 5b, they use stella o dora(spelling?) daylilies extensively, they seem to be very hardy.
User
7 years ago
greenhearted any chance you can share a pic?
gardenweed_z6a
7 years ago
After reading the above suggestions, one thing I noticed wasn't mentioned is Alchemilla mollis/Lady's mantle. I have it growing in both sun, part sun & full shade. In my slightly acidic sandy loam, it performs essentially the same wherever I've planted it. I like it for the foliage primarily--it's a nice contrast to other perennials. I've never watered any of my plants and in my experience that hasn't been a factor in their performance.
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
7 years ago
Artemesia Silver Mound works great for me in zone 5B. It makes a nice neat circle, about 5 inches tall and up to 2 feet across (well, I have one that's even bigger) and is easy-care. Also, I love the color. I'm into the blue/white/yellow/silver/green colors.
User
7 years ago
Greenhearted thank you. I meant the sedum with the daylillies.
greenhearted Z5a IL
7 years ago
Oh sorry, no I don't Emily. Its nothing special but does the job in a tough spot. If I think of it, I will snap a picture this weekend.

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