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Landscape Design Shrubs Perennials

Needing foundation shrub suggestions. Zone 5 NW Illinois

2 years ago

Don’t mind the planter box. We’re looking to obscure the wall of our screened in porch but still be able to see out. I’d prefer to have something evergreen, but am open to suggestions. Wall is about 3 feet high and there’s around 20 feet of length. This area faces SW. Thanks in advance.

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Dig Doug's Designs

2 years ago

Here are some ideas using Prelude dwarf Pieris, Purple Dragon Lamium, Plum Pudding Coral Bells & Shasta Daisies:

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Comments (6)

Embothrium
2 years ago
Are you going to be walking into the bed to service the bird feeder? If so maybe have a paved section in that part of the bed. Using something like concrete pavers.

Regarding the shrub choices maybe go see what your preferred local outlet(s) has first, then ask here about any that catch your interest.
tsugajunkie z5 SE WI ♱
2 years ago
How far are you from Clinton, Iowa?

tj
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With a long property line I would suggest grouping different plantings in areas. Areas wanting complete blockage put a group of 4 or 6 evergreen. Areas with less then deciduous. Some variation with specimens interspersed. When space allows you can layer shorter in front of the taller hedge. You can use a tape measure for spacing and also pay a little more for larger plants (even pots at $29.99 instead of $19.99 isn't much more if you can't afford the B&B price). The Emerald Greens and your spacing looks like, even when mature, they will be just lone monuments along the prop line. Every box store in your area loads up on cheap Emeralds, but that doesn't mean it is the best plant for your use.
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Apologies for a somewhat duplicate post. Houzz will not let me edit or comment on a similar post I started. I’m looking for some ideas here. I’ve x’d out the Hostas that have been removed. What is in there now from left to right: Spirea, Hosta, azalea, a few boxwood directly in front of the house , a barberry between the windows and the rounded paved area contains a couple green yellow euonymus, Hostas and a dwarf yew. I’m thinking of moving the evergreen tree to the middle of the windows but am open to suggestions. I also got a couple Penny Mac hydrangeas and I’d love to incorporate at least one somewhere for some color. Where I’m torn is if I should keep low growing stuff from the windows in or add some height in the middle AND at the right side of the photo. Help!!
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Sigrid
2 years ago
Based on the shade, I go with mt. Laurel and azaleas. There are plenty that will be about the right height. Mt. Laurel minuet, for example. Azalea Weston's lollipop. Dwarf Fothergillia. They will do well with part shade.

If you have sun, you have more choices, but I'm not as sure of them, given that my yard has part shade, shade and deep shade. Try Bluestone perennials. They have plenty of shrub choices.
laceyvail 6A, WV
2 years ago
Kalmia and azaleas will be fine if the soil is acid. If it isn't they won't be.

And Bluestone has very few shrub choices.
gracie01 zone5 SW of Chicago
2 years ago
Boxwoods are evergreen. Spirea or Dwarf Fothergilla will also do well there.

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