Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: winter damage to Magnolia; update, 0 by DonnaMack

DonnaMack wrote:
Oh, Muddy, I agree!

I didn't realize how fortunate I was when a landscaper put in 14 myrica pennsylvanica in my former home as a foundation shrub - seven on each side. Yes, I had to acidity them in our high alkaline soil but they provided complete privacy and shade on the western front of our house. If there was a loss, they replaced themselves before we realized there was a loss. We could grow them to great height or cut them back. Others who had them reduced them in size but we said, grow baby grow! And I grew suckering plants like anemone x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert' and salvia verticillata 'White Rain' in front of them and they fought to a draw. Not to mention that the birds loved the berries, and we had sufficient numbers so that pollination was a snap. And they never look bad.

Not flashy, but it is described as a "handsome" shrub, and I agree. Under the same circumstances I would ask for them, having experienced how wonderful they are. I read in Michael Dirr's book really likes the plant, and says that a really useful addition might be dwarf cultivar. When people said that to me, I would suggest ilex glabra!