Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Suggestions on shrubs/peren for a difficult space?, 1 by

wrote:
Winka:
Unfortunately, dog have already marked your area and will continue if there is anything that the can lift their leg against. It doesn't have to be a bush. Their urine is already in the ground to lure the next passing dog to leave their "calling card". Changing plants won't help that situation.

What you can do is: first get rid of the arborvitae. They don't grow well unless they get full sun. All evergreens are notorious for attracting dogs. Then leave the spot idle over the summer to dissapate the scent. I used to use moth flakes to discourage visiting dogs. It hurts their noses. Or, use a store bough dog repellent. Either way, sprinkle the area with it and apply as necessary. Moth balls are good if you don't have young kids that will find them. You don't need much of either.

As far as plants, I recommend Hostas. There are so many types to choose from in leaf texture, color, and height. They are mainly grown for their leaves, but do send up a tall flowering stalk in July and August.

Another plant that I love is Bergenia cordifolia (Heartleaf Bergenia). From a thick rootstock, it produces rosettes of large glossy heartshaped-like leaves that are evergreen. Turns russet in the fall. It blooms in April with pinkish-red flowers. Grows 12" high. A beautiful plant in or out of bloom. Grows nicely with Hostas and can serve as a groundcover.

Another groundcover or foreground plant is Ajuga reptans (Carpet Bugle) the miniature form that grows barely 2". Blue blooms in June with bronze colored leaves.

For height, consider Heuchera (Coral Bells) with many leaf colors to choose from. Spring or early summer blooming with pink, red, or white blooms.
Eupatorium purpureum (Joe Pye Weed) grows 3-9 feet native to eastern US. Purple blooms late summer or fall. Not really a weed.
Tricyrtis hirta (Toad Lily) with unique lilac blossoms peppered with purple growing from leaf joints. Height to 3ft. Form colonies.

There are many other shade loving plants, Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft), Galium odoratum (Sweet Woodruff), both low-growing.

All mentioned are hardy to zone 4. I have them growing in my own garden.

I'm sure there are many more varieties that you can grow in that spot. I just mentioned a few that I am familiar with.

As far as ivy growing on the exterior wall of your house, you take a chance on ants invading the house. I lived in a house with ivy and we had ants using the plant as a pathway.

CAPTION: Bergenia growing along the north side of my house.


This message was edited Feb 21, 2009 6:09 PM