Hey guys.. I am looking for a nice big "anchor" for the NorthWest corner of my front yard. It gets sun, sun, and more sun. I would like something that will end up nice and spherical with a nice flower and interesting foliage. I have enough lilacs, so that is out of the question.
Any help would be great!
Thanks,
Nick
I need help picking a shrub
How about a leatherleaf viburnum? I have one on the west side of my home and just love it. It has the most beautiful leaves and in the spring it has nice white flowers. It is not prone to disease and is virtually maintenance free. You could clip it to shape it the way you want it to grow. You could also go with a slow growing tree like a Japanese Maple (bloodgood).
butterfly bushes or snowball bushes?
I vote for a Lacecap Hydrenga.
Paul
Ugh Not, I knew someone would suggest snowballs... I hate them :P And I just put in two butterfly bushes about half an acre away. (http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/49898/index.html)
That viburnum is nice... But will it be ok out in the open? This a largely unprotected corner of my yard.
I am intrigued by the Lacecap Hydrangea, Paul. This variety http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/49501/index.html seems to be really hardy. Do you have any pictures or more information regarding those?
Thanks guys...
Nick
I work as a gardener at Greenfield Village. we have some over there, they are spectacular.
Sorry I don't have any pix, going to get a digital camera.
They take the Michigan winters well.
Paul
I've had good luck with a doublefile viburnum on the west side of our lot. It's out in the open, gets lots of wind and weather, but seems to handle it well. It has dark green, veined leaves and lovely white blooms appear in the spring. It has done so well there that I'm considering other viburnums for an open spot farther back to provide some protection for more delicate plants.
I am really leaning towards the Lacecap Hydrangea. But that Doublefile viburnum is awesome too.. Maybe I have room for two more shrubs this year :P. That brings this year total new shrub and tree count to 17.... uh oh..
Nick
Nick.......they also make a new Hydranger called Endless Summer that will bloom all season.....
Deann
how about a bridal wreath spirea? The smaller one has a somewhat round habit (ok so maybe a 'weeping' habit is a bit more accurate. It has a beautiful flower display in the spring (right about now around here).
I just got an ID on a bush and was told it was spirea. Is this the bridal wreath variety?
Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions.. (even you NotMartha with your snowball bush suggestion ;P )
I picked up a nice Doublefile Viburnum at Alwoods (a great local place) today. About 4 feet high and nice and full. Thanks again!
Nick
Nick, now once you have that in the ground, you are gonna have to take a pix of it and show us...
Deann