Suggestions for shrub/tree

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snapple45 Holland, OH(Zone 5b) Apr 08, 2008

A neighbor has asked me to help her frugually relandscape her front yard so that she can sell her house this summer. It's not an easy chore. The house faces south, full sun in the winter but medium to full shade under an oak canopy in the summer. Currently there is one PJM Rhododendron (doing well) and some Blue Star junipers alternately planted with a small red leaved barberry. The soil is sandy and slightly acid.
The situation is perfect for some large hosta beds and other shade loving perennials. The choice of a shrub or small understory tree has me scratching my head.

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growin Beautiful, BC(Zone 8b) Apr 08, 2008

Could a Robinia hispida http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/56499/ work in the front.

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snapple45 Holland, OH(Zone 5b) Apr 08, 2008

It grows well around here. Unfortunately too well. It spreads like mad. I think this is nearly an impossible project because of the purpose of the redo. Immediately showy, no real thought for long term, and a constrained budget. Plus, I'm the one who'll be right across the street looking at it out my front window. I'm thinking maybe a Hydrangea quercifolia faced down with beds of hostas, impatiens and begonias. The impatiens and begonias will give immediate summer color. Add a nice mulch to cover the bare spot in the lawn under the oak trees and it might work.

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allanme79 Columbia, MO(Zone 5b) Apr 08, 2008

Hydrangas wouls be nice. I think Viburnums like slightly acidic soil too.

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growin Beautiful, BC(Zone 8b) Apr 08, 2008

That sounds good. Instant colour - maybe even some bulb stuff if you know when the open house is. We often do a planter on the front steps landing with a mix of stuff.

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snapple45 Holland, OH(Zone 5b) Apr 09, 2008

Oh, what a great idea! I would not have thought of that.

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