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 Pacific Northwest Garden Forum : The Archives : Oldest Archived Posts 4 |
 Topic: Compact Evergreen Shrubs( Topic Closed) |
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Bella Stella
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Joined: May-14-2007 Posts: 6 |
 Topic: Compact Evergreen ShrubsPosted: Jun-26-2008 at 10:19am |
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We're having a pond/waterfall installed in our sunny Portland backyard. The landscaper has recommended including several compact Oregon grapes to create a more natural look and for year-round interest. I don't like Mahonia. Please recommend a 2'-3'flowing evergreen shrub other than nandina, which he's already using.
Thank you! |
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Bella Stella
Portland, OR |
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DebbieTT
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Sunset zone 5, USDA zone 8 Joined: Jan-25-2003 Location: Washington, Kitsap Peninsula Posts: 4241 |
Posted: Jun-26-2008 at 11:08am |
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By flowing do you mean something that trails down? For a contrast with the nandina, I would go for something with larger leaves, which may be why he suggested the mahonias.
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JeanneK
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Joined: Jul-28-2003 Location: Oregon, Greater Portland Metro Posts: 2068 |
Posted: Jun-26-2008 at 1:17pm |
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Maybe you meant "flowering"? How about our native evergreen huckleberry (vaccinium ovatum. Beautiful evergreen foliage, cute little white bell shaped flowers, tart edible huckleberries, nice shape and interesting leaves.
Although, personnally I love mahonia and so do the hummingbirds! Good luck. |
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Jeanne
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Genko
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Joined: Aug-08-2007 Location: Washington, Puget Sound Corridor Posts: 229 |
Posted: Jun-26-2008 at 1:54pm |
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I have several different evergreen shrubs around my water feature: Leucothoe is a nice variegated one, plus several different evergreen Vacciniums, including one with larger leaves. There are also some smaller rhodies. I have a lovely one with very early white flowers, and smaller than the usual rhody leaves. Can't think of the name for it.
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Genko
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tommyb
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Joined: May-01-2004 Location: Oregon, Willamette Valley Posts: 724 |
Posted: Jun-26-2008 at 6:38pm |
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As the resident Hebe collector, I'd suggest you take a look at several Hebe varieties: H. Nicola's Blush fits, as would H. Caledonia; H. Pink Fantasy is interesting also.
There are a number of interesting Hebes that offer interesting foliage without predominant blooming: H. Red Edge, H. Toparia, H. cupressoides Boughton Dome or H. c. Nana. Hebes offer basically a no pruning requirement once mature but do require excellent drainage. Did I mention some bloom from late June into January? H. Nicola's Blush for example. Hebe Nicola's Blush Tom Edited by tommyb - Jun-26-2008 at 6:40pm |
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silver_ creek
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Joined: Jan-08-2006 Location: Washington, Western Cascade Foothills Posts: 653 |
Posted: Jun-27-2008 at 6:47am |
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Escallonia 'Newport Dwarf' would also fit the bill.
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Fern
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Joined: Mar-11-2005 Location: Washington, Western Cascade Foothills Posts: 1346 |
Posted: Jun-27-2008 at 6:58am |
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All excellent ideas! I'll just add one more to make the choice even harder, though it doesn't have the larger leaves that might be a good choice for there. Lemon Beauty Box Honeysuckle, Lonicera nitida 'Lemon Beauty', ia shrub, easily pruned, with a nice arching habit and the yellow in the leaves is very nice in the winter.
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Fern
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Lisa A
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Joined: Aug-14-2003 Location: Oregon, Greater Portland Metro Posts: 3243 |
Posted: Jun-27-2008 at 9:24am |
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For great texture and year-round interest, consider Viburnum davidii. It's is a favorite shrub of mine, although it is often overlooked because it's overused in parking lots and other public areas. New Zealand flax would add vertical interest. There are many color varieties in many different sizes on the market.
Have fun making up your mind! ;-) |
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Bella Stella
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Joined: May-14-2007 Posts: 6 |
Posted: Jun-27-2008 at 5:51pm |
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Wow! Thanks, everyone, for the wonderful suggestions! I'll study them closely, although I'm fascinated with the idea of having an evergreen huckleberry.
Happy gardening! Summer is definitely here. |
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Bella Stella
Portland, OR |
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Garden Spider
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Joined: Jul-27-2003 Location: Washington, Puget Sound Corridor Posts: 1139 |
Posted: Jun-27-2008 at 8:01pm |
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Well, I will second the Lonicera nitida! I have "Baggin's Gold"--variegated green/gold leaves. It has proven itself to be very hardy, and easy care.
For a small, ball-shaped shrub, I'd recommend Andromeda pollifolia. It has small, evergreen, blue-gray leaves, and bright pink flowers in Spring. Does not get very big, and remains round and tidy. Needs moisture (I have mine in a bog), likes full sun, and other than those 2 needs, is a very undemanding plant. No pruning necessary. A small Azalea, such as Hino Crimson might also fill the bill. Hino Crimson does well in full sun, and has bright red flowers with small, dark green leaves. It is evergreen. |
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Barb
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mdvaden
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Joined: Jul-27-2003 Location: Oregon, Western Posts: 748 |
Posted: Jun-28-2008 at 11:33pm |
Sunny, so no Loropetalum - right? I'm a big Spiraea fan. It's not evergreen, but worth having. The evergreen huckleberry mentioned above is nice too - hard to beat the nice dark green leaf. Can't say I like Mahonia much in a landscape either. Often invasive if the soil is any good. Edited by mdvaden - Jun-28-2008 at 11:37pm |
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M.D. Vaden
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