[michelle M]

I'm still trying to finalise my plants for a mixed border and having real difficulty narrowing it down. The border is running along the edge of a lawn, with a hedge of briars and something else dull behind it which needs covering. It will be about 100feet long.The size is a bit daunting, but I want to plan the back row of the border and take it from there. It is south facing, clay soil and fairly well drained. The list is a bit long, but if I could just gets opinions on what is definately worth including or one's that mightn't do well or survive such cold as we had this year. Any opinions greatly appreciated. Thanks

Prunus X cistena
Mahonia X media 'Charity'
Sarcococca humilis
Mahonia japonica
Viburnum tinus
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'
Euonymus fortunei 'Silver Queen'
Perovskia
Viburnum davidii
Berberis X ottawensis 'Superba'
Weigela Mont Blanc
Choisya ternata 'Sundance'
Stipa gigantea
Cornus alba 'Sibirica'
Chaenomeles X superba 'Knaphill'
Stipa tenuissima
Miscanthus sinensis
Deutzia X elegantissima 'Rosealind'
Kalmia angustifolia
Ilex (fairly sure that I'm safe with this one)

Glad you had time to get this far-if you have better suggestions than mine, feel free to add them.

[James Kilkelly]

All these should do fine michelle M.

Viburnum tinus
Viburnum davidii
Chaenomeles X superba 'Knaphill'
Berberis X ottawensis 'Superba'
Weigela Mont Blanc
Deutzia X elegantissima 'Rosealind'
Ilex
Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

Save these for a shady spot if you have any....
Mahonia X media 'Charity'
Mahonia japonica

Other suggestions.
Philadelphus
Ribes sanguineum

[michelle M]

Thanks for that James, that narrows down my list nicely. I hadn't included the Philadelphus or Ribes in my list because I already have them in pots waiting for an end to the frost.

[Dr. Sunny Thomson]

I presume hydrangea and lilac are on your hitlist as well michelle M.

[michelle M]

I'm not a big hydrangea lover, it's not on the list. Lilac was in my head, but actually forgot to add to my list. Thanks Dr Sunny Thompson.