Shrub suggestions for north face of house
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treascon09 Rank attained: Hazel Tree

Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 42
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Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2012 1:45 pm Post subject: Shrub suggestions for north face of house |
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I am almost finished painting the house and have started to set up a shrub bed along the side (picture attached). I'm wondering what I could sow as its the north face of house and doesn't get any direct sunlight. Was thinking of few birch trees and heathers but not sure if they need direct sun. Anyway all advise would be welcome.
Thanks
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kindredspirit Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood

Joined: 10 Nov 2008 Posts: 2300 Location: Mid-west.
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Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2012 5:26 pm Post subject: |
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Heathers like direct light and I personally wouldn't plant a tree right next to foundations.
Shrubs: Try Vibernum Tinus and Golden Escallonia. Also Drimys Winterii.
Under the windows, maybe Carex Pendula.
Other people here will come up with loads of suggestions.
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A little garden in Co. Limerick. Some non-gardening photographs. |
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tippben Rank attained: Vegetable garden tender
Joined: 15 Jan 2011 Posts: 921 Location: north tipperary
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Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 3:32 pm Post subject: |
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In a similar aspect, we have: Dryopteris ferns, hostas, Sedum spectabile, Citisus, Forscythia, Viburnum opulus (at a glance out of the window) You'll have low light levels, and it'll be fairly dry, so think woodland understory plants.
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forest flame Rank attained: Yew tree

Joined: 17 Jun 2008 Posts: 384 Location: DUBLIN
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Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 5:25 pm Post subject: |
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euoymus of various varieties and aucuba japonica fuschia as well as those mentioned above
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forest flame Rank attained: Yew tree

Joined: 17 Jun 2008 Posts: 384 Location: DUBLIN
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Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 5:25 pm Post subject: |
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euonymus even
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kindredspirit Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood

Joined: 10 Nov 2008 Posts: 2300 Location: Mid-west.
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treascon09 Rank attained: Hazel Tree

Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 42
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Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 7:27 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks all. Thank god for google so I can look them all up. As matter if interest do these need a deep soil as I intend on just filling bed with topsoil over the hardcore that was placed around house when building. Prob be about 6" hard core and 12" topsoil over it
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tippben Rank attained: Vegetable garden tender
Joined: 15 Jan 2011 Posts: 921 Location: north tipperary
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 3:09 pm Post subject: |
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Well, the deeper the soil, the better, even if you have to make a raised bed. If there's that little, maybe try a fig? They thrive on root constriction, so make a "box" out of slabs and rocks and plant into that. You might not get many figs, because of the low light, but it's still a cool plant. Bay (Laurus nobilis) would do well there, and not cause any problems. We have two, and end up using them for cooking most days, which keeps them small.
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catman Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree

Joined: 28 May 2009 Posts: 65 Location: Kilkenny
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 3:28 pm Post subject: |
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I've always found Camelias a great option on a north face wall.
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Sive Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 1731 Location: Co.Wexford
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Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2012 7:15 pm Post subject: |
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Be careful about "raising" a flower bed right up against the walls of your house.....you wouldn't want to bridge the damp-proof course.
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tippben Rank attained: Vegetable garden tender
Joined: 15 Jan 2011 Posts: 921 Location: north tipperary
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Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 10:16 am Post subject: |
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I'm interested Catman. I've never grown Camellias, as I just don't like them! North facing areas are often frost traps though, and I was under the assumption that frost on the developing buds makes them drop off. Have I been wrong all these years?!
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Sunflower Rank attained: Hawthorn Tree

Joined: 10 Mar 2009 Posts: 80 Location: Galway City
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Posted: Fri Oct 19, 2012 11:03 pm Post subject: |
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there is an amazing choice in hosta - I'm a recent convert. I've one with tall purple flowers with the tag long gone, no idea what I'm looking for but it's beautiful in the shade. but so many nice ones, you could plant bulbs under and around them with a laurel or two to define the space? and maybe a couple of small ivy plants to climb the side of the house, ones that don't climb out of control - or climbing hydrangea like the shade...
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