[ormondsview]

I've made a list of shrubs which would do well in a moderate climate, either because they prefer acidic or peaty soil, wet feed, boggy areas, are spectacular when in bloom or just prized for their rarity. I'd also like to hear personal accounts of why you like or dislike them if you have experience with them, knowing that gardening is a subjective sport - ie. I hate the smell of nasturtiums after eating the leaves and getting sick from them. The daphne is very hardy and deer resistant, smells wonderful, especially on a windy day! Flowers a long time. Bluebeard moves in the breeze and attracts bees and butterflies. And I think one on the list may also lead to sweet tasting, and smelling honey production.[img]1.png[/img][img]2.png[/img][img]3.png[/img][img]4.png[/img][img]5.png[/img][img]6.png[/img][img]7.png[/img][img]8.png[/img]

[Sive]

Caryopteris is a very pretty little shrub, and unusual in that it gives you blue flowers at a time of the year when there isn't much blue around.
As for ceanothus, "Concha" is one of my all-time favourite shrubs....I absolutely adore the intense purpley-blue flowers....so much nicer than other more washed-out blues that ceanothus produces.

[michael brenock]

echium is not a shrub but a biennial herbaceous plant, grows about 3-4 feet in first year and up to 12 feet as it flowers in second year.it is easily blown over in an exposed situation. Eucryphia an expensive and difficult plant to grow. caryopteris good and easy to grow, many of the ceanothus family are short lived but beautiful.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[James Kilkelly, was GPI.]

ormondsview, some comments on your post I received via our twitter account http://twitter.com/Allotments

Chamaedaphne calyculata evergreen in heath family (ericaceae) is a threatened species in certain parts of US not native 2 Ireland

Chionanthus retusus is rare (olive family), not sure it would be hardy, although ormondsview is in kerry so it maybe fine there

Both from this user http://twitter.com/plantmad

[ormondsview]

I've found an excellent Australian blog which gives a great deal of insight into plants which could be hardy in Ireland. Eucryphia can be planted from seed bought on the Australia ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/Fragrant-Pinkwood-Eucryphia-moorei-Fresh-Seed_W0QQitemZ380192996067QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Plants_Seeds_Bulbs?hash=item588544bae3

And if you are looking for some reading of blogs during the winter, here is the websitehttp://floreznursery.blogspot.com/search/label/exotic%20shrubs

I think if it is a tender plant in some areas, it would do well in a polytunnel. In fact, many of the tropicals can be started there, brought to seed and traded as gifts once established.

Here is a hub for exotic plants, propagation and growing conditions.http://www.calyx.com.au/gingers.html Scroll down to more links.

I just bought a strephaotis and it was quite expensive even though a beautiful plant. They are fragrant like jasmine and it will do well outdoors, possibly as a potted plant near the doorway in full sun. They originate from Hawaii and Africa. The seeds I got on ebay and will be looking forward to getting the mail with something other than bills!