Recommend some bushes & trees please!

DrPhilG

Posted previously about my plans for a significant hedge, about 130m of it.

Well slight change to that plan, the right side (just under 30m) is now to be filled with flowery bushes and some trees.

There is a nice view across the fields beyond that side, so we're going to keep things a bit lower and then plant a hedge on the rear and left, and let it grow a bit wilder and taller.

Had been hoping to go with some Rhododendron & maybe Azalea in various colours along the length of the boundary, with maybe 4 or 5 trees at various intervals just behind or in line with the bushes. But I'm reading that those bushes don't like the wind.

That line is quite exposed to the wind (will have a wind break initially) so bear that in mind when recommending.

Any other bush suggestions? Preferably evergreen with different colours of flowers, or maybe flowering at different times.

And for the taller trees, thinking of Eucalyptus, and maybe some other stuff (not necessarily evergreen) that will provide a variety of colours through the year.

Thanks all.

looksee

Eucalyptus has quite shallow roots and can blow over relatively easily. Flowering bushes that stay reasonably low, or can be cut low, escalonia, current, deutzia, spirea, hydrangea, all tough and will cope with being kept fairly low. I have all except the escalonia in a very windy spot and they are unaffected by the wind.

DrPhilG

That's a shame re the Eucalyptus. Was planning to put one here.

We're going to change that old dog run into a patio area so will be seating etc. Wifey likes the smell of the Eucalyptus, plus it's apparently good for keeping spiders and bugs away.

looksee

You could have one and keep it coppiced maybe?

wildwillow

Eucalyptus is easily kept to a low level. I had a very high one cut to ground level a few years ago and it sprouted all around the root to make a lovely shrub. I keep it well under control and give the cut pieces to flower arranging friends.

looksee has given you great suggestions. Other possibilities are Osmanthus especially burkwoodii which has a marvellous scent. Also consider lots of viburnum varieties which are almost evergreen and flower for months, and some are highly scented. Just avoid viburnum davidii, it must the most boring shrub and soon becomes bare at the base unless well controlled.

Philadelphus, especially belle etoile would be nice to the front where you can appreciate the scent. Have a wander around garden centres at different times and choose some plants for all seasons.

Remember they will all grow and fill in so you probably don't need as many as you think.

DrPhilG

Thanks all, great suggestions and I'll check them out.

So the Eucalyptus can be kept low (is 6-8ft still considered low?) and thicker?

Stephen_Maturin

Would you have any interest in including some native species like hawthorn and hazel?

DrPhilG

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123891085#Comment_123891085

The other 2 sides of the garden will likely be a mixed native hedge and allowed to grow up for privacy.

This right side though privacy isn't really an issue as it's just a field to the right and then a nice view across the countryside. So we just want some colourful bushes and a few trees.

DayInTheBog

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123890519#Comment_123890519

I have 2 eucalyptus in the garden.i keep the height under control. They're not called widow makers for nothing.

I've a lovely hedge along the front wall with hydrangea, rose of Sharon and red robin. Colour all year round.