Exotic looking border shrubs

Auricula
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I'd rather be quaffing vino surrounded by fragrant blooms - but mostly I'm weeding!!

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Exotic looking border shrubs Sept 1, 2009 14:31:54 GMT

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Post by Auricula on Sept 1, 2009 14:31:54 GMT

I am looking for some exotic looking, flowering shrubs to plant in a south facing border.They need to quickly grow to about 3 to 4 ft high, and about 2ft wide and not be too dense as they need to provide a partial screen to stop our conservatory windows being in full view of the road. Any ideas please ?

What the caterpillar perceives as the end, to the butterfly is only the beginning

maggy Head Gardener Posts: 9,239	Exotic looking border shrubs Sept 1, 2009 21:52:19 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by maggy on Sept 1, 2009 21:52:19 GMT How about Lavetera or budlia they grow quickly dont they.

Auricula Garden Sage I'd rather be quaffing vino surrounded by fragrant blooms - but mostly I'm weeding!! Posts: 36,411	Exotic looking border shrubs Sept 1, 2009 22:49:17 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Auricula on Sept 1, 2009 22:49:17 GMT I did wonder about lavatera, does it flower for long?
	What the caterpillar perceives as the end, to the butterfly is only the beginning

Dutchy
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Exotic looking border shrubs Sept 2, 2009 7:02:04 GMT

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Post by Dutchy on Sept 2, 2009 7:02:04 GMT

It can grow into a thug as it does get big and as far as I remember before having had to yank it out it does flower for long.
How about a Hibiscus syriacus they are tough and have big houseplant like flowers from white to pink and purple ( Blue Bird is a nice purple one)
Are you in a mild climate in the sunny west?
Calistemon rigidus is pretty exotic

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andy Head Gardener I hate gardening !!!! Posts: 4,222	Exotic looking border shrubs Sept 2, 2009 7:28:30 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by andy on Sept 2, 2009 7:28:30 GMT Fatsia would get my vote as would several of the smaller Phormiums such as "Bronze Baby"
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andy Head Gardener I hate gardening !!!! Posts: 4,222	Exotic looking border shrubs Sept 2, 2009 8:08:37 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by andy on Sept 2, 2009 8:08:37 GMT You could try some of the Phygellius too
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Tig Admin Garden Sage Posts: 42,328	Exotic looking border shrubs Sept 2, 2009 10:58:07 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Tig on Sept 2, 2009 10:58:07 GMT I've just got the new Parkers catalogue ;D Kolkwitzia amabilis Pink Cloud (beauty bush) looks quite nice, and it can be pruned. x Tig
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isabella Head Gardener Posts: 7,522	Exotic looking border shrubs Sept 2, 2009 16:24:45 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by isabella on Sept 2, 2009 16:24:45 GMT Physocarpus 'Diablo' is lovely and grows quickly Grows to 6' though
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Auricula Garden Sage I'd rather be quaffing vino surrounded by fragrant blooms - but mostly I'm weeding!! Posts: 36,411	Exotic looking border shrubs Sept 2, 2009 16:46:30 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Auricula on Sept 2, 2009 16:46:30 GMT Thanks, what a lot of suggestions to follow up Yes, we have a mild and damp climate and have only had 5 frosts in the 6 years I've lived here
	What the caterpillar perceives as the end, to the butterfly is only the beginning

Dutchy Garden Celebrity back at intervals Posts: 14,894	Exotic looking border shrubs Sept 2, 2009 18:09:45 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Dutchy on Sept 2, 2009 18:09:45 GMT Sounds like you can have a ball then Auricula
	Weeds are nature's revolution against the government of the gardener.

Auricula Garden Sage I'd rather be quaffing vino surrounded by fragrant blooms - but mostly I'm weeding!! Posts: 36,411	Exotic looking border shrubs Sept 2, 2009 21:17:08 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Auricula on Sept 2, 2009 21:17:08 GMT The downside is that lots of bulbs ( especially alliums,tulips and fritillaria crown imperials ) rot
	What the caterpillar perceives as the end, to the butterfly is only the beginning

andy Head Gardener I hate gardening !!!! Posts: 4,222	Exotic looking border shrubs Sept 10, 2009 11:18:45 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by andy on Sept 10, 2009 11:18:45 GMT What about some of the taller Dahlias ?
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Auricula Garden Sage I'd rather be quaffing vino surrounded by fragrant blooms - but mostly I'm weeding!! Posts: 36,411	Exotic looking border shrubs Sept 10, 2009 12:51:32 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Auricula on Sept 10, 2009 12:51:32 GMT Good idea, but they would have to be lifted as they rot off ortherwise
	What the caterpillar perceives as the end, to the butterfly is only the beginning