shade plants for front door planting

[custom patios]

This house faces north. almost no sun. looking for shade tolerant plants that would look nice at a front door entry. I have ruled out dragon girl holly or the sort because customer doesnt want it to get too big. i thought of Knaptonensis, a more compact Cryptomeria which appears to be shade tolerant. Anyone have experience with this or any other suggestions would be appreciated.

[cgland]

Otto or Skip Laurel depending on desired height, Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Hostas, Ferns, Tiarella, Azaleas, Steed's Holly

[GDK]

Pieris japonica 'Cavatine,' heuchera, ajuga, PJM Rhododendron, painted ferns, english boxwood, astilbe, cherry laurel...

[custom patios]

actually i have alot of these specd in already.
im looking for something on either side
of the front door entry as focal points
not foundation plantings.

[cgland]

What about Graham Blandy Boxwoods or sky pencil hollies

[GDK]

What about Graham Blandy Boxwoods or sky pencil hollies

I was actually going to say Sky Pencil Hollies, too or the Boxwoods, but then again I don't always like to do the same thing on either side of a door, but to each is own.

[custom patios]

graham blandy? now that is interesting
I just looked it up. didnt know it existed
thats a neat possibility. thanks. I dont
think this spot gets any direct sun. think
it would be ok?

[CaptainsLS]

Steve, do you need height flanking the door? Our best bet for height has been upright yew’s. Not needing height opens up possibilities; red twig dogwood, hydrangea, English boxwoods, etc…

[custom patios]

Steve, do you need height flanking the door? Our best bet for height has been upright yew’s. Not needing height opens up possibilities; red twig dogwood, hydrangea, English boxwoods, etc…

yes exactly, flanking the entry. the upright yew is the perfect shape just too large for the entry. and I cant stand Sky Pencil's, at least not for an entry. come to think of it, I think Chris stated a Steed's upright Holly. that should get around 6-7'H right? maybe 4'w. I think that may be my choice for this design. I love the conical form of the Holly. Other than that, it's got nothing else to offer.

[MuirView Design]

The job I just did I used Dee Runk boxwoods to flank the entrance.

Another neat flanking plant is Fineline Buckthorn, although not evergreen.

[custom patios]

The job I just did I used Dee Runk boxwoods to flank the entrance.

Another neat flanking plant is Fineline Buckthorn, although not evergreen.

the dee runk is another great suggestion. thanks. are there any shorter cvs. of the dee runk boxwood?

[cgland]

Steve - The Graham Blandy will do very well in limited light as well as the steed's

[MuirView Design]

the dee runk is another great suggestion. thanks. are there any shorter cvs. of the dee runk boxwood?


I think so....wait let me think....ah ha, yes it's called pruning....:pound:

Dee Runk will go to 9-10' in 15 years and so with the G. Blandy.

Dee runk will get slightly more pyramidal bushing to 3' at the base and G. Blandy will stay more cylindrical maintaining about a 2' base.

Pick your poison...both great plants. Look to spend $75-$90 on either plant @ 30-36"....although I just got those dee runk's for $50 at 30" from my special spot.

[custom patios]

[Pick your poison...both great plants. Look to spend $75-$90 on either plant @ 30-36"....although I just got those dee runk's for $50 at 30" from my special spot.[/quote]

Man!! 50bucks for those is great. I saw 30" dee runk for $99!! on the Main Line of course.

I decided to go with the Dee Runk over the Steeds holly, as I understand it does better in more shade. I hear the Steeds and others like the Chesapeake may drop leaves in most shade and tend to look sticky.