Asked on Sep 01, 2015
Need help with foundation planting
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I'm looking for some help with the foundation planting on either side of my front porch. This is how the area looked soon after we planted gardenias in front of carissa hollies. The shrubs have grown some, the gardenias are getting larger than I expected them to and I am not happy with the look. The hollies will stay, but I want to replace the gardenias with something that is more dwarf. One side of my porch gets a couple of hours of sun, the other side stays in the shade. I'm looking for an evergreen that is low maintenance and will be deer resistant. I want a symmetrical look on each side of the porch and don't particularly want anything that has a purple or red leaf. I'm located in central NC. Thank you in advance for any advice/suggestions/help!
10 answers
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For the symetrical look I would put an hynoki cypress they should remain dwart enough.For replacing the gardenias maybe use the dwarf variety of eunomus.They at least will give you some color.For the shade areas you can use huchera which is available in many colors to liven that area up.Keep me posted.
Janet Pizaro
on Sep 01, 2015
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Mugho pines, either the standard or the dwarf variety, are nice evergreens that stay smaller and compact...shade or sun shouldn't be a problem although the one in the sun might grow a little more.
Bonny McDaniel
on Sep 01, 2015
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Had another thought try to stay away from certain pines. They eventually grow out of shape and once this happens it is extremely difficult to trim them back. Learn from my lesson.
Janet Pizaro
on Sep 01, 2015
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Hostas are shade lovers that can take a little sun. They are low growing, with solid or variegated color choices, and pretty reliable.
Candace Ferraro
on Sep 03, 2015
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I should mention that I live in zone 7. (agriculturally speaking) Not sure how cold your winters get. Here its fairly temperate with the occasional cold snap, though seldom below 20 degrees.
Candace Ferraro
on Sep 03, 2015
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Here's a list of the best plants to place around foundation walls. Lots of photos are included: http://goo.gl/zucWkU
HouseLogic.com
on Sep 03, 2015
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Oh no!
Candace Ferraro
on Sep 04, 2015
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Here's a nice link to a site from Rutgers regarding deer resistant plants. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/deerresistance/
Diana Sherfey
on Sep 05, 2015
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I wouldn't be any help with ideas for the type of plantings to suggest, but I do want to warn you about wanting a symmetrical look....I have learned the hard way, over the years...when you want symmetry, and the sun exposure isn't the same, you aren't able to achieve it! So...if I were you....I would accept this and plant each side as it's own...it will still look good, just not your plan A. Good luck! Your yard will look lovely, you have a beautiful home!
Jeannette
on Sep 05, 2015
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Google "small shrubs for zone 7b", which I believe is your hardiness zone. You will see pictures of various plants that you can research and then make your choices.
Liliana Wells
on Sep 06, 2015
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