On the search for easy-going shrubs
Q I have a Cotoneaster ‘Coral Beauty’ on a north-facing wall – how big will it get? Also, can you recommend some low-maintenance, drought-resistance and flowering plants for containers in a south-facing area of the garden?
Jan Shut (via email)
A Cotoneaster ‘Coral Beauty’ usually grows to about 2ft (60cm) high. The following flowering shrubs are drought resistant and should prosper in pots in a south-facing position:
Abelia ‘Francis Mason’: Pink and white tubular flowers in late summer and autumn; small golden leaves. Evergreen.
Aloysia triphylla (lemon-scented verbena): Wonderfully fragrant leaves, small white blooms in summer; needs protection in winter.
Carpenteria californica: Large white flowers in summer. Evergreen.
Cistus ‘Sunset’: Vivid cerise blooms from summer to autumn. Evergreen.
Cotinus coggygria Golden Spirit: Bright yellow foliage turns orange in autumn.
Cytisus ‘Burkwoodii’: Masses of maroon flowers with yellow-edged crimson wings in late spring
Fatsia japonica: Globular heads of milky-white flowers in October; large palmate leaves. Evergreen.
Genista pisolsa ‘Vancouver Gold’: Clustered yellow flowers in spring.
Hebe ‘Great Orme’: Spikes of bright pink flowers from July to October. Evergreen.
Lavandula ‘Hidcote’: Purple flowers in summer; silvery leaves. Evergreen.
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