Greetings, In order to get some privacy I am need to fill in an 20ft area (length/row) with something that: 1) grows to about 6 - 7ft in height 2) likes shade 3) is ok in a planter 4) deer resistant 5) stays green all year around 6) is not too bushy (slender - 2-3ft wide or so) 7) do not need a lot of water I was thinking of some type of cedar however would appreciate need some guidance! Thank-you
Gabriola Island in the Strait of Georgia, in British Columbia (BC), Canada? It really helps to know where you are to give advice.
I am going to build the planter - what size is required? The max width would be 36"....however not sure of the height. Thx
I'd suggest Mahonia lomariifolia as most other Mahonias are distinctly "Bushy" without a lot of pruning. http://www.flickr.com/photos/82479320@N00/268091242/sizes/l/
That one is not hardy up here, native M. aquifolium is often narrow and tree-like when not having developed to the point of having produced a large clump. And can certainly be pruned to shape. The main headache I see now is a leaf rust causing premature dropping of leaves and resulting gauntness; while becoming prevalent here will still not be occurring on every specimen. Maybe it is not even present where you are. Otherwise, the prickliness of the dead, fallen leaves appears to be a big deal for some. I certainly try avoid handling them myself. When you lay down a fairly long list of requirements the plant that is a perfect fit in every way may be slow to present itself. Or sometimes never found. Maybe Buxus sempervirens 'Graham Blandy'. If you don't mind the smell. Or Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'. Both of these are pretty slow.
Thanks for the advice - I will check out the recommendation. If I remove deer proof and add plenty of water does that open possibles?...I was thinking some type of cedar.
Would 'Will Fleming' or 'Pendula' work in the PNW? Yaupon is quite shade and deer resistant. http://www.aragriculture.org/hortic...ase/shrubs/profiles/holly_japanese_yaupon.pdf
Ilex vomitoria not seen in gardens here. Thuja occidentalis may be browsed heavily by deer in winter. Whenever a known favored menu item is wanted on a site deer frequent it is necessary to install and maintain effective fencing in order to lay the matter to rest. What kinds they may focus their attentions on is not completely predictable.
