Hi All, My first post so please be kind ;-) We just installed 18' round flagstone patio behind our house and I'm on the hunt for a reliable, dark green leaf, fragrant, low hedge to plant along the perimeter so it feels more like an outdoor room. I've been looking at the Ligustrum Japonicum 'Rotundifolium' but getting mixed information from books/online. Some say flower are ill-smelling (I thought they were quite sweet) and one site said all parts are poisonous and to keep away from kids. I really like the look of this plant but don't want to turn our guests off with stinky, poisonous plants. My other considerations are Escallonia (less dramatic, but ok) and Hydrangea 'Lime Light'. I welcome any input and thanks all!
Ceanothus 'Dark Star', thyrsiflorus ‘Skylark’ http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dLSVgS5Ax...JWM/tSzIauUKtpo/s1600-h/ceanothusdarkstar.jpg Choisya, ‘Aztec Pearl’ Rosemary, upright cultivars.
As long as you can stay out of old wood, are able to cut back the pointy, plume-like branches repeatedly without destroying the natural growth pattern of the shrub. Why bother with this, instead of planting something that would naturally be more in scale? 'Dark Star' 6-8 feet tall with an 8- to 12-foot spread 'Skylark' 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide* --David Fross & Dieter Wilken, Ceanothus, 2006, Timber Press, Portland *I've planted 'Skylark' ('Victoria') and had it reach 3'-4' within the first two years - maybe within the first year in one instance.
Guess it depends where you live. My 'Dark Star' grew 3" per year and was no way going to overtop my walkway. How about making some other "specific" suggestions?
Hi, the Boxwood or Burkwood Daphne might be something to look into. They both meet your height requirements and both are supposedly fragrant. Hope this helps!
How about a Sarcococca? Aka Sweet Box they have lovely dark green leaves and sweet smelling flowers. I think they do better in slightly shaded areas as opposed to full sun but maybe somebody can confirm that. Locally I have seen a low growing (1.5 feet) as well as a larger variety (4-5 feet) so check to see what variety it is before committing :)
Not the Daphne if you have kids around, IMO. Those lovely shiny red berries are quite poisonous. California? Jade Plants (Crassula ovata) - just a thought from rainy BC. Wishful thinking maybe.
