I want to plant a row of something along the west side of my mobile home. Morning shade and afternoon sun. It looks rather bare on that side and I was wondering about rhododendrons or if anyone else has a other ideas I welcome your thoughts. I'd like a flowering shrub of some kind. I would love to have a row of bright red rhodies all along the side of my house but would they grow there? If so, do you know the names of any rhodies that would grow there? Thanks
I don't know about rhododendrons, but here are some other suggestions. You could plant rambling roses (Rosa multiflora) there and let them ramble up the wall and along the planting area. This will attract bees. You could also look at Heliotropium arborescens, which will get about four feet tall, bloom from spring to fall with bazillions of little purple flowers that smell like vanilla and cherries, then subside to nice green foliage. It's evergreen for me, but it might be deciduous for you.... You can also check out Spanish Flag (Lantana camara) although I'm pretty sure it's invasive in your area... And, there are Raspberries or their relatives (Rubus spp.), but these might invade your yard. I'm guessing you'd prefer a perennial to annuals?
Hi lorax, thanks very much for your suggestions. My house is a cream color with green shutters and I'm thinking of a really bold color like red, deep orange, vibrant colors. You mentioned 'rambling roses' ~ I like that idea and you've got me thinking about other kinds of rose bushes. But my problem with planting rose bushes is that I'm not an expert gardener and I don't think I have the experience or skill to grow roses. I've heard that roses are really finicky to grow. I would like to plant at least 6 shrubs along that area. Thanks again. Oh yes, I do want perennials.
rhododendron and azalea (which is in the rhody family) do better with morning sun and afternoons that are shaded, so west-facing wouldn't be good for them. sambucus might be something to consider. lilac, butterfly bush, beautyberry are some others. you can't go wrong with roses - although, there must be good air circulation if they don't get any morning sun. they'll need at least 6 hours of full sun to do well.
In my experience, the only really finickity roses are the hybrid teas. The more down-to-earth, "original" types, like the Ramblers and Wild Roses, are quite a bit easier to get going and maintain.
Thanks lorax, yes, okay the hybrid teas are probably the one's that I mean to be difficult to care for; especially for an amateur gardener like me. I love the idea of the wild or rambling roses. Other than deciding on a hydrangea, those would certainly be one's I would definitely consider. Thanks again Lorax.
This one is handsome, compact and easily found in outlets. http://www.monrovia.com/learn/plant_catalog/detail.php?id=1873
Wow, that really is gorgeous Ron. Lots and lots of blossoms. Thanks very much for showing this one to me. I'll definitely check it out at the nursery this weekend. I see that it is fragrant too!
Thank you Joclyn, I'm not sure what these are, so I will go and Google them for some pics. I really love the idea of some red roses so far, since the rhodies won't do so well here. I want something really bold and colorful.
Lily: My wife has some roses in front of her studio, which faces in a southwest direction. Every year she just cuts them back quite mercilessly and without fail, they produce amazing quantities of flowers. I don't think there is anything particularly special about them. I think she picked them up at Home Depot several years ago. She does have a much flimsier looking climber around the corner, but it doesn't compare to the cheapie H.D. roses.