On 11/02/2011 19:26, Derek wrote:
On Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:47:26 -0000, "Bill Grey"
wrote:


wrote in message
...
The brightest thing in my garden all the year around is Choisya
ternata Sundance. Was wondering if any one had any ideas for something
to plant next to it.
Thanks

Agreed. Choiysia is well worth the price paid for it. I'm not much of a
gardener but have a few planted here and there - just can't resist them.

I live in Lincoln, and the Choisya thrives, without much tending, I
like the suggestion of a Heucherella, but I do have enough space for
something to make a statement :-) as well.


A purple-leaved shrub would be very handsome next to Choisya, but few
are evergreen so you'd only get the benefit in summer. Look at Sambucus
nigra 'Black Lace' and 'Black Beauty' or perhaps the purple-leaved
hazel. Although small in stature, Pittisporum 'Tom Thumb' might be a
good companion. For a tiny (about 6') purple-leaved tree, try Prunus
cistena 'Crimson Dwarf'. Again, it is deciduous, but has lovely pale
pink single blossom with dark crimson stamens. Mine is always admired :~).

Among the plants I suggested, the Fatshedera is the one I thought would
make a good specimen because of its large, glossy leaves. It also has
handsome flowers (ivy-like but more showy) and berries which are good
for insects and birds, respectively. Because it has an entire leaf, it
would contrast well with the deeply lobed leaves of the Choisyia. Alas,
no-one has bred a purple- or bronze-leaved one yet, although there is a
cream variegated one. In drafty Lincoln, you may have a problem with
wind-torn leaves, though :~(.

Possibly a well-shaped specimen of Eleagnus pungens maculata (evergreen
leaves splashed with yellow) would work, but you may have to curb its
enthusiasm. I had a hedge of it a few years ago and it looked wonderful
in winter.

Try googling on "purple-leaved shrubs". I just did. Few offer startling
winter interest, but you may see something that takes your fancy.
Another idea would be to visit winter gardens in the Lincoln area (or
beyond if you can). Take a note book and camera to write down names and
capture inspirations.

--
Spider
from high ground in SE London
gardening on clay