Shelly wrote:

Hi all,

I am looking for a couple new foundation shrubs, and a few to go next to my
patio, and am hoping some of you can comment on the ones I am considering.
I'm not sure whether I've just been drawn in by the pretty catalog photos,
or whether these will actually be good plants for me. I'm in south-central
Wisconsin, zone 4, but the foundation area is full sun and supports zone 5
plants very successfully.

For the foundation (full sun), I am looking at Calycanthus Floridus and
Viburnun dentatum Blue Muffin. I am drawn to the scent of the Calycanthus,
and the berries of the Blue Muffin. I am a little concerned about the
Calycanthus, as I have read that it suckers easily (would it make a good
foundation shrub?) and needs moist soil. The foundation area itself is
rather dry most of the year, but a drainage depression runs about 2 1/2 feet
away from where it will be, and stays fairly moist. Will that be enough?

For the patio area, which is partially sunny, I am looking at Clethra
Hummingbird, Clethra Alnifolia Paniculata, and Spirea Japonica Shibori. I
prefer the Hummingbird to the Paniculata, but am not sure whether it is
hardy here? The patio area is on the north side of my house, and I am not
sure a zone 5 plant would be hardy enough there. The Spirea Japonica Shibori
is pretty in the photos, but I am afraid it would be a little, well, boring.

Thoughts? I'm open to other suggestions, too! Thanks in advance!

Rather than selecting plants based on catalog descriptions, you will probably
get better results from visiting local nurseries and seeing what plants they
offer for the conditions you describe. You should be assured of their winter
hardiness for your area as well as their appropriateness for the site and soil
conditions and you can see up close and personal what the shrubs will look like.

I am unfamiliar with your climate, but IME, neither calycanthus nor clethra will
be happy in the situations you describe and neither is particularly attractive
off season.. For year round appearance, at least a few (if not most) of your
foundation shrubs should be evergreen.

pam - gardengal