Help me plant this partial sun/shade planter at the entrance to my home

justforjoyce, member

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This planter is seen facing the entry gate to my house.  The tree is a pistachio and lovely green most of the year with reddish pods in the Fall. Otherwise, I am free to design this planter and am not sure whether to go formal (i.e., short hedge along perimeter) or flowy!  It is 18 x 12. The adjoining garden is full of agapanthus, roses, and primary colors are lavender, white, green with some accents.  Other side has lots of tropical palms, bouganvilla.  Please help with your suggestions on what to put in here.  Thanks!

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OH MY GOSH...WHAT DID I GET INTO???

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Comments (8)

TOMNC writes: The request was written so long ago I doubt anyone will even read this, but just for posterity, I'll put in my two cents. Judging by the palm/bana plant? I see peaking over the wall, and the overall style of architecture, leads me to believe you are in a fairly warm climate. So, I'd go with something pointed and ripply to play off the adjoining water feature. A sxtand of Cannas, perhaps dwarf, amid a sea of Vertical flat-leaved succulents might be a nice combination. providing of course, there's enough sun let through the tree's canopy to keep them healthy and happy. Good luck, and hope you post a picture sometime of how you decided to embellish that lovely, welcoming area! Posted: 9:59 pm on July 26th

akld writes: You didn't say what zone you are!!!! But I think rocks and either Carex bucchanii if you want bronzes or Festuca Elijha Blue if you want blues Posted: 5:12 am on July 27th

tarllom writes: HI THERE.. justforjoyce, THIS IS MY SUGGESTION FOR THAT PLANTER ..USE THE BEGONIA ODORATA var.'alba'..ITS A VERY FINE ELEGANT AND HARDY PLANT .
BLOOMS WHITE , ALL YEAR , EASY CARE YOU CAN TRIMM IT AS HEDGE OR LET IT GROW A LITTLE MORE FREELY .THE PARTIAL SHADE AREA ITS PERFECT .
TAKE A LOOK A IT ( IMAGE ) ON LINE .
HOPE IT HELPS .
ART Posted: 11:48 am on March 10th

gardengal4 writes: The fountain made me think of ferns around the tree (Jap painted fern actually), but it might be too sunny for them. I do think a simple, serene look would be good. not familiar with mondo grass, but a mass of different hosta cultivars could be nice too. Posted: 11:00 pm on February 13th

geron1mo writes: Pink and red impatiens along and just inside the wall. About 14 of them would give the desired effect. These would brighten up the shady area and give a blast of color to this rather bland setting. Posted: 3:48 am on November 16th

maac2009 writes: two ideas for you--
formal/plant miniature boxwood around perimeter of planter, and just mulch the rest of the area
flowy/plant the entire area w/a decorative grass (autumn moor grass, carex frosty curls, hamlen grass?) wind blowing through the grass would mimic movement from the water
sounds like there is good color in the rest of the garden, so this area could contrast w/simplicity
perhaps a large, potted flowering plant to rest on the ledge that serves as divider between the water/under tree area for just a spot of color, to tie this area to the rest of the garden space
good luck!


Posted: 1:31 pm on November 2nd

oldyakgirl writes: The planter and fountain are very geometric and contemporary in design. Very beautiful. Why not just keep the planting simple, in line with the hardscape design? A simple mass planting of Black Mondo Grass (or another ground cover plant) would be sensational and not compete with the impact of the fountain. Or a geometric lay out of the mondo grass with its green or golden sibling. I agree that it may be a difficult environment for a plant. So, you might have to think of plants that will take a dry and nutrient poor environment. Posted: 8:00 am on November 2nd

FairyCathy writes: Hi!

Plants planted below a tree are called understory plants. I usually do not plants under a tree because then I cannot feed or dose the tree in case of disease. A rule though if you still desire to plant, is leave a circle 3 to 4 feet in diameter around the trunk. This then will allow you to do a soil drench to feed or treat for fungus or disease. Plants like ferns, heucheras, cast iron plant, and foliage plants maybe good. It is a difficult area. The tree will be the one to take most of the nutrients. Maybe some river stones or sculpture like some well placed logs that look nice. Or a sitting area. I hope this helps! Posted: 1:44 pm on November 1st

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