We have not had luck with shrubs on the west side of our home that receives full sun. We want to plant shrubs along the exterior wall for shade. The idea is to let the shrubs be a barrier between the deterioration wall and full sun. Any suggestions?
The following are suggestions from several Master Gardeners:
- I would suggest Oleander, maybe even pampas grass.
- Texas Sage From my experience.
- I’d suggest Nellie R. Stevens holly or Elaeagnus shrubs. Both shrubs are evergreen and would take the extreme weather coming from the west; however, hollies are notorious for causing painful pricks from their pointed leaves. Elaeagnus has a very pleasant fragrance and has beautiful silvery green foliage.
- Wax myrtle, large ornamental grass such as miscanthus or zebra grass, & Burford holly. I have zebra grass and Burford holly in very sunny western exposure sites in my landscape. A combination of several textures would make for a more pleasing combination than using the same plants for a long expanse of foundation planting.
- like Elaeagnus for that situation. For tall shrubs Nellie R Stevens
- Can use crape myrtles with dwarf yaupon below. Gulf Stream Nandina is also good
- How about cotoneaster, holly, or Elaeagnus.
- Variegated privet has worked on my west wall. I like the two toned color and pretty spring flowers. It grows to good height to make shade. I know others think it is too hardy, but I like mine!
- My Lindheimer’s Muhly also is doing well on west side, could use one so you are not having just straight shrubs
- Large shrub Majestic Hawthorne; medium shrub Loropetalum or variegated privet; oleander also likes it hot.
- Elaeagnus, Abelia, or holly if they have drip.
- Recommend Texas sage, but she must use at least 2-4 of mulch to keep roots cool.
- I have effectively used Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) in areas that gets the direct west sun. It takes some care to keep it in check and looking full.
- I have Nellie R. Stevens hollies between me and my neighbor and it has worked well. Gets about 12 to 15 ft. tall-10 ft. wide and can cause claustrophobia in a small space but nothing bothers it and needs very little water after established. Stays green year round and the cedar wax wings love the berries as do the bees in spring.
- Var. privet, Buford holly not dwarf, crepe myrtle (deciduous because want winter sun to warm the house). Chinese post ache, redbud, Elaeagnus Var. privet, Buford holly not dwarf, crepe myrtle (deciduous because want winter sun to warm the house). Chinese post ache, redbud, Elaeagnus – depending how tall and wide they want it.
- They didn’t mention how much room they have to work with buy some of the most reliable plants for a west wall are going to be Nellie R. or Foster hollies, privet, Waxleaf Ligustrum or possibly Elaeagnus. They are basically resistant plants which require little to no maintenance. I haven’t had any problems with any animals trying to eat them. I guess the best reason to grow these is because they are all evergreen.
- We planted Nandina to cover the west wall. It has been amazing to keep the heat off the west side wall. There are pros and cons about Nandina. They need to be trimmed from time to time but overall they are pretty and protect west facing walls.
- Three possible choices are: Nellie R. Stevens Holly, Mary Nell Holly, Oakland Holly.
Things to consider:
1. The house could be leeching into the bed. Make sure compost is added to bed along with Sweet PDZ to absorb any chemicals.
2. The reflection from the side of house will add an additional challenge so drought resistant shrubs are best.
3. Color of house would be helpful and desired size as well.