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gail363

Companion plant for Cast Iron

gail363
13 years ago

I have a row of cast iron plants along a privacy fence, what could I plant in front? Thank you

Comments (6)

  • mjsee
    13 years ago

    Gail~
    Almost anything that will be shorter than the aspidistras, handle the sun or shade of the spot, and that you like.

    Wasn't very helpful, was it? If you want a more helpful answer we need to know:

    1) What your sun/shade/soil/moisture conditions are.

    2) Do you want perennials? Annuals? Shrubberies?

    3)What effect you are trying to achieve. Do you want constant color? To soften the "row of soldiers" effect your aspidistra are most certainly making?

    4) What size area are you working with?

    Just signing on and saying "I have a row of cast iron plants along a privacy fence, what could I plant in front? Thank you" is not going to elicit helpful responses from most of us.

    My gut reaction, for instance, was to reply "impatiens and caladiums"

    melanie

  • whitecap
    13 years ago

    I assume we're talking about an area that doesn't get much light or water. I've got a similar area I'm going to have to replant because it has become too shady. I was thinking about Variegated Flax Lily, dianella tasmanica, with aspidistra behind. I suppose holly fern would work too, but it would require rather more water.

  • mjsee
    13 years ago

    whitecap---we can assume all we want...but we don't KNOW. I'm hoping the original poster will come back into the conversation...

    Hellebores would work as well, or Sarcococca (humilis, ruscifolia, confusa...any of the sweetbox cousins).

  • gail363
    Original Author
    13 years ago

    I am sorry for not giving more information. I have just started gardening (found out that I love it); just a beginner.
    1. It is mainly shade but does get a little afternoon sun, the area is mainly dry and I am in zone 8.
    2. Yes, I would like to soften the row, and I would like perennials and shrubs.
    3. The area is rather long (15 feet) and is on the back fence of our yard.

  • mjsee
    13 years ago

    gail...you are looking for plants that like "dry shade." Go to you local garden center (not a big box like Slowes) and ask them to show you the plants that like dry shade. Hellebores and sarcococca are both dry shade plants.

    You are going to want a few textures...and some different colored/variegated foliage. If deer are not an issue...hostas might work. I've had good luck with lamium and pulmonaria in dry-ish conditions.Autumn Fern 'Brilliance' can perform in dry-ish conditions once established...mine made it through a couple of serious droughts.

    I've linked a page that lists shade plants for your zone. Not all will be for dry shade, but they may give you some ideas.

    melanie

    Here is a link that might be useful: zone 8 shade plants