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| Happy New Year 2012! Due to illness, I've been crashed on the couch for the past two days, dreaming of the garden in spring...
In particular, I need suggestions for a peony or other small shrub, in place of a few spirea that aren't getting enough sun. I can see their new growth stretching towards the light since I cut them back in late summer. Do tree peonies need less light than regular peonies? I have a south-facing part-shade garden (one half is in full sun for part of the day, the other half is shaded by a huge Norway maple in summer) that needs a face-lift: better structure, more flowers, more cohesion with the rest of the backyard, etc. I have been struggling with this spot for a few years now. The DR window overlooks this garden, which will have a hedge of oak leaf hydrangea under it and a large shrub viburnum 'Onondaga' off to one side, in front of our chimney, w/maybe an evergreen there too. So this is for the second layer from back to front of the garden bed. I would like flowers in pink or white. I'll put the spirea 'Neon Flash' on the other side of the path, a vibrant pink would be ideal. Fragrance would be a huge plus, to finally throw the windows open inspiring! Thanks!! |
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| I have all my tree peonies in part shade (but at least 4 hours or so of direct sun), and they perform well. My top performer, a no-name white, is in a part-shade bed which gets morning sun only until about noon or so, then indirect light the rest of the day (bed faces east) - do a board search for tree peony pics and you'll see her, she's a beauty. :0) |
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| My only tree peony is growing in similar conditions. I love the thing, but the flowers are very short lived - maybe a week, but it usually depends on whether or not a hot spell sets in when it blooms. Even without flowers, it is a very attractive shrub. Kevin |
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| Yea, Kevin is right - short flowering season. When they do bloom, though, they are sight to behold, especially a mature specimen. :0) Also agree is a very attractive shrub, the large leaves add visual interest and in my experience nothing bothers them (insects, disease), so overall a carefree shrub. |
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- Posted by prairiegirlz5 (My Page) on Mon, Jan 2, 12 at 23:05
| Thank you for your thoughts, I appreciate your replies. You've confirmed for me that a peony may be just what I need here (although $$$, I need 4-5!). I think I may just have a better shot with spring blooming shrubs. Has anyone tried 'Yankee Doodle Dandy'? Or any other suggestions for a fragrant, double dark pink? I plan to mix in a couple amsonia, maybe Sib irises among them. I have peach-colored daylilies, purple heuchera, pulmonaria and hosta for the front, and plan to mix with annuals like impatiens for color. |
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- Posted by athenainwi (My Page) on Mon, Jan 9, 12 at 13:47
| I recommend getting in touch with the people at Klehm's Song Sparrow. When I was looking for a peony they were very helpful and let me know my first choice wouldn't be very fragrant and had some good suggestions. |
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