I am pondering a design for a new small perennial border,
heavy good soil, wandering shade from a european beech (Fagus) near by,
so direkt sunlight in the morning tlll about 11h, after that "light shade"

the over all look I aim for is "airy, friendly" or something like that.

First I thought of Delphinium elatum-hybrids, as centre piece, but then hesitated cause they would lack sun light (I guess)

then I came across Epilobium ang. ALBUM, this cultivar is said to be tame compared to the pink original.

It grows strictly upright and has lovely tall flower spikes (says a catalogue of a proper nursery + pics in the web).

So, can anyone confirm: is it really not heavy self seeding and spreads only moderately?

Otherwise I thought to use Geranium sanguineum-cultivars and G x oxonianum as edging and ground cover, throw in some Phlox arendsii (and Brunnera and Helleborus niger Praecox), have bulbs flowering in spring and use Spiraea vanhouttei as backdrop (and screen towards the neighbors).

Any thoughts or comments welcome, I would prefer not to be surprised later on by some "nasty habit" or something I had overlooked.

Thanks a lot, bye, Lin

Could be just a matter of personal taste - But, could I suggest Lysimachia ephemerum as a consideration if you are looking for clump forming not running, tall spikey white with long display of flowers? Much better in my maritime garden. Don't be put off by 'lysimachia', this one absolutely does not run for me, not in many years.

I've seen more running than seeding here, though that could be because my beds are crowded a bit. I try to trim them down before they set seed anyhow- they are a nightmare to cut down while they are seeding. I did that one year and was covered in the small fuzzy seeds! Even managed to inhale some, LOL.
CMK

And I will ask the nursery about seed production on those white cultivars.

Good night, Lin

So, next season, 2014, everything will be much better, won`t it....

looking forward to it, have a nice weekend,

bye, Lin