Need foundation shrub/ lilac suggestions

11 years ago

We need help trying to figure out to do with the front of our house.

The lilac on the far right (see photo) is huge, probably 15' or more high, and in my opinion, too big for the space/ too close to the house (it's probably 3' from the corner). My husband (who happens to be the one of us who is comfortable operating the chainsaw) likes it.

On the far left is a hydrangea. Junipers were recently removed from either side of the steps and there are some small pieces of light pink spirea newly planted around the stumps. The space between the juniper stump and the lilac is where the spirea was removed from (horribly overgrown/ woody underneath/ impossible to divide, I could only cut little pieces off the edges).

Should we keep the lilac or just try to do a better job of cutting it back? I'd like to put something in the 8-10' range between the window and right edge of the house (or if we kept the lilac, it would need to be smaller). Any suggestions of what to put there? Thoughts on whether the named lilac varieties would stay smaller than the common purple (what we have)?

We need something that can tolerate a zone 4 winter and limited sunlight. (House faces east, that corner is the northeast, there's also a large birch tree in the yard which shades things further.

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

tlbean2004
11 years ago
I dont have any suggestions but i do like the lilac where it is and i think it should stay.
gardener365
11 years ago
I'd cut that lilac out and replace it with Physocarpus opulfolius aka Ninebark. Ninebark will grow healthy even up against the north side of a home with little light at all. It has a lot of red-berries (is monoecious) which birds absolutely love as well as white flowers in late-spring. It also is easily maintained as a pruned specimen throughout its lifetime and has winter, bark-interest, as well.

Dax
Related Professionals
Fort Myers Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Danville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Somerset Landscape Contractors · Meridian Landscape Contractors · Williamsburg Landscape Contractors · Kearney Landscape Contractors · Flagstaff Landscape Contractors · Murrieta Landscape Contractors · Yakima Landscape Contractors · Hilton Head Island Home Builders · Newport News Home Builders · Bemidji Home Builders · Willmar Home Builders · Platteville Home Builders · Colorado Springs Home Builders
Nobasil (z4 New England)
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions.

Isn't ninebark poisonous? (We have a hungry dog and young children- anything that's highly poisonous makes me nervous.)
gardener365
11 years ago
I don't know if it's poisonous. I do like them though.

More thoughts and potentials later.

Dax

P.s. if you find it's poisonous, let me know.
Nobasil (z4 New England)
Original Author
11 years ago
My brief google search turns up all sorts of conflicting info re the question of whether ninebark is poisonous- some say it is- some say it isn't- no one states definitely how toxic it is. Given the dog chews on all sorts of sticks, it makes me a little nervous (though that said, he goes after stuff that's been cut more often than intact bushes).
gardener365
11 years ago
Welll... let's head in another direction. About the only plants that come to mind for your zone 4 are: 'PJM' Rhododendron(s) i.e. PJM Elite and others; or, the hardy Minnesota deciduous azaleas of the "lights" series. Everything else I come up with is zone 5 or warmer.

If it were me, I'd use a lights-series azalea for the fact that over time one will become in the height range you're looking for; you'll get wonderful flowers that are reliable in your zone, & you'll get great fall color. Give it 5-6 feet away from the house and you're in business.

Good luck, all the best.

Dax
Nobasil (z4 New England)
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks Dax- Will think about azaleas (I like rhododendrons as well, but there are several of them already on the property).

Any other thoughts/ votes on the lilac??
PRO
Select Landscapes of Iowa
11 years ago
Miss Kim Lilac will do well on the north side. Syringa patula is quite shade tolerant and offers deep green foliage, nice blooms, and good fall color. Can easily be kept in the 8' range. Try and keep it a little ways away from the home so it doesn't hit the siding in time. Blooms may be reduced slightly but those we've placed on the north always bloom well.