Fragrant suggestions for my new back planter.

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

So... Last year we lost a huge branch on our pine. And it crushed our wall. We rebuilt the wall, and built a raised planter at the base. We love it so much that we decided we should do the rest of the planters that way.

We were going to transfer the plants. But... My pine dropped another huge branch. Then we got it trimmed back.

I have alot more sun now. Not too sure if I like it.

All that combined... I only have a few plants left. A gardenia, a rose mallow, a blue butterfly bush, and a slow growing vine.

So I'm looking to fill the space with new plants. I know I want a camellia, and hydrangea, but other than that I'm not decided on anything.

The requirements I need to fit are, acidic to lightly acidic soil, part sun. There's more sun than shade right now but the trees will fill out.

It can't have cold requirements. It doesn't get cold enough for long enough for alot of things in my area. Warm growing tropical plants also don't do well. It may not get cold for long but it does dip into the 20 - 30 range for a few weeks at night.

And these two are really important. No dry winter rest. That's our rainy period. And must be able to withstand our 9 month growing season. That may not seem like much but alot of plants give up after a few years because they can't rest.

I'm looking for bushes, shrubs, long lived perennials, and perennials, between 1 to 4 feet. Preferably evergreen. And fragrant.

I'm really hoping to fill my yard with more fragrant things this time.

But if you have something that you think is a must have, Please suggest it!

Sorry that was so long.

I forgot to say.things that get tall but stay kinda narrow are welcome. As are anything that can be trimmed down to size.

Featured Answer

ocelaris

8 years ago

Osmanthus fragrans of course! The only shrub I'd have if I lived in your climate! Try to look at the ever blooming varieties, but it may not be fully hardy. The fall blooming variety is definetly hardy. Osmanthus fragrans does fine being sheared, they bloom on old and new growth. Can you tell it's my favorite plant?

If you want just fragrance, philadelphus and lonicera fragrantissima are nice smell, but lanky. How about some hardy cestrums? Also for part shade some of the taller sarcococca are very attractive and smell nice in the winter.

Also, daphnes, odorata is nice, but the new ever blooming ones are to die for, literally in flower in my yard from spring to fall.

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Comments (7)

Robert (zone 7a, Oklahoma)
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Difficult since I don't live in your zone but like the person before me I would suggest Philadelphus mexicanus and Daphne 'Eternal Fragrance' or 'Jim's Pride'. Sarcococca x confusa would be another one to try. How about Ceanothus thyrsiflorus? Another to consider is Edgeworthia chrysantha though I don't know if it requires a long chill to bloom in winter/early spring.
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User
8 years ago
ordph.

This is what I have and they grow nice here, Michelia Figo, banana shrub, evergreen, grows slow enuf to not be a nucence for trimming. Mabey you already have one. They aren't expensive either.

Sweet olive, which I think you already have. Then there is Sweet Viburnum, which is also evergreen, sweet white flowers in spring. It would like your winters.

Elephant ears, might die in winter tho, but comes back nice. I also have Mexican hydrangea, I don't know the proper name for it, it would love your weather, but it spreads, so you would have to contain it, VERY fragrant. Pink flowers, you would not believe how this plant spreads.

All the above plants like part shade, acidic soil, zone 8 and above for winter weather, except mabey the sweet olive, some people can grow them in zone 7.
botaniphile
8 years ago
For zone 9, I second osmanthus fragrans. I'd also suggest gardenia and roses, although roses get black spot... A few of my favorite roses are Belinda's Dream, Souvenir de la Malmaison, and Abraham Darby. Make sure you get the correct rootstock (fortuniana, I believe). I used to grow lemongrass, four o' clocks, roses and herbs in addition to my orchids and tropicals which I'd have to bring in in winter.
ordphien
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you.

There's not enough light for roses in this bed though. Also blackspot is unheard of here, and fortuniana root stock does dismally in our soil.

I do have Abraham Darby! I adore him.

Thanks for reminding me about lemon grass. I have a plant in a pot but I should really plant more. I use it alot in cooking.
ordphien
Original Author
8 years ago
I've made a list based off your suggestions guys. Thanks for all the shrubs.

I'm going to sprinkle in a few jasmine as well. And I think I'll be out of room.
botaniphile
8 years ago
Ah, you must be on the west coast! I'm jealous -- roses love it there! Lemongrass is awesome. I love herbs -- basil is one of my favorites. I like to munch basil when I'm out in the garden :).