Yellow shrub options (sun & drought tolerant)

8 years ago

Hi, I’m seeking options for a yellow, or fairly light colored shrub 2-4 ft high as contrast to red leaved japanese maple. I’m open to any form or leaf, deciduous or evergreen.

Main criteria are tolerates 8+ hrs direct sun, here in hot sun Eastern Va. Tolerates a bit of neglect once established. Creates a nice visual block when 3-4 planted in a row... visually bold Yellow/gold effect from a distance. Holds up throughouy summer.

I’ve tried Lemon princess spirea (not vigorous/dense enough) and one of the yellow/golden barbworry (had too open a form, kind of ratty), and kaleidoscope abelia (got pretty twiggy)

Thanks for any suggestions,

growitnow

z7b, Eastern Va

Featured Answer

Sara Malone Zone 9b

8 years ago

Ligustrum will take over the world after the nuclear holocaust.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

PRO
Dig Doug's Designs
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Try gold sword yucca, Rheingold arborvitae, Sunburst Hypericum,Cytisus racemosus nana, ‘Sunshine Ligustrum
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
8 years ago
Caryopteris 'Little Miss Sunshine' or 'Good as Gold''; Chamaecyparis obtusa 'Sunproof Dwarf' or Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Golden Mop'.
Related Professionals
Lynchburg Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Enfield Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Paducah Landscape Contractors · Covington Landscape Contractors · Longview Landscape Contractors · Lancaster Landscape Contractors · Victorville Landscape Contractors · Palm Desert Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Napa Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Palm Desert Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Kalispell Cabinets & Cabinetry · Plattsburgh Landscape Contractors · Lubbock Landscape Contractors · Willmar Home Builders · Seattle Home Builders
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
8 years ago
just to be sure you know.. nothing is drought tolerant.. until fully established .... which would be at best.. after the first season.. or if drought.. maybe after the second season ... in the interim ... they need to be properly watered ...

ken
growitnow
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for these suggestions, I hope there are others.

Ken - thank you for your very good counsel. :)
Sara Malone Zone 9b
8 years ago
Euonymus 'Emerald 'n Gold' is a plant that gets no respect but is actually quite a good garden citizen. It tints maroon in winter, which is another plus. Needs to be pruned from time to time but otherwise trouble-free. What zone are you? Ligustrum 'Sunshine' is hardy to zone 6. I can't believe that I'm recommending a Euonymus and a Ligustrum, but there you have it. (And this Ligustrum appears to be sterile.)
growitnow
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi,

Thanks for these suggestions. I am unfamiliar with Ligustrum but the google pics of sunshine look great. From gardenweb link below (and maybe your reply to me?) - Is Ligustrum generally a kind of "can't kill it / bulletproof" kind of shrub? I'm in Eastern VA with HOT summers and the site would get 8+ hours direct sun.

thanks,

growitnow,

z7b, Eastern Va.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/sunshine-ligustrum-issues-dsvw-vd~5011874?m_refid=olm_google_176596187_40886363923_aud-295781792530%253Adsa-56476355141
PRO
Dig Doug's Designs
8 years ago
more ideas:
Krista Osborne
8 years ago
There are several varieties of euphorbia that meet your color specs. Tansy would also meet your requirements both aesthetically and environmentally.