Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
You all have awesome ideas. I am now leaning towards Rhondodendron. I already have a tree with purple flowers so maybe Rhondodendron with white or red flowers.
The only reason I don't want to get a tree is the roots might damage our drive way. Just thinking ahead.
I am in zone 8a
Status:
"Mistress of finance and foods."
(set 25 days ago)
Location: Coastal Georgia
50,064 posts, read 63,416,388 times
Reputation: 92649
I just ordered a nice rhododendron from mail order. I don’t know if the garden centers near you have many, but here in GA all they have are azaleas. Not sure why.
You all have awesome ideas. I am now leaning towards Rhondodendron. I already have a tree with purple flowers so maybe Rhondodendron with white or red flowers.
The only reason I don't want to get a tree is the roots might damage our drive way. Just thinking ahead.
I am in zone 8a
I have a rhododendron that has deep fuchsia flowers. I planted it too close to the house (duh), but it's about 9 feet tall now and as long as I prune it back from the front wall after flowering in the spring it's fine. It also took about 10 years to get this size from a 1 gallon plant as well, and it's in almost full shade. I'm in zone 7a. It's THE most gorgeous flowering shrub in the spring you'd ever want to see, and easy to maintain as well.
Rhododendrons are gorgeous and grow well in western NC. They seem to be more difficult to grow in the Raleigh/Durham area. I've planted six. Only two survived. Guy at Campbell's Nursery said that's about typical.
Viburnams are my new favorite shrubs. Lots of choices. Prague viburnum might be a good one to consider.
Rhodies can be beautiful. They are shallow rooted. But, you do have to care for them. They need acid soil, and they must be fertilized and sprayed yearly, at least. And watered during a dry spell. We have them all over the PNW. I thought they would honestly be less labor intensive than they have proved to be. But, wow, when they bloom there is nothing more beautiful.
I love viburnums. There are all sorts of these to choose from. If you can get an evergreen that also has gorgeous blooms, then I think they would be a great choice. They might not need as much care as a rhodie.
A personal favourite of mine is Viburnum Tinus Eve
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.