Shrubs for side border - approx 20m long

[HeyMacWey]

I have a typical Victoria terrace rectangular garden. One side is fenced, the other side has a chain link fence. I want to plant so shrubs to hide the chain link fence.

Currently have a couple of blueberry plants which will be moved, a philidelphus, hydrangea (fraise), tried a snowball hydrangea but the slugs killed it. Any ideas for any others - would prefer more of an upright habit. Happy if they are a mixture of flowering/deciduous /evergreen.
An in the south and reasonably sheltered.

[PurpleWithRed]

Ooh where to start. Pittosporum (lots of nice ones but are really a tree so need to be kept to size), buddlia for butterflies, roses, mahonia, camellia, choysia, cotinus - the world's your oyster. Eleagnus, osmanthus, a nice acer to break it up...

[HeyMacWey]

I forgot to add that I'm really fussy :o

I think I've shortlisted cotinus before.

I don't like buddlia - although I know they're fab for butterflies - reminds me of my commute to London. Next door have a choysia - I like them so that's going on the shortlist.

No to camellia, rhododendrons.

Will look up the others!

[tilder]

How big a shrub are you after? Are lavender or rosemary too small? I was wondering fustia as well. Or a paeony ( non herbaceous ).

[HeyMacWey]

I want something that will grow up to about 1 - 1.5m high.

[HeyMacWey]

I like the look of pittosporum. Any particular recommendations?
I think I'll go for an Acer nearer to the house as I do love the delicate leaves. Are they quite slow growing?

[HeyMacWey]

I have looked at tree peonies before so thanks for the reminder!

[tilder]

Have no idea what fustia is! Meant fuscia.

There are loads of acers. They are basically sycamore so a tree. No leaves down the bottom.

Do you want fruit? A lot of soft fruits might fit the bill?

Or skimmia (not sure of spelling). Evergreen with bright red berries.

Or a quince?

I will have a long bed that needs stocking shortly so will lurk to see what other recommendations you get!

[gobbin]

Ceonothus
Spindle
Pyracantha

[JT05]

Escalonia, Weigelia, Hebe

[brodchengretchen]

Osmanthus x burwoodi could fit the bill, it's everygreen and the scent of the flowers in spring is gorgeous. Clip after flowering to maintain the height you want.

[bookbook]

Euonymous
Pieris Japonica - you need acid soil for this
Cistus

[HeyMacWey]

I like the look of that osmanthus - will add to the list.
I'll have a look at the others too.

[WellErrr]

Have a look at ceanothus, they're lovely.

Or lilac?

[nannybeach]

Do you know your soil type? depends how much work you want what about Roses, doesnt everyone love them, especially smelly ones. Pittosporum isnt meant to be hardy, but we live 10 minutes from the sea, have one in our South Facing front garden, and the grow along the sea front.

[nannybeach]

I have lost 3 lovelly (expensive) red acers these last couple of years,they dont like wind and arent keen on full on hot sun, they prefer semi shade and being sheltered, I have 2 new ones both behind my shed, in semi shade.

[traviata]

Rosa Glauca - my new fave.
Lilac (syringa).
Solanum (can be shrub or climber)
Garrya

You say you're in the south - here on the south coast lots of 'deciduous' plants are semi-evergreen anyway, and I expect it is the same in London and other sheltered areas.

[MrsBertBibby]

Black elder is stunning for leaf contrast and lovely plates of spring flower.