We are having a conifer chopped down and the roots dug out next week. It is an enormous conifer, its been in the bed for years (planted by previous owners). So it will leave a bit of a gap!
As you look at the bed at present, there is the conifer, spotted laurel, bay tree and a cream camellia. The other shrubs are established, full and about 8 feet high. So I need something which (after I improve the soil) will sit well next to those and also be robust enough to withstand my DSs playing football around it, as their goal net sits in front of that part of the bed.
I love ceanothus, and that would have been my first choice, but I already have one in the same bed but further down the garden. I was thinking maybe a hydrangea (limelight?) but would welcome all suggestions. Maybe a viburnum (fast growing enough?). Or escallonia apple blossom?
Nothing that flowers yellow, orange or red though please.