Shrub suggestions

[wowfudge]

I'd be grateful for some shrub suggestions as I've hacked back an overgrown hedge with a low wall behind it and pulled out all the ivy. The more established shrubs need rejuvenating and I'm looking for something with year round interest to go next to the jasmine for privacy and between the clematis and the poor leggy hydrangea, which will be hard pruned once the flowers have finished.

How about a Leycesteria Formosa next to the hydrangea? Its shape will contrast nicely, with the hydrangea being rounded and the leycesteria arching over it. It's deciduous, but the stems look good bare, too.

Thank you - I'm not keen on it after having it in a previous garden. I can see why you suggested it, but I'm not a fan. Something a similar shape would definitely work.

Btw - the hydrangea is a climbing one. I should have said.

How about a larger Hebe, such as Midsummer Beauty? It grows up to 2m, but is easily pruned to the size you want. The flowers are long racemes which cover the plant and fill the August gap in colour.

That's a good idea - flowers similar to buddleia, without the rampant growing habit!

Thanks, I’ve got a couple one fills the gap at the bottom of a climbing rose. Also, they’re good for flower arrangements.

Well the larger hebes seem to be difficult to source, but I'll persevere. Does anyone have any more suggestions please?

Sorry you having difficulty, mine were seedlings from a shrub in a mature garden.

It's probably a combination of not being more common varieties plus coronavirus meaning nurseries haven't been growing things in the same quantities.

What about a dwarf lilac? They can be as small as 1 metre and smell lovely very good for wildlife as well.

Thanks for that - I've just bought an escallonia, Chinese witch hazel and a Gaultheria mucronata. I do love lilac, but I wasn't impressed with the condition at the nursery I went to.