Hey everyone! I'm looking for some advice on what types of flowering plants I can grow at the bottom of my garden in Sussex. I have an established cherry, plum, and apple tree, plus a large pittosporum that recently got pruned back. The seating area gets sunlight from around 1 to 6 pm during the summer. I also have a viburnum that hasn't flowered much since I planted it. With all these trees, I'm concerned about the roots making it hard to dig deep holes, so I'm hoping for some drought-tolerant options and seeds I can plant. Just a heads up, we have a dog, so I need to avoid any foxgloves. Any suggestions would be super helpful! Thanks!
3 Answers
Vinca minor would be a great choice! We have it around our big sycamore, and it's really hardy. It doesn’t require deep soil and produces beautiful purple flowers in early spring. There are lovely white varieties too. You might also consider Mexican daisy, which is both pretty and drought-tolerant!
Snapdragons could be ideal for your space! They thrive in part-shade and stand about 25-30 cm high. Mine are blooming almost year-round here in Nottingham, and they self-seed too, so they might last through the winter. Plus, you can get them in various colors! Don’t forget about Heuchera for a splash of color as well!
Aquilegia would suit your needs well! They won’t root too deeply and can handle partial shade. They self-seed and come back every year in various beautiful varieties. You might also look into Geums, they’re known for their long flowering seasons, or maybe lavender for a touch of fragrance!