Had three Carol Mackie infront of basement window. Lost on lest year, now the other two are close. They got root rot and are opening up in the middle, falling open. Age is 7 years. See photo #1
Also I have location 2 and 3. Attached photo location 2 and 3 are free and clear currently. Nothing is planted there. I would like some coverage there aswell.
-Location 1 has most room. If it were three items, could easily be 3′-4′ diameter.
-Location 2. Has about 7-8′ between cedars. The burning bushes in front are mature.
-Location 3. Has about 7-8′ between cedars.
I really like how the Carol makie flowered. I also really like coloured hydrangeas. Or something of the sorts. Also, please feel free to suggest other options aswell.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners;
As daphne are sensitive to cold and poor drainage and usually a short-lived shrub, my suggestion is to replace them with another low growing shrub that would survive the location. For low growing shrubs for location 1: Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa) comes in various colours (red, pink, yellow) and blooms from June to September in sun to part shade. Our Master Gardener website has a list of shrubs with different conditions, sun, shade, clay soil that you may want to peruse for choices: Gardening with Native Shrubs Toronto Master Gardeners Guide
Location 2-3: You did not specify what type of plant you preferred other than hydrangeas. There are many types of hydrangeas. My suggestion is to use hydrangeas in both location 2 and three. This will provide a uniform look and color display. Hydrangeas come in various shapes and colours. There is a Toronto Master Gardeners Guide on Hydrangeas: Gardening with Hydrangeas
My suggestion as outlined in our website is to use the Panicle or PeeGee hydrangea.
“Panicle or PeeGee hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata): Available in shrub and tree forms, this variety has large, white, conical flower clusters that turn pink with age. PeeGees are the hardiest of the hydrangeas and can tolerate more sun than other types.”
Other options to cover the area in section 2 or 3 is to fill the space with various groundcovers. One example is Canada anemone (Anemone canadensis), that easily fills a space, blooms in late spring and keeps its leaves all summer long, grows to to a maximum of two feet and has very little maintenance once it is established. Another low growing plant with a variety of leaves, shapes and flowers is Hosta. The low growing plants would not compete with the other plants that are established. There are other suggestions for groundcovers in the Toronto Master Gardeners Guide Native Perennials for Shade.
Happy gardening.
June 4, 2024