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Foundation plantings #192451

Asked June 19, 2014, 12:07 PM EDT

What plant or plants in particular would make a very attractive foundation planting for the west (sunny) side of a small cottage?

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

I have no idea what you like or find attractive. 

You have a choice of evergreen shrubs, deciduous shrubs or various plants. The plants could be perennials or annuals. You might want to go to a nursery and see what the various plants look like. 

You may want them to grow no taller than the bottom of the windows so check  on ultimate height.  If it is a shrub that grows to six feet tall and your window bottoms come to three feet, you will be doing a great deal of pruning and shortening the life of the shrub.  Or you could want them to cover the windows.

If the area for the planting is under the overhang of the house, the plants have a good chance of never having enough water and dying  You want the width of the plant to be so when it is full grown, it is not touching or rubbing on the house.  You want enough room to walk behind your planting to weed or do other work.

When enquiring about plants, make sure that they can handle hot, sunny conditions.  You might want to consider some ornamental grasses.

There are so many plants available that you need to  look at what pleases you and fits your conditions.  Just don't look at rhododendrons, azaleas, hollies or blueberries.  The all require acidic soil and some do not tolerate afternoon sun.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2014, 2:32 PM EDT

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