Recommend a bush, please

[spinbaby]

Because we're in hilly western Pennsylvania, one side of our house has a lot of foundation showing. I've decided to do something about it and put in some foundation plantings. I need something six to eight feet tall that's pretty low maintenance. Evergreen is nice, but not necessary; flowers are nice, but not necessary. I was thinking perhaps holly or burning bush.

Any ideas?

[flying_wahini]

1. Not sure, as I live near Houston, but can say without a doubt

that I despise holly - yes, it's pretty and carefree -
but the thorns are horrible. you take your life in your hands
when it needs trimming... IMHO

[spinbaby]

2. Hadn't thought of that

And now I'm reading about burning bush being an invasive plant species. Time to find new favorites.

[Blue Gardener]

3. Sun or Shade?

Or somewhere in between?

[spinbaby]

8. Full sun

And on the dry side.

[hedgehog]

4. Here's a web site with plants native to Pennsylvania.

That should guarantee low maintenance and no fear of taking over everything.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/wildplant/smtrees.aspx

[Imalittleteapot]

5. I vote for holly.

There are many varieties. Just make sure that the one you get will not grow taller than you want. Look at dwarf varieties. I planted burfords many years ago and they are huge, much to big for the spaces.

Hollies are easy and when covered with berries they are gorgeous and provide food for many birds.

[blue neen]

6. I live in the same area.

We just planted 2 Onondaga Viburnums by our deck. The foliage is absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to see what the flowers look like! :)


http://www.paghat.com/viburnumsargentiana.html

We also planted 2 Honey Maid Hollies and a slow growing type of cypress shrub.

[Blue Gardener]

7. I like growing something with a nice scent

Especially when it's near a window. Dwarf Korean Lilac or Mock Orange come to mind. I'm sure there are others.

[TygrBright]

9. Viburnums are gorgeous and come in many varieties...

...I miss my viburnum hedge. It was staggered with varieties that bloomed at different times and had different foliage types. And there were always tons of birds around them.

wistfully,
Bright