Accent Shrub for Shamrock Inkberry

by Jeannine
(Olathe, Kansas)

I am re-doing the front landscape...Finally!


I removed a not-so-dwarf Alberta Spruce and two Yews. After much looking, I think I want to go with the Shamrock Inkberry for the base plants. I have a front porch, 11 feet long and do not want tall plants to block it. I am considering 3 Shamrock Inkerry across the front with two accent shrubs for the ones on the edges. Middle one left by itself. What would be a good evergreen type to place in front of the Inkberry Holly? I am looking for some different texture and something that keeps its color in the winter. By the way, I am in Olathe, Kansas. Exposure is West with some relief from an autumn purple ash tree.

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Accent plants for Shamrock Inkberry
by: Katie Hannigan

I am starting a new bed from lamp post to a Japanese Maple, planting white-out knock-out roses near lamp post & 3 shamrock inkberries as middle base plants. Then maybe dwarf mop-heads in front. From there, not sure!
Foundation Plants
by: Susan

Hi Jeannine,
I like Inkberry Holly a lot. They are a good background plant, as it seems you have figured out already!
Here are a few plants to consider for planting in front of the Inkberry:

Tam Juniper - a stable plant with a very different texture than the Inkberry. It's mature height will be lower than the Inkberry also.

Potentilla - this will produce very pretty flowers in the summer. Check for the varieties available in your area. Some will fit into your height requirements, while others will be too tall.

You might also consider Perennials or Roses instead of shrubs. They will not give you the winter color, but more than make up for that by providing color during the other seasons. This would be more of a cottage garden look. Some to take a look at:

Carpet Roses - deciduous shrub
Knockout Roses - deciduous shrub
Lavender - Hidcote - fragrant
Nepeta - Walker's Low - flowers almost continually
Coneflower - many beautiful colored flowers
By the way, these three Perennials take dry conditions nicely.

If you decide to use Perennials, the nice thing about your design will be that you will still have the Inkberry Holly for winter color. If you decide to use Junipers, consider still adding a few perennials into pockets for summer color.

Good luck.
Susan

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"Susan, what a pleasure it was to work with you. You made me feel like I was your only client - responding late at night and always so quickly! Your design is amazing and we only hope we can do justice to it when we plant . You have such fantastic ideas and you are so open to suggestions and changes. Loved working with you - now if you could only come to Canada and plant it !!! "
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