DEAR NEIL: I’m looking for a plant to replace several holly ferns that used to be in shade until we lost a post oak tree. The ferns have been barely hanging on since we had the tree removed. I’d like a low-growing perennial that would be a nice contrast to the existing tri-color iris, asparagus fern, and boxwoods.
A dwarf Chinese holly, with its rounded growth habit and large, dark green leaves, could handle the sun this space will get after the loss of a tree. Dear Reader: If it were my landscape, I’d want something permanent in appearance to bring stability to your attractive home and landscape. I would also want it to be rather bold – not soft textured.
I would go back to a favorite of 30 years ago – dwarf Chinese holly – for its rounded growth habit and large, dark green leaves. Granted, it doesn’t bloom, but the flowering plants that might grow well for you there have seasons where they don’t look as good as you’d like. And granted it has spines on its leaves, but you’re not going to be sitting in it.
I’ve grown it beside our entryway beds for 46 years and I love it. Because there is a gap in the wall on the upper level where the bricks fold back, I really feel the need to have some kind of evergreen there. The bed appears to be rather shallow, so you may be limited to a mid-sized evergreen.
Dwarf Burford holly would be excellent with its large red berries all winter. Or you could plant a Warren’s Red possumhaw holly in the lower bed and use low s.