Ninebark and Lilacs: Eastside Terrace

 I got some shrubs planted along the lower part of the East-side terrace wall.

I hadn't planned on the ninebark, but those purple leaves just jumped in my cart.

I really like how they echo the purple leaves of the ornamental plum behind the house.

 

Overall plan: ninebark on each end, with lilacs in the middle.

 

Physocarpus opulifolius 'Lady in Red'

5-6 feet tall and wide

zones 3-7

Clusters of small bink blushed single flowers in early summer bloom atop bright red foliage.

 

 

Syringa vulgaris 'Ludwig Spaeth'

10' tall x 8' wide

 

It was the picture of the blooms that got me on this one.

Rather than pale lavender, like many lilacs, these are supposed to be a deep reddish-purple.

Should look good with the ninebark foliage.

 

 

I transplanted this lilac (front) from the slope, where after 4 years it had grown maybe 6 inches.

I guess the "well-drained soil" on that plant tag wasn't just a throw-away line.

Syringa vulgaris 'My Favorite'

Grows 6-12 feet wide and 8-15 feet tall.

 

The lilac in the background is a second Ludwig Spaeth.

 

So here's looking from our backyard out to the street.

I'm hoping these will grow to fill in this terrace and provide a sweet-smelling, lush corridor as you walk down that side of the house.

 

p.s. Can you believe how green that grass is? It is still struggling almost everywhere else, but on this side, just look at it go!

 

Now I have the far end of this terrace to make a final decision on and get planted.

I've talked about doing a billowing perennial garden of whites and pastels.

I have also thought about hot colors.

Or I may just make it my cutting garden.