Question for all you gardeners

[lou100]

Morning, can anybody recommend a fast spreading bush that I can plant in my garden? I am not bothered about it growing particularly high.

I don't have the best soil in the world, and it would be under a tree if that makes any difference.

thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[WendyS]

One of the conifers with a low spreading habit might be suitable as they grow out, rather than up. However, to give it a good start, especially if you have poor soil, you would have to dig in a lot of compost or manure around the roots. Also, if it's under a tree it might not get a lot of light or rain and might grow poorly. I wonder if a plant like St. John's Wort, which grows to about 1 foot - 18 inches high and has a yellow flower in summer, would be an alternative. It certainly has a habit of spreading so might fulfil your purpose.

[shaun_04]

Lavender.

[Thunderbird+]

A few here for you to check out- Sarcococca or Christmas box, it grows well under the shade of trees, it has small ever-green leaves, masses of small cream flowers in winter that have a very heady scent, it only grows to about 3ft high and has a 3ft spread, I'd recomend S. Confusa.

Symphoricarpos or snowberry is good under trees and is clump forming and can be a bit invasive, about 4ft high, some of the variegated ones are less vigorous.

Mahonia Aquifolium are another good one under trees and willdo well in any soil, holly-like leaves,yellow flowers mar- april followed by blue/black berries, abuot 3ft, the varieties M.'charity' or japonica are taller to about 6ft. Good Luck. T bird.

[lou100]

Thanks everybody, some good suggestions there.