SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Light: Full sun to partial shade. Topiary (Delavay Privet) thrives in full sun to partial shade—very adaptable. Sarcococca actually prefers partial shade (tolerates full shade—rare for flowering plant). Skimmia prefers partial shade (leaf scorch possible in hot afternoon sun). Carex tolerates sun to shade. Helleborus and Cyclamen prefer partial shade. This bundle is particularly suitable for positions receiving morning sun and afternoon shade—common for many entrances.
Soil: Well-drained, moisture-retentive, rich in organic matter. Sarcococca, Skimmia, Helleborus, and Cyclamen all prefer humus-rich soil. Amend generously with compost/leaf mold before planting (at least 30% by volume). Avoid waterlogged positions particularly for Cyclamen (corms rot in winter wet). Neutral to slightly acidic soil ideal (pH 6.0-7.0) though all plants tolerate typical garden conditions.
Space: Minimum 2m width for Starter, 2.5m for Standard, 3.5m for Impactful. Allow 70-80cm clearance from topiary container edge to door frame (see Placement Guide).
POSITIONING LAYOUT:
Step 1: Position Topiary Cloud Trees
Place containers 140-160cm apart (center to center) depending on entrance width. Cloud-pruned form is sculptural—position where three-dimensional form can be appreciated from multiple angles. Ensure containers sit level.
Step 2: Plant Sarcococca (Sweet Box)
Position where winter fragrance will be appreciated—near pathways, close to door, where you'll pass regularly January-March. Space 80-100cm apart (becomes 80-100cm width at maturity). Prefers partial shade—ideal beneath cloud topiary or in corners receiving less sun.
Step 3: Plant Skimmia
Position prominently where autumn-winter red buds will be visible from house windows (buds provide 6 months interest October-March). Space 70-90cm apart. Glossy foliage and red buds create focal points—don't hide behind other plants.
Step 4: Plant Helleborus
Position where winter-spring flowers will be visible from frequently used views (flowers January-April when garden viewing from windows more common than outdoor visits). Space 50-60cm apart. Evergreen foliage provides year-round structure—use strategically.
Step 5: Plant Carex 'Evergold'
Scatter throughout for golden accent. Space 35-40cm apart. Evergreen golden foliage particularly valuable autumn-winter when most foliage brown or dormant—provides continuous brightness. Use in clusters rather than single specimens for greater impact.
Step 6: Plant Cyclamen coum
Use as ground cover beneath shrubs and around topiary bases. Space 20-25cm apart. Naturalizes via self-seeding creating expanding colonies over years—plant where natural spreading is desired. Flowers emerge winter providing ground-level jewel-like colour.
DETAILED LAYOUT PLANS:
For comprehensive positioning diagrams showing exact plant placement for your entrance dimensions and variant-specific layouts, see our Bundle Planting Guide.
[View Bundle Planting Guide →]
ESTABLISHMENT CARE (First 6 Months):
Topiary: Water 2-3× weekly during first summer. Privet is fast-growing and vigorous, benefits from consistent moisture. Feed once in spring. See Complete Care Guide for cloud-pruning maintenance techniques.
Border Plants: Water 2-3× weekly first growing season. Winter-interest plants still need moisture during establishment (common myth that shade means wet—often means dry due to rain shadow). Mulch generously 7-10cm with leaf mold or compost (retains moisture, adds organic matter these plants appreciate). No feeding Year 1.
By 6 months: Starter plants rooted and establishing winter interest developing (30-40% mature, Skimmia forming first buds autumn). Standard plants established with noticeable cold-season features (50-70% mature, good winter fragrance and bud display). Impactful plants quickly established with substantial winter presence (70-90% mature, impressive cold-season interest from first winter).
