All,

I was looking for some info on bushes/hedges that stay nice year round. I am trying to find something to plant near the house that will soak up lots of water. After the last rain storm I noticed my walls were a little damp. Any ideas??? Thanks for the help

momof3

First I would look and see if the dirt against the house is (A little slope) to it away from the house. That helps in moving water away from the foundation. Most builders these days don`t slope the dirt away from the house.
Japanes shrubs take up a lot of water while growing. But they need trimming each year. And check and see if the down spouts are put together correctly. As it comes down from the roof they should be inside of each other. If not you will have water problems.

I guess that I should add that it is my basement walls that are wet. The yard is at a slope. My basement is not flooded I just need some hedges/bushes that drink alot of water to help alleviate the problem. All of the bushes I have bought thus far have died or are seasonal. I would like soemthing that stays green...purple...whatever year round. I have had boxwoods I was just thinking of maybe going with something else. The house is not new so it has settled and the downspouts are fine. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I've heard ornamental grasses love wet conditions

Not an option Samy0

ok, so I went to a nursery (Oswalds) and they recommended evergreens but then she said that she had the perfect bush/hedge. They are called Camillias. They bloom in the winter time also. I bought 2 different kinds...one has a double bloom and has nice thick glossy leaves and the other has red/green smaller leaves (color..... yeah ) and it has a single bloom. Both of the ones I bought produce white flowers. I am excited. I did also buy some boxwoods and I bought a Cottoneaster because it looked really neat. It is low growing but it does get bushy. Produces tiny white flowers. I dont know anything about them though.

Thanks McGee for your suggestions. I appreciate it.