Need ideas for this small space

[sweet thunder]

The clematis will soon be moving to a new place in the ground and this spot will need a new tenant.

It's about 2 ft. square, faces south, and gets sun from mid-morning until late afternoon. The downspout helps keep it watered, but the soil also drains very well. There used to be a big rosemary bush there until it got so overgrown and woody I had to pull it out. I'm in zone 9 (Sunset 17).

I would love something interesting and/or pretty, since it's right inside my front gate, but nothing too formal. Taller and thinner is good so it won't interfere with the gate.

Any thoughts?

[rainbowgardener]

I grew up in California, but have lived for a long time in Ohio. One of the things I really miss being out here is manzanita.

Manzanita is a really unique shrub to grow since it grows hardly anywhere else in the world but California. It is evergreen, with beautiful red brown bark. In spring it gets covered with little white flowers. which are followed by bright red berries that birds like. Different species of it are different sizes, some too big for your space, but some like the Monterey manzanita (and others) stay small.

Otherwise there are a variety of tall narrow evergreens, like sky pencil holly, skyrocket juniper, cypress 'totem pole' Here's a listing of some more:

http://www.conifer.com.au/narrow_conifers

[sweet thunder]

Thanks, rainbowgardener. I think I'll look into some of those conifers.

I really like the manzanita idea (in fact I live right near Manzanita Avenue!) but I'll probably use one somewhere else where I can let it get bigger. I think I have the perfect spot.

[applestar]

Clumping bamboo?

Columnar apple tree?

[gixxerific]

What about Lilly's? I have some Lilly's I put in last year that are taking over. I divided and transplanted and gave some away. The ones I left alone are totally huge with tons of blooms. They would take over that area. If you like I could take pics. I have been wanting too but waiting for more blooms to open. Very hardy as well. The extras I had sat around for 2 weeks on concrete they started to reach for the sun about 4-5 inches off the ground.

[love11]

Could put in a tomato plant.

[One2ManyHobbies]

Gardenia Bush. Their flowers are bright white especially because they are contrasted on the bushes dark green leaves. It has an amazing smell that will waft around your back yard and visit your nose with a delightful fragrance frequently. It is sweet like honeysuckle but also very unique.

They do tend to get fluffy but they are easily trainable. Some people even turn them into trees.