Question
In Zone 7, I have a mature Sweetgum that I want to plant evergreen shrubs in front of, about three feet away.  It faces south and gets full sun throughout winter, and partial shade to intense southwestly sun the rest of the year.  The soil is average to dry -- not your typical Georgia red clay.  I want the shrubs to be about 4-5 feet high at maturity.

I'm thinking of Loropetalum or Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel or Dwarf Wax Myrtle.  Do any of these compete well with tree roots?  I tried a large variegated Miscanthus variety there one year and it failed; also, a Blue Point Juniper died there too. Or, should I just stick a bird feeder in the ground and be done with growing things there?

THANKS.

Answer
Ellen,

The biggest problem you are facing is the proximity of the sweetgum tree.  The tree is outcompeting the other shrubs for moisture in the soil.

I would move the wanted shrubs out to about 5 feet from the tree and provide consistent irrigation to satisfy the needs of all.

Good luck

Gary