[klaaar]

I drew a plan using inkberry holly and crape myrtle, but then the client told me he does not want birds anywhere near his house. Without passing judgement on this man, can anyone recommend substitutes that will not produce fruit to draw birds? I'm not even sure if these plants will attract birds, but some research tells me perhaps yes.

This client insists on geraniums in the landscape, so I want a summer-blooming (red) multi-stem tree to try to match the geranium color; hence the myrtle. Oh by the way, this garden will get pounded by sun most of the day - is this a good spot for geraniums? Is there a better choice? (I hate geraniums by the way)

[agla]

You could see if male Inkberry is available in your area. They would not produce berries, nor would any other male holly. Several holly varieties are named with a gender like Blue Prince or China Boy. I think there is an Inkberry called Pretty Boy or something like that.

There are lots of plants that are not particularly attractive to birds because they do not have particularly attractive fruit, nuts, or seeds.

[klaaar]

Yes yes, very good. Those were seemingly obvious solutions that I had overlooked. What about the tree/ large shrub?

[TrickyDick]

Male holly is a good choice, though if you can't get male inkberry the blue hollies will be more expensive. Some japanese holly would work.

For a tree you're going to be pretty limited. Even crapemyrtle are at best borderline in zone 6 unless you have a nice warm, sheltered microclimate. Don't know about the birds but maybe a red Rose of Sharon? Also Heptacodium micinoides has white flowers that turn to red bright sepals in late summer. That's a really cool tree.

[jshilan]

Why are you using inkberries anyway? I gave up on them 10 years ago just because they become so leggy, even the hybrids. I only use them if I need something evergreen in a wet area. Are there any better varieties these days?

Everybody gives me grief for it but, I am a big Sand Cherry fan (prunus x cistena). I call it the poor mans japanese maple but it is actually a very hardy multi-stem shrub that has a nice pink flower late spring and good deep purple foliage during the year.

I love crape myrtle too but it seems to do well at the shore or in a very protected area as Tricky pointed out. You can also try a Pee Gee Hydrangea (tree form) if he is OK with a few bees. Personally, I'll take the birds to the bees any day.

[agla]

I don't see a lot of feeding bird activity on Kwanzan Cherry or either Kousa or Flowering dogwood. Any maples would work, although you don't get the flowers.

Chinese tree lilac would be a summer blooming white flower.

[TrickyDick]

I really like Ilex glabra "Shamrock". They grow slower and have a greener, shinier leaf. I guess they get leggy eventually but I like to use them as kind of a middle level of planting. I like to use dwarf clethra, fothergilla or low bush blueberry in front. Fall colors pop against that green.

If you're looking for a pink tree there are plenty to look but at red is tough.

[agla]

I agree about Shamrock. It does much better at staying full near the bottom where compacta thins out low on the sides rather quickly.