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Evergreen screen in a tub

EmerionEmerion Posts: 534

I want something to grow in a large tub or tubs to hide a heating-oil tank, which is just over 5 feet tall. The strip of concrete that it will be standing on is just over a foot deep and 8 feet across. We had trellis with the tank that we are replacing, and I don't want it again. I was thinking about an evergreen grass or bamboo, but I've looked at loads and they either need cutting down in late winter, or need shelter, or are quite short.  The site is exposed and south west facing. I would welcome suggestions apart from grasses as well. Any thoughts?

Carmarthenshire (mild, wet, windy). Loam over shale, very slightly sloping, so free draining. Mildly acidic or neutral.


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  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 36,833

    Bamboo is certainly not short and it does not need cutting down at all. Phyllostachys nigra and Phyllostachys aurea will grow to 15+ feet.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • EmerionEmerion Posts: 534

    Thanks for your reply. Bamboo was on my list, but I watched a clip of Monty Don planting bamboo in a container, and he said it needs shelter. We do have a clump of bamboo in the garden that is not sheltered, but it is well established. I think the previous owner had a willow arch to protect it when it was young. Are there some bamboo varieties that can stand strong winds from the start?

    Last edited: 17 August 2017 18:05:27

    Carmarthenshire (mild, wet, windy). Loam over shale, very slightly sloping, so free draining. Mildly acidic or neutral.


  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 36,833

    Emerion - I live in what my neighbours and myself call windy ridge. I had both those bamboos - black one has gone now because it started tapping on my neighbour's bedroom window so my brother dug it up for me and I planted a lovely rhododendron in its place. The golden one is doing just fine.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • EmerionEmerion Posts: 534

    Well, that sounds conclusive, thanks very much for that advice.  

    Carmarthenshire (mild, wet, windy). Loam over shale, very slightly sloping, so free draining. Mildly acidic or neutral.


  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 36,833

    You are most welcome.

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
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