Shrub/Tree

daniel.watts

All,

I had a rhododendron in this space which, unfortunately, contracted root rot over the summer and passed into plant heaven. Subsequently I want to plant something in here that will grow to a decent size (3-4m high) and provide a degree of privacy from the other houses across the way (photo, below).

Any thoughts as to what I could put in here? Aspect wise it's SW facing, so in the summer it gets the sun from around 11am through to 8pm, and in the winter from around 1pm to 5pm.

It's a decent spot in the garden actually, and I want to make sure I get this right.  I think this spot was, ultimately, too hot for the rhododendron.

Your advice, as ever, greatly received.

Fairygirl

Hi Daniel - do you know why the rhodie contracted that? Is there an issue with the soil in that part of the garden?
If not, I'm going to suggest something other than a shrub or tree - although Amelanchier lamarckii would do the job there.
It looks like you have a symmetrical look there - I'm assuming the bit to the left of the bench matches the area on the right? How about putting up a simple pergola with climbers? You'd only need a couple, and it would complement the seat nicely - framing it.
Scented - like roses, or colourful like clematis - they'd be ideal there. Even if they aren't evergreen, you'd eventually have a framework of branches over the structure to give a bit of privacy even when plants are dormant. 

Paul B3

I'm not passing judgement here , but you don't appear to have much for autumn colour .

How about Pillar Apple ? (Malus tschonoskii) , an upright tree with good colouration .

Shrub wise , what about Aronia arbutifolia or Euonymus alatus ?

Not sure of your soil type , but I've had sucess with these in a slightly acidic/neutral loam .

Paul B3

Damn ........two 'c' s in success

Lizzie27

I would second the amelanchier for that spot or the pergola also suggested.

daniel.watts

Both,

Thanks for your comments, and the idea of the pergola is an excellent one.

I think the death of the rhododendron was my own fault - I didn't prepare the roots properly when I took it out of its pot, and the hot weather must have finished it off. I checked for vine weevil grubs (which are a menace around here) but there were none.

I have checked the amelanchier, but it states on the RHS website that it can grow 8m high! I was looking for something that, at most, will grow to half of that. Some of the other recommendations are excellent though, and I'll certainly get some autumn colour planted before the winter sets in.

Thanks again,

Daniel

ZeroZero1

How about something scented, next to the bench? A Rose even?

*Astrantia*

Sarcococca, evergreen with a gorgeous scent from white flowers in winter!
choysia Aztec Pearl evergreen & white flowers in spring summer would brighten up the spot?
or if it was my garden I’d put in a climber to cover the wall and soften all the expanse of brick.

Fairygirl

Daniel - don't be put off by what the RHS says re Amelanchier. They're easy to keep to a height that suits, and they're technically shrubs, so you can prune to have them as multi stemmed specimens 
I also meant to say to you - is that a row of laurels behind the bench? You might want to rethink those. They definitely grow huge once they get established, and you'll be constantly pruning them back to stop them totally enveloping the bench!

daniel.watts

Thanks for all the further tips, they're much appreciated! I do like the look of the Aztec Pearl...

Fairygirl - They are indeed laurels, and I know they can get a little bit feisty once established, but in truth I have a very small garden, so keeping on top of everything is actually pretty easy.  It gives me something to do!!

Fairygirl

daniel.watts said:

Fairygirl - They are indeed laurels, and I know they can get a little bit feisty once established, but in truth I have a very small garden, so keeping on top of everything is actually pretty easy.  It gives me something to do!!

As long as it keeps you off the streets Daniel