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Which tree??

alindstr03alindstr03 Posts: 1
in Plants

My small garden is south facing, I am looking for the best tree to grow at the back( right hand side next to the shed in the photograph). imageIt is a shaded spot (until it grows to the height of the wall where the top will be in full sun).  I love magnolia but never had any luck with these, preferably something which flowers and looks good all year. Any suggestions please?

Posts

  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 13,253

    Not sure there is room for a tree in that space, unless you get something like a fastigiated Yew or, an Amagowna Cherry.

    There are ashtrays of emulsion,
    for the fag ends of the aristocracy.

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 13,253

    It is not the shade that is the problem, it is the space. An Acer would outgrow that space, within a few years.

    There are ashtrays of emulsion,
    for the fag ends of the aristocracy.

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,133

    Only something columnar would look ok too. Anything 'tree' shaped would have to be butchered constantly to fit. 

    Is there a reason for wanting a tree? If it's for privacy, you'd be better putting a hedging plant in and keeping it pruned to fit. Hornbeam or Beech retain their foliage and are happy to be kept tight. Amelanchier lamarckii can be grown in a tree like way - ie  keeping a main trunk and having a canopy, but there really isn't much room for anything bigger to grow successfully, and even an Amelanchier would need pruning to keep it where you want it.

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Lion SLion S Posts: 263

    If you really want a tree one option would be a parasol tree. They are tremendously popular in countries with small gardens. One of the best trees for that is Liquidambar styraciflua. Of course, if you ask at the tree nursery they will have some other options.

    Another option could be a living arbour, like this one: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zabdiel/7053330669 It will provide you lots of shade and privacy if you would make it from beech (Fagus sylvatica).

    Last edited: 14 February 2017 10:31:25

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,724

    What about a Mahonia japonica?  It'll be happy in the shade and should get to a good height - the books say at least seven to eight feet but I know one that's getting on for double that height. 

    Evergreen with winter flowers and usually good autumn colour, and can be judiciously pruned to keep it within a narrow space. 

    'Buckland' and 'Winter Sun' are two very good varieties.

    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • Hortum-cretaeHortum-cretae Posts: 979

    Have a look at eucryphia nymansensis Nymansay. Mine was almost columnar, in the shade of two trees on heavy clay soil and was magnificent. Pic attached

    H-C

    imageimage

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601

    That's lovely! I want one but I just looked them up on the RHS site and it says sheltered and acid and we are windswept and alkaline. Gutted.

  • Mark56Mark56 Posts: 1,653

    Gorgeous H-C. 

  • scout52scout52 Posts: 6

    Beautiful!

  • JamesOJamesO Posts: 230

    Recommend the Prunus 'Amanogawa' here is mine in similar spot love the blossom

    imageimageimageimage

    Last edited: 14 February 2017 18:17:37

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