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Chaenomeles question

Quercusrobur81Quercusrobur81 Posts: 231
in Problem solving

Good afternoon, I was after some advice from anyone who knows about chaenomeles.

 I want to grow something up the east-facing wall of our house and, after some googling, decided to go for chaenomeles with alcemilla mollis. Having dug a small trench, however, I have just found lots of gravel and sand beneath a thin layer of topsoil, even if I fill in with topsoil the good soil will only be about 30cm deep-my husband won't let me dig any deeper in case I dig up the foundations of the house!

So can chaenomeles survive in such a shallow hole? How deep do their roots go? Would I be better off putting them in planters (Which would be a bit disappointing...)

Thanks!

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147

    How far out from the wall is the trench?  Can you dig it further out and train the shrub back towards the wall?


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Quercusrobur81Quercusrobur81 Posts: 231

    Hi Dove, unfortunately this would not be an option as there is patio paving...

  • Quercusrobur81Quercusrobur81 Posts: 231

    Hmmm, I think I know planting in the earth probably isn't going to work, no matter how much I want it to... Does anyone know if these plants do ok in pots/planters?

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    I would give it a go as 30cm is a fair bit of soil as long as you use garden soil or JI #3, either mixed with some well-rotted manure.  You may have to water it often but you'd need to do so even more often in a pot, especially as it will be under the eaves.  They are fairly slow growers so it's not going to become rampant and require huge amounts of water.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,410

    We have them growing well in very small spaces next to a wall - so I agree with Bob that its worth a try image

  • Quercusrobur81Quercusrobur81 Posts: 231

    Ok, thanks-that's encouraging! Will see how they do...

  • CFCCFC Posts: 71

    Do it, it's worth a go for the lovely fruit, if it fails it fails! I love the sharp fragrance of those japanese quince in an apple jelly

  • InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568

    I would plant it in the ground, quinces like a good root run. make sure you give them a good top dressing, however. Alchemilla will grow anywhere. Are you sure it combines with quince? Most Chaenomeles are not very tall, while Alchemilla is. What about Potentilla or Iceland poppies? Both thrive in poor soil and will flower in Spring before the quince and not compete visually. Good luck. Ian

    Last edited: 21 August 2017 02:28:42

    Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147

    I've never known Alchemilla Mollis to get taller than a wall trained Chaenomeles. Also chaenomeles here blooms in the early spring and Alchemilla Mollis in summer.

    Are we thinking of the same plant?

    :-/

    Last edited: 21 August 2017 05:17:42


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Quercusrobur81Quercusrobur81 Posts: 231

    I got the same variety they grow at my workplace and they are a few feet high, taller than my alchemilla...

    I chose chaenomeles for the beautiful flowers but see they have a few fruit on them which is a nice bonus! Looking forward to seeing what the flavour is like.

     Thanks for the advice!

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