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Tree suggestion

FlyFly Posts: 5
in Plants
Hi guys, thanks for this great resource. I have a small courtyard garden which I love. 
I have recently acquired a whisky barrel so it’s quite large approx 200litres. I have a spot at the back of the garden where I would like to introduce some height and thought maybe a tree would be perfect. My question is what tree (if any) would you suggest as I’m going round in circles researching online. My ideal would be some sort of delicate multi stemmed birch type tree but all the ones I see are huge so not appropriate for a container are there any dwarf varieties that have this look or am I asking too much for a container. I love acers and have one in my front garden but I think due to the exposed nature of the site (the walled bit is sheltered but the tree would be above the wall and the wind can get funnelled down the rd) an ACER might not be the best choice? Once above the wall the plant would get sun from 1-7pm   
 I have had trees in pots before (not as big as this) and after a while and maybe neglect not done so well with them so am I being a bit ambitious in my vision? Would a shrub work better if so which ones my enthusiasm outlays my actual plant knowledge.  Thanks for sticking with the long post And thanks for any advice given or if you have pictures of something similar that will be really inspiring.
   

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    edited June 2020
    Welcome to the forum  :)
    To be honest, l am not a fan of trees in pots, l think a shrub would be a better way to go. There are hundreds to choose from, you may find inspiration here 
    https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=842
    and l'm sure others will have plenty of suggestions. 
    Lovely garden by the way !
  • FlyFly Posts: 5
    Thanks I know what you mean and all my research was pointing that trees generally don’t do well in pots and can’t thrive I just wondered if there was smaller variaties that might do ok. But I should listen to my heart I guess as I’ve killed an Acer and had to relocate fruit trees to my mums garden because they have not been happy In pots😂  I just had my heart set on a tree. Thanks for the link I’ll explore this avenue! 
  • robairdmacraignilrobairdmacraignil Posts: 782
    Maybe a June berry (Amelanchier lamarckii) might do OK. I have a number of amelanchier growing in what is mostly fairly shallow soil and I think I have seen someone in this forum post a picture of one doing well enough in a container. They have good white flowers in spring, berries in June and interesting leaf colour when they are new grown and in autumn.
    https://www.youtube.com/user/sustainableveg/videos
  • FlyFly Posts: 5
    robairdmacraignil said:
    Maybe a June berry (Amelanchier lamarckii) might do OK. I have a number of amelanchier growing in what is mostly fairly shallow soil and I think I have seen someone in this forum post a picture of one doing well enough in a container. They have good white flowers in spring, berries in June and interesting leaf colour when they are new grown and in autumn.
    Hi Robaird. Thanks for the suggestion I like the ide if the berries in June and being a source of food and attracting the birds. It will definitely add the height and structure I’m after. Maybe If I was to give it was happy for a few years then if it outgrew the pot I could take it to the tree retirement home which is my mums garden 😂 thanks for the suggestion and advice. 
  • m_obodom_obodo Posts: 4
    I have been looking at these too- some sites recommend them for pots and others not so still unsure whether to go for it! I want a few small trees for interest and height.
  • FlyDragonFlyDragon Posts: 834
    edited June 2020
    What about a Concorde pear?  I believe the smaller ones grown on quince C rootstock can do well in pots.  Self-pollinating too.
  • FlyFly Posts: 5
    m_obodo said:
    I have been looking at these too- some sites recommend them for pots and others not so still unsure whether to go for it! I want a few small trees for interest and height.
    It’s hard isn’t it I keep going to the garden centres and I just can’t decide it’s quite conflicting information. I don’t usually take so much time I usually just Pick something stick it in if it dies then I just try something else that’s my gardening style, only the strongest survive. I’ve had an acer/ holly tree/ cherry tree in pots in my garden that have ended up not looking the best so they end up going in the ground at my mums. I would Like to find a nice tree (birch like) that I can care for that would be ok in the pot. Maybe this doesn’t exists or I need to stop scrutinising and just get something in. I am considering a tree fern as well but need to be sure as they are quite pricey to get the height I want. 
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    edited June 2020
    Your whisky barrel is lovely, but I think there could be some difficulty removing a tree after a few years, without major harm, if it has formed any size of rootball. And be very sure that it is in the right position, as you won't be able to move it later without a fork lift truck!
    Maybe have a look at cotoneasters. There are loads of them, some deciduous and some evergreen, some huge and some quite dainty. You might just find one that could fit your requirements.
    They are tough as old boots and they can be cut right back and will regrow quickly, so can be kept within bounds. Bees love the flowers and birds love the berries. Cheap too - they are excellent self seeders, their only drawback, but easy to remove if you get them young/
  • FlyFly Posts: 5
    Buttercupdays said:
    Your whisky barrel is lovely, but I think there could be some difficulty removing a tree after a few years, without major harm, if it has formed any size of rootball. And be very sure that it is in the right position, as you won't be able to move it later without a fork lift truck!
    Maybe have a look at cotoneasters. There are loads of them, some deciduous and some evergreen, some huge and some quite dainty. You might just find one that could fit your requirements.
    They are tough as old boots and they can be cut right back and will regrow quickly, so can be kept within bounds. Bees love the flowers and birds love the berries. Cheap too - they are excellent self seeders, their only drawback, but easy to remove if you get them young/

    That’s brilliant advise, you had me at bees. I will look into the different varieties. I have also started considering bamboo To get that green leafy look and height I’m after with the added bonus of the rustle in the wind. Have you any experience with this? The drawback I guess would be less interest for wildlife but the plus side could be quick growing and could be managed with cropping.  
     I’ve thought about this bloody barrel too long now 😂
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