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Suggestions for very small tree or feature plant

copaji9056copaji9056 Posts: 4
in Garden design
I currently have a ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Little angel') in a very sunny south facing spot, which I’d like to replace with something slightly taller and perhaps more interesting in structure.

Originally the space was designed for an acer (Shaina) but it did not last in the sun, and the garden although walled gets very windy. The soil has a lot of clay and is neutral to slightly alkaline. The ground cover shown in the photos is Cotoneaster dammeri, and I’m trying to grow a rose up a trellis in the background. I’m in Suffolk and the weather is generally mild overall.

I’d appreciate any suggestions on a small tree or tree-like shrub that can give some impact in this part of the garden. It can be deciduous or evergreen; was hoping for a purple or red colour to the leaves so it could stand out. Height wise, the total height available right up to the trellis is 1.5m. The ninebark is 2 years old and about 70cm right now (I don’t think it will grow any higher?), and I suppose a plant with final height of 1.2m or so would work well. Thanks!

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Hmm. Most shrubs and trees with such a small final height will take a good number of years to get there. Anything that will get to 1.2m or more quickly will soon get much taller and outgrow the space.
    Your physocarpus is listed as having a final height of 1m but takes 5-10 years to reach maturity. I'd say you've chosen a suitable plant for that space, but you need to give it another 5 years or so to get there! To maximise it's growth, make sure it gets enough water (it looks like a raised bed so it might drain very quickly) and a general fertiliser each spring.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    It's a lovely looking shrub that looks good there. 
    You could replace it with a cotinus or a sambucus, both have purple red versions. They are both fast growing and slightly untidy but can be cut right back rather like a buddlia.
  • KeenOnGreenKeenOnGreen Posts: 1,831
    Phormium Platts Black could work, but they are relatively fast growing and might need dividing every few years. 

    If you can be bothered to grow them from seed each year (very easy), Ricinus communis, the Castor Oil plant, would make a bold statement.  That space on the left of the bed is crying out for some planting, perhaps some sort of climber to cover the fence.  
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I'd stick with what you've got and give it another year at least. My physocarpus is much higher but is a different variety I think.  It might help yours to grow a bit higher if you feed it and water it well regularly as the cotoneaster surrounding it will be taking a lot of nutrients/water from the soil.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • copaji9056copaji9056 Posts: 4
    Thanks everyone for your replies. I’ll look into the suggested alternatives but will keep the ninebark for now.

    I’m giving it a liquid seaweed feed every two weeks, and scattered some general purpose fertiliser + mulched it earlier in spring. Is there anything else I can do to make it grow?

    KeenOnGreen, yes the fence does look bare! Is it ok to grow something on it (will it damage the fence)?
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    I think you are doing fine with helping your Physocarpus grow, some plants just don't grow that fast. Some take their time for the first 2 years, and then from year 3 start to take off.

    K67's alternative recommendation of Sambucus I agree with. Sambucus Nigra 'Black Lace' is a good choice for leaf contrast. They are easy to maintain through pruning and will go nicely against your Cotoneaster ground cover.
  • copaji9056copaji9056 Posts: 4
    Thanks so much, Borderline and everyone!
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