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Tree or shrub for very small space (to grow in a pot)

David.lifedrawingDavid.lifedrawing Posts: 27
in Plants
Hi, any suggestions for a small tree or shrub (single stem maybe) to go in the shady corner of my garden (see pic below)? There's room for a canopy of max. 10ft and I would prefer something which will be happy in this space rather than something which I have to keep contained. I know many will say it's a bad idea, but ideally I'd like it in a large pot. 

Really I'd like something that will either grow quickly or can be purchased at a decent size. I know I'm being impatient but I'd like to achieve the desired affect quickly rather than wait years for the plant to mature.

Any ideas?

: )


Posts

  • UpNorthUpNorth Posts: 376
    great pic to show what you mean..... gosh so many choices, wide open.  why don't you narrow down what you want from your tree/shrub.   everygreen?   blossom?   autumn colour?   interesting bark?    do you want to 'underplant' with other stuff?   that will be useful to the helpful folks on here to narrow down a choice for you...

    some obvious choices would be Sorbus for year round interest, Maple, cotinus, crab apples for autumn colour.  I would personally not bother with Cherry trees as they take so long to establish nice shape in my experience.
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    edited September 2020
    How about an upright , golden leaved beech tree.
    Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Gold.

    https://www.google.com/search?q=Fagus+sylvatica+dawyck+gold&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjFuY7MpNzrAhWOTsAKHQgvBNAQ_AUoAXoECAwQAw&biw=1280&bih=579

    OR..
    Liquidambar straciflua Slender silhouette.


    https://www.google.com/search?q=Liquidambar+styraciflua+'Slender+Silhouette'&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjnhp-lpdzrAhXHgVwKHc9XDdAQ_AUoAXoECAwQAw&biw=1280&bih=579

    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • David.lifedrawingDavid.lifedrawing Posts: 27
    Thanks for the suggestions. I do want to underplant it, and I'd prefer something with a clear stem rather than multi stem bush. Fruit isn't a priority, but would love autumn colour. Also keen to get something which lets a little light through, so not too dense. 

    My main problem at the moment looking at what's for sale is finding something that is already a mature size and will go in a pot in shade. I can find very small specimens for sale, or trees which are already 4+ metres tall. 

    Looking for a rounded shape ideally rather than tall and narrow.

    Not keen on conifers

    I do like the look of liquidamar. Witch hazel also appeals but haven't been able to find one for sale like I want. Also like Cotinus, but read that it likes full sun, and in this spot the tree won't get full sun until it's a couple of metres tall. 

    I did wonder about an acer. Would that work do you think?

    So many variables to juggle!
  • David.lifedrawingDavid.lifedrawing Posts: 27
    Just looking at the link provided for the liquidambar - looks like they've got a great specimen. These trees can grow much larger than my garden will accommodate.

    Is it possible to prune a tree like this to keep it to a certain size? And if I put it in the soil (looks too big for a pot) will there be trouble with roots and water uptake?

    Thanks again for the advice.
  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    I have a silhouette liquidamber. Been in 3 years and I have cleared the trunk and left a cone shape at the top. I read they can grow to 16m which would look silly so am hoping to keep it the size it is 
    I also have a cotoneaster juliette which is really a shrub grafted on a stem. Almost evergreen, flowers and red berries beloved by blackbirds. 
    Also a red sentinel malus.
    None in pots though and not in sun for more than a few hours each day. All underplanted. In fact the liquidamber has a large fatsia planted behind it.
    Malus


    Cotoneaster


  • edhelkaedhelka Posts: 2,351
    Acer would be my first thought but they grow slowly and cost a fortune if you want to buy a reasonably big one.
    It doesn't look too shady, even if it is a north-facing corner (is it?) it looks quite open and the canopy should get some sun because it won't be shaded by the fence. I think you could treat it as a partial shade which would give you a lot of options.

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    A redbud would be stunning in that location. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    What about something like Tamarix Tetrandra. I know you mentioned shade, but I suspect it's part shade at certain times of the year. The area looks open and bright, and I think something like a Tamarisk would suit better. They should not create that much shade and are quite adaptable with pruning.
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