@StephenSouthwest I was sort of thinking giant bonsai...with the root pruning as well as pruning above ground. I don't know if the principles apply with a larger specimen though!
I grew a twisted hazel in a container for about 10 years and it was fine. They seem happy with any aspect so no sun/shade issues. It was lovely in autumn (lovely buttery yellow),winter (twisted branches), spring (smothered in catkins) BUT in summer they're just a mound of dark green, not very attractive leaves. I moved it into a bed so other plants could hide its summer gloom. If you are able to disguise it in the summer months it may be worth considering. It replanted very successfully and produces nuts every year to the delight of the local squirrels.
I am growing on a few things in containers that I bought as smallish plants, which would get lost and crowded if I put them in amongst my densely planted perennials. When they are big specimens they can go into the borders - possibly in a future garden.
"What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour".
That's the problem with those hazels. Lovely for winter but ugly the rest of the time. The advantage of container gardens [which is what the OP effectively has] is that you can stick other pots in front of it during the spring/summer. Pots with taller grasses and/or something like sweet peas would do the job well.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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I am growing on a few things in containers that I bought as smallish plants, which would get lost and crowded if I put them in amongst my densely planted perennials. When they are big specimens they can go into the borders - possibly in a future garden.
The advantage of container gardens [which is what the OP effectively has] is that you can stick other pots in front of it during the spring/summer.
Pots with taller grasses and/or something like sweet peas would do the job well.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...