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Fast growing tree for border - Photenia Red Robin

lea.f.flynnSLByvIJnlea.f.flynnSLByvIJn Posts: 1
in Problem solving
Hello

I would like to plant a fast growing but all in all small(ish) tree into our small courtyard garden for some privacy and colour. I thought a Photenia Red Robin Tree could be a good match but am now unsure whether its position in the border and in the corner of two walls might be to shady for it, at least until it has grown a bit taller. It’s a South facing garden but the bottom of the left corner (see pictures) rarely gets sunshine. The soil is rich but a bit dense/claylike. I’m not how well drained it is, it never seems to dry out even in hot Summers. Our fern loves it. 
I would love to hear your opinion - and, if this is considered a bad choice, a suggestion for a better choice. Maybe a magnolia (although it’s not an evergreen, which would be preferable)? Or a crab apple tree? 

Many thanks in advance 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Hi @lea.f.flynSLByvlJn - 
    Unfortunately - your site is all the things these Photinias don't like. Shade and heavy clay that doesn't dry out. They need warmth and moisture and some decent sun/light to thrive. They always look pretty dire here as they end up with lots of black spot etc due to the climate. The only ones I've seen around here that have ever looked any good are the ones in the garden across from me. They're right up against the house walls, south facing , with lots of competition from other shrubs to help with the soil, but the rain comes in from that direction so they get enough moisture too.  :)
    Technically- if your garden's south facing, that means that the far end is north facing, so it'll be in shade most of the time, hence the soil staying moist too  :)

    I have to go out, but my reply will bump your post and you should get some responses. I'd go for a rowan [mountain ash] but it's not evergreen. The ornamental elders [Sambucus] and Amelanchiers will also be happy enough there, but again - not evergreen    :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    I wouldn't worry about the shade because it will grow taller as you say. But the soil doesn't sound ideal. The Portuguese laurel seems to be doing OK on the other side though. 

    Seeing as you already have the laurel, I'd go with Amelanchier which will have nice pale and delicate foliage to contrast with the laurel's dark leathery leaves.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    ... Or a crab apple as you suggest! Lovely trees
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited April 2023
    Not normally recommended here due to their potential invasive nature, I'd consider a bamboo for that corner, provided the soil does not get waterlogged.  Your courtyard is well enclosed by walling and paved so the roots of the bamboo will be well contained.  You could also use a root barrier as extra protection.  Although the roots will be shaded, the upper part of the canes will be in sun in that corner.  As long as bamboos are carefully maintained every year by selective pruning, they can be an asset to a small garden, providing height and an attractive evergreen screen.  I have this Phyllostachys growing in a corner, surrounded by walling and fencing with a stone base, plus a paved patio close by.  It's potentially a running bamboo but in that location and by carefully reducing the canes to about 12 of the most robust and colourful every year, it hasn't caused any problems in my garden for the last 10 years. The canes are about 3m high. 



    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


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