Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Tree hunt

yholland1yholland1 Posts: 8
in Plants
Hi all. Please help a keen gardener who has a huge gap in her knowledge about trees. 

I want an attractive, smallish tree that ideally flowers. It will be in full sun nearly all day, but will be very exposed to wind as it will be standing next to a field and we are up a hill in south wales. We go to -10 at least once most years. 

It can either be in ground or in large pot. Maybe no more than 2 metres. 

A small-ish magnolia was my first idea. But. They hate strong winds I then found out. 

I considered an ornamental Japanese cherry but the only varieties I can find will grow too big and I don’t want the patio being shaded by said tree in years to come. 

I considered an olive and cover it in winter, but they like shelter. This sort of stocky, neat tree with minimal leaf canopy would probably be great tbh. 

I quite like the idea of a trachycarpus and maybe move the pot close to the side of the house in winter?? 

My last theory was to train a wisteria in to a tree (my local garden centre is actually selling one in a pot) but no idea if they can tolerate wind as the only advice is about them growing in a more traditional way. Any one know? 

I really haven’t got a clue with trees - much prefer sorting out my borders! So I’m very keen to hear any suggestions because I’m truly stuck, clueless about trees, and I’m fed up of looking at the large hole my partner dutifully dug for the tree I said I was buying last spring! 

Ps I don’t want an acer! 😂 

Posts

  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    'Smallish' might be a stumbling block, but Rhododendrons may fill the bill?
  • Balgay.HillBalgay.Hill Posts: 1,089
    A rowan would be fine with wind, and there are many varieties to choose from. They grow naturally on the hills up here in Scotland. 
    Sunny Dundee
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree with @Balgay.Hill - that's exactly what my choice would be for your site. 
    They can withstand all sorts, and the native one, in particular, will establish well and thrive for the reasons he gives.  :)
    You'll still need to make sure it's well watered etc after planting, until it's settled, and also make sure it's really well staked - from both directions, with angled stakes put in low down.
    They grow in all sorts of difficult sites when they seed too - I've seen them growing out of gate posts here  :D

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Sign In or Register to comment.