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Ideas for a small multi-stemmed tree for dry chalky soil and limited sun.
Hello 
Does anyone know of a pretty multi-stemmed small tree / large shrub max 4m tall that would be happy on dry chalky soil and limited sun?
Our buddleia died over winter and so I’m looking for a replacement. The gap is narrow (1m at the base) but plenty of room to spread further up to cover the neighbours garden office.
Does anyone know of a pretty multi-stemmed small tree / large shrub max 4m tall that would be happy on dry chalky soil and limited sun?Our buddleia died over winter and so I’m looking for a replacement. The gap is narrow (1m at the base) but plenty of room to spread further up to cover the neighbours garden office.
East facing, morning sun until approx. midday. Chalky and dry. After watching Chelsea ‘23 I would love something with a few different stems , light coloured bark or interesting bark to contrast with black fence. However when I use the RHS search function I don’t like the Mahonias etc that it throws up.
These are my inspiration:
Currently a small lilac and choisya do well on either side.
Currently a small lilac and choisya do well on either side.
Thanks in advance for any ideas 😃
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https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/95578/cercis-canadensis-forest-pansy/details
There's also a small form of horse chestnut whose foliage would look great against a dark fence - https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/90136/aesculus-neglecta-erythroblastos/details Chris Beardshaw had one like it in his garden at Chelsea.
Some cornus make good small trees with changing seasonal interest -
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/103072/cornus-porlock/details
You'd need to improve the soil in the planting hole with plenty of well-rotted manure and/or garden compost with added pelleted manure and it's best to plant in autumn when the soil is still warm enough and there's rain to encourage good root growth and establish the plant. Whatever you decide, water well thru any dry spells, especially hot spells in its first summer.