You'll have to choose carefully for a tree, and yes - in that size of container, any tree will need a lot of attention after a while.
Apparently I need to find a privet tree which has a straight stem, remove the others and grow it to the height I need. I was surprised it is a privet tree. Should be a challenge to make a central 'ball' with another at the top. I will get a square tube to give more room for the root.
You can certainly have winter baskets of you like them. Re your privet. I'm not sure I understand. Do you mean you want to create some topiary? You would need to find a suitable specimen if you want to create a standard -that's what a single trunk with a ball at the top is called. You can probably shape them to form a double ball too - large one at the base, smaller one at the top, if that's what you're describing? It would take a while though, because you'd have to allow enough growth sideways, and then keep trimming accordingly. I think you'd need a basic, large ball to start with, then let a leader form to create the top ball. Privet needs pretty frequent trimming once established though, unlike yew, box, or similar plants used for topiary, so you'll need to make sure you have time for that
Privet will certainly become a 'tree' if allowed to grow, it's just that most of the time it's used as hedging. Nice job with your pots. Those are much nicer than terracotta IMO. Easier too, as they won't need as much watering as terracotta would, especially as you're in such a dry area. Not too big a problem for autumn/winter though.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
You can certainly have winter baskets of you like them. Re your privet. I'm not sure I understand. Do you mean you want to create some topiary? You would need to find a suitable specimen if you want to create a standard -that's what a single trunk with a ball at the top is called. You can probably shape them to form a double ball too - large one at the base, smaller one at the top, if that's what you're describing? It would take a while though, because you'd have to allow enough growth sideways, and then keep trimming accordingly. I think you'd need a basic, large ball to start with, then let a leader form to create the top ball. Privet needs pretty frequent trimming once established though, unlike yew, box, or similar plants used for topiary, so you'll need to make sure you have time for that
Privet will certainly become a 'tree' if allowed to grow, it's just that most of the time it's used as hedging. Nice job with your pots. Those are much nicer than terracotta IMO. Easier too, as they won't need as much watering as terracotta would, especially as you're in such a dry area. Not too big a problem for autumn/winter though.
I was told today that the topiary standard I liked the look of is shaped from privet. I didn't know that yew, box and others were used. I liked the close dense look of privet. I think I will create a thread. Ty for answering off-topic.
Box and yew are the most common plants for topiary. They're slower growing and therefore don't need so much trimming. Privet is much larger leaved than box, and yew is slightly different in habit and shape anyway, but I expect privet foliage will be smaller than normal if it's constantly being trimmed for shaping. Box has become troublesome in the south though, because of blight and the box moth, so many people are getting rid of it. Lonicera nitida or pileata would work too, but again - it grows more rapidly so would need more attention with the clippers.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Yes, I saw what is probably Lonicera nitida or pileata today when I asked about this project but both were (what do you call hair that sticks out every where?), like that, whereas the privet ones I have seen in the past were 'neat' and tidy, with small leaves. The nursery didn't have suitable privet to use.
I forgot to ask, will I need to feed the plants before May and how often to water? I want to avoid washing out the soil nutrients by over watering. The pots are on stands and have stones below the inner container to assist in draining.
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Thank you.
My abode: Essex, soon to be a desert!
My abode: Essex, soon to be a desert!
I see each plant has a passport now
My abode: Essex, soon to be a desert!
Nm, I have found a thread.
My abode: Essex, soon to be a desert!
Re your privet. I'm not sure I understand. Do you mean you want to create some topiary? You would need to find a suitable specimen if you want to create a standard -that's what a single trunk with a ball at the top is called.
You can probably shape them to form a double ball too - large one at the base, smaller one at the top, if that's what you're describing? It would take a while though, because you'd have to allow enough growth sideways, and then keep trimming accordingly. I think you'd need a basic, large ball to start with, then let a leader form to create the top ball. Privet needs pretty frequent trimming once established though, unlike yew, box, or similar plants used for topiary, so you'll need to make sure you have time for that
Privet will certainly become a 'tree' if allowed to grow, it's just that most of the time it's used as hedging.
Nice job with your pots. Those are much nicer than terracotta IMO. Easier too, as they won't need as much watering as terracotta would, especially as you're in such a dry area. Not too big a problem for autumn/winter though.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
My abode: Essex, soon to be a desert!
Lonicera nitida or pileata would work too, but again - it grows more rapidly so would need more attention with the clippers.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
My abode: Essex, soon to be a desert!
My abode: Essex, soon to be a desert!