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Distance to plant from young birch tree

Leslie ALeslie A Posts: 9

We just moved to a new house with a white birch tree in the back garden (not sure what kind--it looks fairly young, about 12 ft tall, and has multiple trunks). It's a beautiful tree, and I'd like to plant a Sambucus 'Eva' next to it...I just don't know how far away from the birch I should plant. Any advice would be appreciated!

Posts

  • Tropical SamTropical Sam Posts: 1,488

    Planting should be 12inches away. I am not sure that Sambucus Eva will work. Colours are a good contrast but it is deciduous and will quickly grow to 8ft losing a lot of leaf.

    Try Leucothoe 'Scarletta' would be my choice or clipped Buxus.

  • Leslie ALeslie A Posts: 9

    That's a good point about the Sambucus...think I just fell in love with the colour! Thanks for the Leucothoe suggestion--I'm also considering Photinia since it's a sunny spot.

  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    You should plant a lot further away than 12 inches. Certainly around 2-3 feet for a medium sized shrub.

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • LiriodendronLiriodendron Posts: 8,328

    Agreed, Hogweed.  Otherwise the beautiful birch trunk will be obscured by the new shrub.

    Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
  • Leslie ALeslie A Posts: 9

    Thanks for all the advice--and I'm definitely considering the red-stemmed dogwoods now, Verdun! That would look great if I can get a good number in there. 

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