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Medium/large shrub or small tree for small garden border

Hudson95Hudson95 Posts: 2
in Plants

Hi

I've moved into a new build property with smallish garden which contains a shed in the corner, patio area and path and turf.

I've built a raised bed along the south facing fence which measures 3m10 x 40cm x 30cm high. I've planted a few plants which Im happy with but I want some height and was thinking of a large-ish shrub or small tree to grow tall (2.5m no more) with not too much spread at the corner of the bed, where the fence meets the shed.

The soil underneath the whole garden is sticky clay which affects the turf at the moment but that's another problem. I've used a mixture of top soil and multi purpose compost in the bed. So I've only got about a foot of actual soil before the clay in the bed.

I've considered amelanchier canadensis and crinodendron hookerianum but don't want the roots to grow too much for the space or encounter problems with the clay.

Any suggestions and advice welcome

Thanks!

Posts

  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    The only shrub/tree I can think of that will fit into that narrow a space - 40cm - 15 inches - would be a standard rose and even that would be struggling a bit on the width. If you were to plant a tree in that space, half of the tree would be over the fence in your neighbours garden. Not sure how keen they would be on that. 

    Or have I totally misunderstood your measurements?

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • jessisinthegardenjessisinthegarden Posts: 113

    A photo might help Hudson, to have a better idea of the space.

    My garden is pure clay (well, not literally, but it's in London image) and the roses absolutely love it.

    I'd go with what enjoys those conditions, personally.

  • Hudson95Hudson95 Posts: 2

    image

    I could move the hebe to make more room if necessary, but that is the space available.

    Hogweed, you are correct with the measurements, I was thinking of something tall and thin perhaps

    Never really heard of rootstocks like that, I'll look into it 

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,146

    What about a columnar crab apple?

    There aren't many to choose from, but these two look good and the nursery has a very good reputation

    https://www.pippintrees.co.uk/search.aspx?ps=32 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053

    Or a juniper skyrocket?

    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • autumngloryautumnglory Posts: 255

    What about a yew? Ivory tower has lovely needles and it's evergreen.

  • PeggyTXPeggyTX Posts: 556

    What about a row of Euphorbia "Ascot Rainbow"?  I assume they exist in the UK?  Get about 24" tall and as wide.  Nice yellow & green striped leaf & image lovely in front of dark green shrubs or plants.  image Blooms are couple shades of lime/chartreuse green.  They will take a freeze, too.  I just planted 5 of them yesterday!  But you may be wanting something taller than this plant.

    Last edited: 22 March 2017 23:15:21

    My low-carb recipe site: https://buttoni.wordpress.com/
  • Robert WallaceRobert Wallace Posts: 2

    Looking for a large evergreen shrub to put in pot to replace a very large conifer at the front of the house (which will be coming out soon)

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