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Small tree to cheer up a driveway?
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[Deleted User]
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in Plants
We have recently had a new driveway and left a small space in the far corner to put in a small tree or shrub. We want it to be around 5 foot in height.
We would like some colour, shape all year round where possible. We would really like a miniature pussy willow or salix but are worried it may be too invasive under the driveway as there is drainage near by?
Does anyone know if a salix would be ok or does anyone else have any ideas of what else we could place there?
Last edited: 13 April 2017 13:11:12
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Willows are not a good choice as you suspect. How about an amelanchier? You can grow them as multi-stemmed shrubs or as small trees. Interest most of the year, good for wildlife:
http://www.hortweek.com/amelanchier/ornamentals/article/1288243
If you want a Salic look at Salic flamingo.
Mine just outside the patio door. Ignore the pots and general mess and it needs a bit of a tidy up.
Hayloft has an offer on here at the moment. I was going to suggest Amelanchier too.
http://www.hayloft-plants.co.uk/smalltrees.htm
Or a crab apple
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
Yes crab apples are lovely. I like Malus transitoria.
But 5ft in height? You're talking Japanese Maples there. Or a shrub such as Viburnum plicatum.
They all sound lovely - I will research them all and hopefully make my mind up soon.
Amelanchier although classed as a small tree is nowhere near the 5 foot that was requested. Better off with a shrub where 5 foot would be a more normal size for a med-large shrub.
What shrub would you suggest? Ive had a look at suggestions but still can't make my mind up. Just wondering if I should forget the height and think colour. If I planted a few things like a hydrangea and a type of acer but probably would have much colour for winter though.. maybe some kind of fern would be good?
How about Hamamelis? Lovely autumn colour, attractive statuesque form and bark over winter, and those unusual late winter flowers. The summer foliage is not that exciting; but you can plant up the base with things like hardy geraniums for colour.
After more google based searches based on suggestions we have come across Lavender Twist. Looks very much like what we are after, does anyone have any experience of or information on the suitability of this tree for our driveway?
Thanks in advance