"AL_n" wrote in message
...
Hello,

I need to plant a tree to provide some privacy from neighbours. It must be
one that won't grow more than 12 tall, absolute tops. I'd like something
that is fast growing, and graceful-looking (not a conifer). The soil is
very alkaline, stony and rather lacking in humous. Is there a weeping
willow that doesn't grow more than 12ft tall? Otherwise, perhaps a cherry
tree or something. I'm open to suggestions. Ideally, it'll be one whose
branches spread out somewhat. I love on the South Coast of England near
the
sea.

You could consider Clerodendrum trichotomum (or Clerodendron as it is
apparently known in the U.S.) It's a tree with really beautiful and
interesting perfumed flowers, followed by spectacular purple berries encased
in a red star-shaped calyx (is that the right word?). I have seen one in
the garden of a pub near Bath, and it's not more than about 10 feet tall, I
think, so it might fit your requirements. I have managed to acquire some
seeds for this tree from a source on the IoW and have about five seedlings
on the go at the moment, but I would suggest you purchase a larger specimen
if you're over 40 years old :-)

I wouldn't recommend a weeping willow, my father planted one when I was a
child and it sucked all the moisture out of the lawn and left it brown and
dry. Weeping willows should probably be planted near a water source such as
a lake or stream.

HTH, someone