On 25/02/2012 18:21, Sacha wrote:

On second thoughts, consider a tree fern, Dicksonia antarctica. You
can buy it at the height you want and as they grow so very slowly,
you'll probably be happy. It won't be cheap at that height though.
Stuff the crown with dead leaves or bracken or straw (NOT plastic or
bubble wrap) in winter to protect from frost. And in dry and hot
spells, water at least once a day from the crown. We have several in
the garden here in varying locations but two are in a very sunny spot.
They also came through last winter after a slow start and have still
got their fronds now, albeit somewhat battered looking.

The OP said exposed coastal site and windy. AFAIAA the natural habitat
of tree ferns is forest areas well protected from winds. I would also
doubt that their leaves are salt-resistant, although the leaves of some
ferns are pretty leathery. Do tree ferns grow near the coast down your way?

--

Jeff