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Tree/shrub questions
Many years ago, I planted a Philadelphus "Belle Etoile" but did not realise that it would not grow above 4-5 feet. So: What are the chances of me moving one with a basal width of a few inches? Yes, I know how, but not what the chances are. Can anyone think of a good small tree or shrub that will grow in an upright fashion (critical) to 10-20' - or can be pruned to be no higher than 10' and to avoid spreading sideways too much (as I do with Abelia and Berberis vulgaris) - and preferably is a good show of white in the spring for a reasonable period? I have found plausible hits with some Viburnum, Philadelphus (but is replanting OK for them?), Dipelta, Amelanchier and Exochorda, but the main problem is getting one that is reliably upright. Buddleia and Syringa are fallback only. Also, can Amelanchier lamarkii be pruned to keep it that small? The RHS says "no", but that's not always true. And why on earth are fragrant woody plants always so much less fragrant in my garden than elsewhere? No, don't bother with that; it's just one of Life's Great Mysteries. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
#2
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Tree/shrub questions
On 05/02/2014 13:35, Nick Maclaren wrote:
Many years ago, I planted a Philadelphus "Belle Etoile" but did not realise that it would not grow above 4-5 feet. So: What are the chances of me moving one with a basal width of a few inches? Yes, I know how, but not what the chances are. Can anyone think of a good small tree or shrub that will grow in an upright fashion (critical) to 10-20' - or can be pruned to be no higher than 10' and to avoid spreading sideways too much (as I do with Abelia and Berberis vulgaris) - and preferably is a good show of white in the spring for a reasonable period? Prunus 'Amanogowa'? I have a Prunus 'Spire' that after 25 years is beginning to spread a little, and is under 15 feet in height. I have found plausible hits with some Viburnum, Philadelphus (but is replanting OK for them?), Dipelta, Amelanchier and Exochorda, but the main problem is getting one that is reliably upright. Buddleia and Syringa are fallback only. Also, can Amelanchier lamarkii be pruned to keep it that small? The RHS says "no", but that's not always true. And why on earth are fragrant woody plants always so much less fragrant in my garden than elsewhere? No, don't bother with that; it's just one of Life's Great Mysteries. Regards, Nick Maclaren. -- Stewart Robert Hinsley |
#3
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Tree/shrub questions
In article ,
Stewart Robert Hinsley wrote: Many years ago, I planted a Philadelphus "Belle Etoile" but did not realise that it would not grow above 4-5 feet. So: What are the chances of me moving one with a basal width of a few inches? Yes, I know how, but not what the chances are. Can anyone think of a good small tree or shrub that will grow in an upright fashion (critical) to 10-20' - or can be pruned to be no higher than 10' and to avoid spreading sideways too much (as I do with Abelia and Berberis vulgaris) - and preferably is a good show of white in the spring for a reasonable period? Prunus 'Amanogowa'? I have a Prunus 'Spire' that after 25 years is beginning to spread a little, and is under 15 feet in height. Thanks very much. Rather too pink and not quite big enough, I am afraid, plus any flowering cherry might fall foul of She Who Must Be Obeyed :-) We are surrounded by ones with synthetic strawberry ice cream colouring, and that rather taints her view (and, to some extent, mine)! Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
#4
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Tree/shrub questions
On 2014-02-05 15:12:33 +0000, Nick Maclaren said:
In article , Stewart Robert Hinsley wrote: Many years ago, I planted a Philadelphus "Belle Etoile" but did not realise that it would not grow above 4-5 feet. So: What are the chances of me moving one with a basal width of a few inches? Yes, I know how, but not what the chances are. Can anyone think of a good small tree or shrub that will grow in an upright fashion (critical) to 10-20' - or can be pruned to be no higher than 10' and to avoid spreading sideways too much (as I do with Abelia and Berberis vulgaris) - and preferably is a good show of white in the spring for a reasonable period? Prunus 'Amanogowa'? I have a Prunus 'Spire' that after 25 years is beginning to spread a little, and is under 15 feet in height. Thanks very much. Rather too pink and not quite big enough, I am afraid, plus any flowering cherry might fall foul of She Who Must Be Obeyed :-) We are surrounded by ones with synthetic strawberry ice cream colouring, and that rather taints her view (and, to some extent, mine)! Regards, Nick Maclaren. Would any of the Hoherias do for you or in your temperatures, I wonder? H. sexstylosa Stardus might be worth a look. Or a white Buddleia? I was thinking, too, of a Betula jacquemontii - no flowers, of course but wonderful, elegant, white bark that positively glows in twilight. The other, which can be clipped, and seems to flower on and off all year here is Myrtus communis but whether it would take your winters, I don't know. -- Sacha www.hillhousenursery.com South Devon |
#5
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Tree/shrub questions
In article ,
sacha wrote: Can anyone think of a good small tree or shrub that will grow in an upright fashion (critical) to 10-20' - or can be pruned to be no higher than 10' and to avoid spreading sideways too much (as I do with Abelia and Berberis vulgaris) - and preferably Would any of the Hoherias do for you or in your temperatures, I wonder? H. sexstylosa Stardus might be worth a look. Or a white Buddleia? I was thinking, too, of a Betula jacquemontii - no flowers, of course but wonderful, elegant, white bark that positively glows in twilight. The other, which can be clipped, and seems to flower on and off all year here is Myrtus communis but whether it would take your winters, I don't know. Thanks very much, but probably not. It's in rather an exposed position, and Hoheria and Myrtis would need a wall. I am not keen on a Buddleia because they get tatty very quickly, but one would certainly meet the requirement! I hadn't thought of a birch, but will do so - cautiously! Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
#6
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Tree/shrub questions
On 05/02/2014 13:35, Nick Maclaren wrote:
Many years ago, I planted a Philadelphus "Belle Etoile" but did not realise that it would not grow above 4-5 feet. So: What are the chances of me moving one with a basal width of a few inches? Yes, I know how, but not what the chances are. Can anyone think of a good small tree or shrub that will grow in an upright fashion (critical) to 10-20' - or can be pruned to be no higher than 10' and to avoid spreading sideways too much (as I do with Abelia and Berberis vulgaris) - and preferably is a good show of white in the spring for a reasonable period? I have found plausible hits with some Viburnum, Philadelphus (but is replanting OK for them?), Dipelta, Amelanchier and Exochorda, but the main problem is getting one that is reliably upright. Buddleia and Syringa are fallback only. Also, can Amelanchier lamarkii be pruned to keep it that small? The RHS says "no", but that's not always true. And why on earth are fragrant woody plants always so much less fragrant in my garden than elsewhere? No, don't bother with that; it's just one of Life's Great Mysteries. Regards, Nick Maclaren. Hi Nick, So far I've only come up with forms of Prunus:- http://www.frankpmatthews.com/prunus...le-cherry).htm http://www.frankpmatthews.com/prunus-snow-goose.htm I also thought of P. spinosus, which may be a little too broad but, being a potential hedging plant, it wouldn't sulk if you took a branch out occasionally. It's also early flowering, so very helpful to bees and other insects at a difficult time of year, if that's important to you. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay |
#7
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Tree/shrub questions
On 05/02/2014 15:18, Spider wrote:
On 05/02/2014 13:35, Nick Maclaren wrote: Many years ago, I planted a Philadelphus "Belle Etoile" but did not realise that it would not grow above 4-5 feet. So: What are the chances of me moving one with a basal width of a few inches? Yes, I know how, but not what the chances are. Can anyone think of a good small tree or shrub that will grow in an upright fashion (critical) to 10-20' - or can be pruned to be no higher than 10' and to avoid spreading sideways too much (as I do with Abelia and Berberis vulgaris) - and preferably is a good show of white in the spring for a reasonable period? I have found plausible hits with some Viburnum, Philadelphus (but is replanting OK for them?), Dipelta, Amelanchier and Exochorda, but the main problem is getting one that is reliably upright. Buddleia and Syringa are fallback only. Also, can Amelanchier lamarkii be pruned to keep it that small? The RHS says "no", but that's not always true. And why on earth are fragrant woody plants always so much less fragrant in my garden than elsewhere? No, don't bother with that; it's just one of Life's Great Mysteries. Regards, Nick Maclaren. Hi Nick, So far I've only come up with forms of Prunus:- http://www.frankpmatthews.com/prunus...le-cherry).htm http://www.frankpmatthews.com/prunus-snow-goose.htm I also thought of P. spinosus, which may be a little too broad but, being a potential hedging plant, it wouldn't sulk if you took a branch out occasionally. It's also early flowering, so very helpful to bees and other insects at a difficult time of year, if that's important to you. Sorry to follow my own message, but I forgot to comment on the chances of moving your Philadelphus 'Belle Etoile'. I moved a Phil (Silver showers) many years ago and found it very stubborn to shift. The roots establish well and are deep. I am a lady spider, so I would expect to have more trouble than you, but I was young and fit then. If you don't want it where it is, you *will* be able to uproot it, but it may sulk if you replant it. Mine wasn't fit for replanting. Other struggles may vary. -- Spider. On high ground in SE London gardening on heavy clay |
#8
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Tree/shrub questions
In article ,
Spider wrote: So far I've only come up with forms of Prunus:- http://www.frankpmatthews.com/prunus...le-cherry).htm http://www.frankpmatthews.com/prunus-snow-goose.htm Thanks very much. I also thought of P. spinosus, which may be a little too broad but, being a potential hedging plant, it wouldn't sulk if you took a branch out occasionally. It's also early flowering, so very helpful to bees and other insects at a difficult time of year, if that's important to you. I think I'll skip that one - it's a little uncouth for the location! Sloe is a nice plant, but not an elegant one. I moved a Phil (Silver showers) many years ago and found it very stubborn to shift. The roots establish well and are deep. I am a lady spider, so I would expect to have more trouble than you, but I was young and fit then. If you don't want it where it is, you *will* be able to uproot it, but it may sulk if you replant it. Mine wasn't fit for replanting. Other struggles may vary. Thanks :-( I may leave it until after flowering and just get rid of it. I like it, but it's never been a total success. Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
#9
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Tree/shrub questions
On Wed, 05 Feb 2014 15:57:10 +0000, Nick Maclaren wrote:
I moved a Phil (Silver showers) many years ago and found it very stubborn to shift. The roots establish well and are deep. I am a lady spider, so I would expect to have more trouble than you, but I was young and fit then. If you don't want it where it is, you *will* be able to uproot it, but it may sulk if you replant it. Mine wasn't fit for replanting. Other struggles may vary. Thanks :-( I may leave it until after flowering and just get rid of it. I like it, but it's never been a total success. Hi Nick, I did move an unnamed Philadelphus, around 20 years ago. It wasn't that small at the time, and although it did sulk for a year it settled in and did fine. In fact it's outgrown the spot a little; but it is fabulous when it flowers. As for another small tree, how about one of the small snake bark maples? A x conspicuum 'Silver Vein' is one of the best: very well striped white/ green bark, showy flowers, green with yellow centres in umbels, shiny young leaves, reliable bright yellow fall colour. I don't think it would outgrow 20 ft. Others I'd suggest would be A. micranthum 'Candlabrum', which has small and very pretty leaves, great red/orange fall colour, bright green striped bark; also A. tegmentosum which has light, white bloomed bark, and nice broad trilobed leaves with acuminate tips and yellow/orange fall colour. Tegmentosum does need a little shade, though. cheers, -E -- Gardening in Lower Normandy |
#10
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Tree/shrub questions
In article ,
Emery Davis wrote: I did move an unnamed Philadelphus, around 20 years ago. It wasn't that small at the time, and although it did sulk for a year it settled in and did fine. In fact it's outgrown the spot a little; but it is fabulous when it flowers. Thanks very much. As for another small tree, how about one of the small snake bark maples? I should love to, but .... The problem is the position catches the wind - NOT ideal for maples :-( Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
#11
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Tree/shrub questions
On 05/02/2014 13:35, Nick Maclaren wrote:
Many years ago, I planted a Philadelphus "Belle Etoile" but did not realise that it would not grow above 4-5 feet. So: What are the chances of me moving one with a basal width of a few inches? Yes, I know how, but not what the chances are. Can anyone think of a good small tree or shrub that will grow in an upright fashion (critical) to 10-20' - or can be pruned to be no higher than 10' and to avoid spreading sideways too much (as I do with Abelia and Berberis vulgaris) - and preferably is a good show of white in the spring for a reasonable period? I have found plausible hits with some Viburnum, Philadelphus (but is replanting OK for them?), Dipelta, Amelanchier and Exochorda, but the main problem is getting one that is reliably upright. Buddleia and Syringa are fallback only. Also, can Amelanchier lamarkii be pruned to keep it that small? The RHS says "no", but that's not always true. And why on earth are fragrant woody plants always so much less fragrant in my garden than elsewhere? No, don't bother with that; it's just one of Life's Great Mysteries. Maybe some of the fastigiate Cornus might meet the bill. But if you can do without the spring flowers, and get them at a time of the year when not much else will be in flower, then Eucryphia x nymansensis ‘Nymansay’ or E. cordifolia might be worth consideration. -- Jeff |
#12
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Tree/shrub questions
In article ,
Jeff Layman wrote: Maybe some of the fastigiate Cornus might meet the bill. But if you can do without the spring flowers, and get them at a time of the year when not much else will be in flower, then Eucryphia x nymansensis ‘Nymansay’ or E. cordifolia might be worth consideration. Thanks very much. Yes, Cornus might. I doubt that Eucryphia would like the cold, though :-( Regards, Nick Maclaren. |
#13
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Tree/shrub questions
On 2014-02-05 20:05:55 +0000, Nick Maclaren said:
In article , Jeff Layman wrote: Maybe some of the fastigiate Cornus might meet the bill. But if you can do without the spring flowers, and get them at a time of the year when not much else will be in flower, then Eucryphia x nymansensis ‘Nymansay’ or E. cordifolia might be worth consideration. Thanks very much. Yes, Cornus might. I doubt that Eucryphia would like the cold, though :-( Regards, Nick Maclaren. Whoops - spoke too soon! I take it a Camellia sasanqua wouldn't do, Nick? Camellias can be trimmed and my ex-fil who had dozens, used to cut one particular very large and very old one right back to one stem sticking out the top. He did this every few years to keep the shape and the plant is still there and going strong. -- Sacha www.hillhousenursery.com South Devon |
#14
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Tree/shrub questions
On 06/02/2014 14:48, sacha wrote:
On 2014-02-05 20:05:55 +0000, Nick Maclaren said: In article , Jeff Layman wrote: Maybe some of the fastigiate Cornus might meet the bill. But if you can do without the spring flowers, and get them at a time of the year when not much else will be in flower, then Eucryphia x nymansensis ‘Nymansay’ or E. cordifolia might be worth consideration. Thanks very much. Yes, Cornus might. I doubt that Eucryphia would like the cold, though :-( Regards, Nick Maclaren. Whoops - spoke too soon! I take it a Camellia sasanqua wouldn't do, Nick? Camellias can be trimmed and my ex-fil who had dozens, used to cut one particular very large and very old one right back to one stem sticking out the top. He did this every few years to keep the shape and the plant is still there and going strong. Unless C. sasanqua is tougher than the usual run of Camellias, I would have thought that in his location he would lose the flowers to frost (with the possible exception of this year). -- Stewart Robert Hinsley |
#15
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Tree/shrub questions
On 2014-02-06 15:10:44 +0000, Stewart Robert Hinsley said:
On 06/02/2014 14:48, sacha wrote: On 2014-02-05 20:05:55 +0000, Nick Maclaren said: In article , Jeff Layman wrote: Maybe some of the fastigiate Cornus might meet the bill. But if you can do without the spring flowers, and get them at a time of the year when not much else will be in flower, then Eucryphia x nymansensis ‘Nymansay’ or E. cordifolia might be worth consideration. Thanks very much. Yes, Cornus might. I doubt that Eucryphia would like the cold, though :-( Regards, Nick Maclaren. Whoops - spoke too soon! I take it a Camellia sasanqua wouldn't do, Nick? Camellias can be trimmed and my ex-fil who had dozens, used to cut one particular very large and very old one right back to one stem sticking out the top. He did this every few years to keep the shape and the plant is still there and going strong. Unless C. sasanqua is tougher than the usual run of Camellias, I would have thought that in his location he would lose the flowers to frost (with the possible exception of this year). Depennds when they get first frosts. C. sasanqua Baronesa de Soutelhino flowers in October and November but it does like a sheltered place. A later flowering type might do it. There's a hybrid called Snow Flurry which is autumn flowering, I think and is said to be hardy. -- Sacha www.hillhousenursery.com South Devon www.helpforheroes.org.uk |
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