Hello Amsterdam, Prunus x subhirtella Autumnalis is a very pretty cherry flowering from November to March, with nice autumn colour on the leaves. its ideal as a small tree with an attractive form too.

Thank you Janey.

Just wanted to add that I’d prefer a lollipop or compact shape tree so I can grow annuals underneath it. I had a salix flamingo but it sadly died. Or maybe a Prunus kojo-no mai?

Oh I see, a much smaller type...I would think the Ko-jo-no mai would suit very well, especially if it had a single stem...you'll see mine in my gallery of pics, or a prunus snow showers, it has lovely autumn colour too...there's pics of that too..

With P. Kojo-no mai you won’t be able to grow annuals underneath, but Janey’s suggestion would be lovely.

Amelanchier is good all year with pretty white flowers in April and attractively coloured leaves in autumn.

Whoops, posted simultaneously with Janey! Maybe you’d have to raise the crown a bit with P. Koko-no mai?

That's true Sheila, you wouldn't. Yes the Amelanchiers are very lovely..

If you do decide on Amalanchier then look for Ballerina, which as the name suggests is very upright and will be ideal for your spot.

Just remembered, we had a lollipop tree in our old garden: Betula pendulum ‘youngii’ which everyone loved - no flowers though.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I will be going to my local plant/ tree nursery in autumn to choose a new little tree. This is the third tree in 10 years that I’ve had to replace!

Oh dear. Just wondering if there is a layer of something nasty several feet down. I have a small spot in a border (only just over a square foot) where nothing will grow for longer than a few months though everything round it is fine. If you lose another one I'd consider resiting the replacement and stick with more shallow rooted things in that spot..

I’ve decided not to plant another tree there but to put a bird bath there and plant up with bulbs and annuals around it. I really don’t think it’s worth trying again.🙁