By Fl0ss
Cheshire, United Kingdom
I'm trying to decide on what tree to buy and can't make my mind up! I want one that will grow up to around 15'. It is an open aspect backing onto a field but can get quite windy. Soil is clay but not water logged. Any suggestions? No firs / pines! Thanks.
- 6 May, 2012
Answers
Golden Elderberry (Sambuccus aurea)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31559373@N00/870003574/
6 May, 2012
Crataegus monogyna, the common hawthorn has an abundance of white flowers in early summer followed by red haws in the autumn. Good for bees and birds alike. Also a range of pink and scarlet, single and double flowers. Will do well on heavy clay soils.
6 May, 2012
Malus such as Paul's Scarlet or 'Gorgeous' get about that size, and produce crab apples in varying colours, depending on variety, in late summer and autumn.
6 May, 2012
I like all the above trees - all great ideas. To add, Prunus Kiki-shidare Zakura, an ornamental cherry is one to add as possibility.
6 May, 2012
As Jimmy says, the hawthorn is very hardy and supports a lot of wildlife. It is beautiful in both bloom and berry and grows to a lovely shape when it has room.
Personally I like the single blooms as they are better for the pollinating insects.
I have 2 white ones but would love a red or pink if only I had room!
6 May, 2012
I'd go for the Malus - lovely blossom and then the crab apples that you can use for jelly, wine or leave them for the birds.
6 May, 2012
Bamboo - Isn't 'Paul's Scarlet' a Crataegus, not Malus?
But for what it is worth, that would be my suggestion:-
Crataegus laevigata 'Paul's Scarlet'.
7 May, 2012
Thanks! Some good ideas. I already have 2 crab apples , which are lovely, 2 hawthorns, 2 sambuccas and a large ornamental cherry! It shows that eveyrone who commented knows exactly what would grow in my garden! I think I'll look out for an alemanchier so it's a bit different. If not then another hawthorn.
7 May, 2012
Yep Fractal cat, you're right - I meant Malus 'Profusion', thanks for the correction.
7 May, 2012
Went and bought an alemanchier yesterday afternoon ... and more besides! I can never go and buy 1 thing only :-) I now have a medlar tree too! Hope I can find a big enough space for it.
8 May, 2012
Good luck with them FlOss! I would like an amelanchier but would have to take something out in order to put it in! A medlar is something you don't see very often these days. I remember my mother telling me how she loved the fruit, which had to be really over ripe, apparently, but I've never tasted one myself.
8 May, 2012
Previous question
« Rhododendrons stopped flowering for two years. Any advice welcome.
Amelanchier is a great favourite . . . pretty white blossom in April, then pretty bronze leaves.
6 May, 2012