Which tree would you suggest?

Hi,

Me again... I've ditched the bamboo idea as it needs too big of pot.

I would like to have something like a tree to sit on my decking to one side to create shade over the pond from the sun, but still want to see the pond from the deck. Between 1.5m & 2m high.

I have got space for about 45cm to 50cm diametre pot. What type of tree would you suggest and it has to be in keeping with a Japanese theme.

Thanks

 

Cercidiphyllum japonica trained as a tree. In a huge pot. Works for me.

http://www.plantsmanscorner.co.uk/the-plants/cercidiphyllum-japonicum-katsura-tree.php

It would grow into a medium sized tree given optimum conditions but mine has remained roughly the same size for some years now. I do not think it would be hard to prune to keep it small. I have not needed to because the restricted root run dwarfs it, I think.

 

Madahhlia,
I have just googled Katsura Tree - images. What an all round stunner this is. The number of leaf colour changes in a season is amazing. A fine shape too - loved it.

 

Clerodendrum trichotomum ...

not evergreen, but looks good and smells good ... not suited for a small pot though and grws larger than 2 meters ... but grows slow

 

Cercidiphyllum japonica looks an nice tree, but have found 4 types under this name (I think 4). I like the heart shaped leaf one, so I'll keep that in my mind and see if it will work in my design. Thanks

 

I have one of these in a pot. Pretty little graceful tree.
http://www.thegardencentregroup.co....es/Little-Pink-Perfection-Patio-Standard/GZD#

 

How about one of the Mountain Ashes? Some of them remain very small, there's one on my journey to work which is still only about 2m after 8 years!

Thinking about it, the pot size you've given is so small that any tree will end up with very restricted growth. It will need a lot of care and regular feeding/watering once the roots start to fill the pot. It would be a lot easier to care for if it was in the ground.

 

I have two Eucalyptus Nicholii in my back garden. They're in the ground i must admit but quite suitable for your requirement in pots. They're evergreen, hardy down to about -15deg, lance shaped leaves smell of Eucalyptus and Peppermint, juvenile leaves pinky-red, adult leaves green- blue, weeping branch habit, ornamental and a good all rounder IMO. They can take a battering too contrary to what's printed about them. My cat used one of mine as a scratching post a few years ago which caused the bark to split right the way up the following winter thus revealing a sort of broom handle looking thing inside - wrapped it in fleece over last 2 winters just to be safe and it's put on about 3 foot since. Would def' recommend. The pic below i got off Goggle Images is a good representation but i'll get a pic of one of mine tonight which will give you a better idea.

 

need a much bigger pot for a small tree ...

Japanese Acers are good in pots, provided your site isn't windy, but they'll be a while before they reach 2M (unless you fork out for a big'in)

 

You could grow bamboo easily in a 50cm pot. Don't give up on the idea!
That's the beauty of growing them. They give you a good height compared to to the root space they take up.
As I suggested in your other thread, some of the Fargesias are suitable as they are clumping and the rhizomes don't spread too much.

 

I think a 50 cm pot is still a bit on the small side for Bamboo - what would that be? 50L? I normally thing of a half-oak barrel as bing about the right size for a containerised Bamboo to look good

One option would be to buy a Bamboo and when it fills the pot flog it. A bamboo maturing well in a 50L pot would be worth £50-£60 on eBay I reckon, and the Bamboos I have here I bought in Autumn sales for £20-£25 and were in pots around 5L-10L. So the O/P could have a "different plant and a Pint" every couple of years

 

Not necessarily.
Bamboo range from 30 meter giants to 30cm dwarfs with everything in between.
So you could probably find a species to fit any situation.

 

True. My Zig Zaggy thing was in a 30cm pot when i bought it 3 years ago and it was at least 6ft then. Probably over 12ft now that it's in a water but in the ground. Pic below was taken a few weeks ago though. It's opened up now.

 

Scorpio1968,
Nice looking bamboo. Looks like a Phyllostachis. Do you remember which species?

 

What about a sumac? In the ground they will run everywhere but contained in a pot they're fine. The stag's horn, bare in winter has lovely velvety branches which really do look like antlers, fresh green leaves in summer produce good shade and then they turn bright red in autumn so interest all year round. However, you will need to net the pond or be vigilant about gathering up the leaves when they fall. In my experience though they all fall more or less together - here today gone tomorrow.

They're not usually expensive, but knock on the door of anyone who has one (or their next door neighbour!) and they're sure to be able to supply you with a sucker.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=s...VKMSo0AXHn4z0DQ&ved=0CGAQsAQ&biw=1007&bih=498

I have to keep ,mine in check in the garden, but it's easy, and I've given some away for pots every year for years. Could post you one if you like.