I wouldn't choose it for that purpose, I'm afraid - its a very strong growing shrub, bit of an untidy grower and wouldn't make a good specimen shrub for the centre of a bed -makes a very good hedge though, particularly by the coast.

any ideas Bamboo what you would put there please

You know, I had a feeling you'd ask me that, and I've been racking my brains - one obvious one is Brachyglottis (syn Senecio 'Sunshine') but it does tend to make a rather rounded shape - responds well to clipping so you can keep it the size you want. If you wanted something taller, Tamarix would do well.

thanks Bamboo we need to keep it short --Senecio is a good idea,-- reading about the buckthorn it seems its the becoming a 'superfood'! like pomegranite and gogi berries whatever next thanks for your advice, the last thing we planted more or less blew away :)

Highest vitamin C content of anything on the planet, buckthorn berries - but what a performance to prepare... I just open the vitamin C tablet bottle and take one, lol

:o) x x