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Hi
I'm re designing my small garden this year and am going for an Italian theme with a pair of topiary trees but I'd also like a small flowering tree too . Could a lilac tree work in a pot and would they hold their foliage till late summer ?




Answers

 

If you choose one of the dwarf or small shrub varieties such as Syringa 'palabin', it'll work in a pot, and as long as you pot on when necessary, should do well for some years. It will also retain its leaves till autumn, but one negative thing to mention - it is not a particularly attractive plant when not in flower, there being nothing particularly striking about its leaves nor its overall growth habit. Given its only in flower for 2-4 weeks max, that leaves 48 weeks of the year to look at something not very interesting.

30 Jan, 2017

 

I agree with Bamboo . . . although Lilac is pretty and fragrant, I'd choose something like Prunus kojo-no-mai (dwarf cherry tree). It has very pretty white blossom in Spring, and russet leaves in Autumn - pretty gnarled branches too.

30 Jan, 2017

 

If your climate allows, maybe a semi-dwarf Crape Myrtle?

30 Jan, 2017

 

May I suggest a potted gardenia tree although it has to be moved around the garden a bit until it is happy with the lighting conditions, then it will flower at a good rate. After that place a new tree in the same spot the seasons to follow thereafter. Off season if you are capable, you can bring the same tree indoors to overwinter.

30 Jan, 2017

 

If you can provide shade from hot sun, Salix hakuro-nishiki, a standard or half standard version rather than a shrub, might be a good alternative. Or one of the smaller, newer Weigela varieties, with interesting variegated or purplish brown leaves

30 Jan, 2017

 

Salix hakuro-nishiki is a brilliant idea . . I want one! (Also called the Flamingo Willow, I think it's an evergreen and has pinkish variegated leaves.)

31 Jan, 2017

 

Prefers a fair bit of shade though, Sheilabub, especially from midday sun in summer, otherwise it frazzles the leaves - and it likes dampish soil, being a willow.

31 Jan, 2017

 

Right . . . I'll remember that when I add it to my wish list . . . thanks :)

31 Jan, 2017

How do I say thanks?

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