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GARDENER'S
READING ROOM
The Art of Gardening
Trees and Shrubs
Contained Elegance: Trees and Shrubs for the Large Planter
Last Skylights, we talked about vertical solutions for limited space. The next step is to talk about the most limited space of all: a single container! There are two main ways of using a container: as a miniature garden in itself, or as an accent in a larger landscape. The "miniature" container garden can range from a 6" bowl to Sky's big front displays. It typically uses mixed materials and lots of seasonal color. The other type of container is the focal point planter, often used to create a formal entrance or landscape accent. This usually consists of a single strong vertical plant (with perhaps mulch or groundcovers underneath). I will discuss some of the plants that make that strong vertical statement.
Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' is a great stand-alone tree in a courtyard or on a patio. Dark evergreen foliage and creamy white flowers give this magnolia a formal appearance. Other formal evergreens include Juniperus chinensis 'Blue Point' or Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Castlewellan'. Either can be pruned as an elegant upright or a classical spiral, creating a dramatic and durable focus for any entryway. Ligustrum japonicum texanum, otherwise known as Wax Leaf Privet, also lends itself to formal shapes and is often used as a large-scale topiary.
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Golden Bamboo |
Phorium renax |
For a less formal appearance, why not use Bamboo? Its arching, graceful habit is especially enjoyable on a deck or patio. You'll get the soothing rustle of its foliage in every breeze as well as a great screen. A couple to consider are Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo) and Phyllostachys aurea (Golden Bamboo). Another informal looking plant for a dramatic effect is Phormium tenax in its many forms and colors such as 'Maori
Sunrise', 'Sundowner', and 'Yellow Wave'.
Shade is part of reality here in the Northwest. A couple of architectural plants that work great in shaded containers are Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia) and Acanthus mollis (Grecian Urn Plant or Bear's Britches). Both have bold foliage; Fatsia is graced with a mounding round form and Acanthus has large wide arching leaves and towering flower spikes that last seemingly all summer long.
For seasonal effects and drama, think Japanese maple. These small to medium sized trees do wonderfully in containers with morning sun and afternoon shade. Consider using a weeping form such as Acer palmatum dissectum 'Red Dragon' with its bold red coloring and lacey leaves. If you like the upright form, try dainty 'Butterfly' with its small, cream and pale green leaves or the deep red, compact 'Shaina'. Or check our website for our 13-page Japanese Maple list for more container-friendly cultivars!
From a culinary perspective, why not enjoy plant material that serves a dual purpose? Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' has a wonderful aroma, blue flowers, bold form as a topiary or large shrub and incomparable culinary uses. Laurus nobilis (Bay Laurel) is a handsome evergreen shrub or tree used in cooking and for seasonal decorations. Ever thought of growing a fruit tree in a pot? You can now acquire combination trees that provide you with 4 different Apples - or 4 Pears, or Plums, or Cherries - on a single tree, thus extending your fruit harvest and eliminating the need for multiple trees for pollination. You could also choose several Columnar Apples and plant them as vertical accents. All you need is a good-sized container and full sun for success.
These are just some of the plants that work well in containers; there are many more that can be used to achieve the look that's just right for you and your space. You'll always find a large selection of containers and plant material at Sky Nursery, so stop on by and talk with a nursery associate to find that combination that works for you.
By Joseph Abken
Skylights Spring/Summer 2006 Vol. 21, No. 2
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