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Tree in a barrel
Posted by Chris
Tree in a barrel March 10, 2019 07:18AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 2,411 |
I intend to plant a small tree in a barrel outside my kitchen window because I look directly into lots of cars parked across the road. I was thinking of an evergreen tree with a spreading habit; a tree that flowers would be nice but is not necessary. Also it would be best if the foliage started low down on the tree and did not have too much of a bare trunk. I have realised that I spend a lot of time in the kitchen and at the sink and I don't enjoy looking into what I call the neighbour's car yard. I like the neighbours who are in a flatting situation just not all those cars and the boat. Do you have any suggestions for a tree that would suit my purposes and would grow happily in a barrel? My husband is not keen on olive trees because I think one of those would be quite good. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Re: Tree in a barrel March 10, 2019 07:46AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 5,388 |
Re: Tree in a barrel March 10, 2019 09:37AM |
Registered: 12 years ago Posts: 3,422 |
Re: Tree in a barrel March 10, 2019 12:39PM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 2,411 |
Re: Tree in a barrel March 10, 2019 09:56PM |
Admin Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 7,844 |
Have a 'useful' tree that's suitable for culinary purposes. Bay leaves smell nice and the Bay tree is beautiful. It has pretty little flowers and it doesn't have to be shaped into a ball or pyramid - just make sure the trimming keeps the tree balanced. A very suitable subject for a barrel, in my opinion.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/10/2019 09:57PM by Lorna.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/10/2019 09:57PM by Lorna.
Re: Tree in a barrel March 10, 2019 10:21PM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 2,411 |
Re: Tree in a barrel March 11, 2019 09:26AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 3,660 |
How much spread (width) are you looking for and how quickly?
A kumquat (citrus) looks extremely beautiful in a barrel/pot and are easy. It also does put out new growth at quite a steady pace, rather than being too slow. Birds like to eat the fruit when it's ripe.
Does it have to be a tree? There are plenty of shrubs that would grow large and wide, such as Corokia 'Red Wonder', Escallonia, Pseudopanax lessonii......
A kumquat (citrus) looks extremely beautiful in a barrel/pot and are easy. It also does put out new growth at quite a steady pace, rather than being too slow. Birds like to eat the fruit when it's ripe.
Does it have to be a tree? There are plenty of shrubs that would grow large and wide, such as Corokia 'Red Wonder', Escallonia, Pseudopanax lessonii......
Re: Tree in a barrel March 13, 2019 06:53AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 2,411 |
J1, I looked up the plants you suggest and the Escallonia interests me. I found one that ia called Apple Blossom that looks stunning. They are all nice. A friend suggested the Portwine Magnolia which apparently does well in pots and spreads well. I might even buy two half barrels to get a really good cover. TPANDAV's Magnolia suggestions are also of interest. Looks I will have a difficult choice to make. I am looking forward to get going.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/13/2019 06:54AM by Chris.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/13/2019 06:54AM by Chris.
Re: Tree in a barrel March 14, 2019 04:40AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 3,660 |
Re: Tree in a barrel March 14, 2019 09:59AM |
Registered: 9 years ago Posts: 622 |
I am also interested in growing something in a pot to get privacy.The suggestions here are all excellent.What i would like to know is how large does the pot or tub need to be for anything permanent? I would like to buy a coloured ceramic pot but I don't know what the sizing means for a large pot.I know what the barrel looks like but can anyone give me rough measurements for a tree or shrub to live comfortably for a long time please? Thanks.
Re: Tree in a barrel March 14, 2019 10:03PM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 2,411 |
Marylew, personally I wouldn’t get anything smaller than a barrel. I have a lemon tree that I have had for about seven years in what I thought was a good sized ceramic pot. We had to repot into a much larger one and it was quite difficult to get out. That made me decide on barrels for the trees I am planning to plant because huge pots are very expensive here in Wanaka and I can get barrels sometimes from a winery at a reasonable price. I can measure a half barrel for you if you like and post later.
Re: Tree in a barrel March 14, 2019 10:39PM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 5,388 |
Re: Tree in a barrel March 15, 2019 06:55AM |
Registered: 9 years ago Posts: 622 |
Re: Tree in a barrel March 15, 2019 07:31AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 2,411 |
Re: Tree in a barrel March 17, 2019 10:12AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 2,411 |
Irene Field Wrote:
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> also don't you find in time that ceramic pots tend
> to crack. I know you are supposed to wet them or
> something right at the beginning, but we forget
Irene, because we get severe frost you run the risk of them cracking. Hasn’t happened to me yet but my ceramic pots happen to be under the eaves and against schist walls.
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> also don't you find in time that ceramic pots tend
> to crack. I know you are supposed to wet them or
> something right at the beginning, but we forget
Irene, because we get severe frost you run the risk of them cracking. Hasn’t happened to me yet but my ceramic pots happen to be under the eaves and against schist walls.
Re: Tree in a barrel March 20, 2019 10:40AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 3,660 |
Re: Tree in a barrel March 28, 2019 10:46PM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 2,411 |
I managed to get a couple of half barrels for $60 each from a local winery and a knowledgeable lady ur garden centre steered me towards magnolias. I bought a couple that are already a good size and the effect of blocking out my ‘view’ will already be quite good. Thank you all for your sound advice.
Re: Tree in a barrel March 30, 2019 01:41AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 170 |
Re: Tree in a barrel April 03, 2019 12:21PM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 2,411 |
Re: Tree in a barrel April 03, 2019 10:35PM |
Registered: 12 years ago Posts: 3,422 |
Re: Tree in a barrel April 04, 2019 12:07AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 2,411 |
Re: Tree in a barrel April 04, 2019 01:54AM |
Registered: 12 years ago Posts: 3,422 |
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