nice hardy tree in a container

Not rested, more stress-ted (all in the right cause). I found that C. cont.varieg is a pain to grow. It dies back without warning, and is fickle really. Wounds don't heal, so pruning cuts become an issue meaning that young healthy properly branched specimens are kind of essential. I must admit that I have no experience of growing one in windy conditions, nor in a pot, (or succesfully anywhere), so to me it only LOOKS like it wouldn't like wind, other variegated cornus (florida, alba) don't like wind, though alba grows fine in a big pot; but received wisdom is that they like an unrestricted cool root run. If the neighbours one is doing the biz ask them, and please let me know. It's not for want of trying on my part - wonderful looking things!

 

Sawfish! I've got it! How about a Fig tree - they love containment, can be grown multistemmed, lovely grey bark with those beautiful palmate leaves - and in a couple years how cool is that to invite guests for a drink and fresh figs!

 

Great suggestion Rumple

Definitely one I would go for. The only negative I can think of is that they get their leaves late and drop them fairly early.

 

Well, for the WOW factor in the summer, if you want a crentre-piece, what about a Dickensonia Antartica - Tree Fern!!!! It would need winter protection, though. But it certainly has the WOW!!

 

Thank you Bananaman, high praise coming from you (I have seen your foliage photos and am truely impressed!). It is true about the late and earlyness of the leaves, but that might be an advantage in an area that gets summer late and early. Not too much shade in those early beloved first days of warm sun. Also I love the way figs have the new crop of fruit while the old one is ripening. What a clever tree (don't some of the citrus do that too?) Yup, I'm definately hanging in there for the Fig tree.

And Jazid, I went and had a chat with neighbours about the C. cont.varieg and they said 'Phish!' They did nothing more than they would for any tree and have no trouble with it at all. Its not fussy, its not wind sensitive, and its gorgeous. I'll try to get a photo and do a yahboo moment. Another tree I just love. (Sorry Jazid - I do actually find your input really thoughtful and very useful - just thumbing my nose abit this a.m. - think I'll go do some paid work).

 

What about a Rhus? Can be invasive and sucker all over the place if planted in the ground but should be OK in a large container.