Garrya elliptca

Can I grow this as an espalier? If so, how is it pruned - what age wood are the flowers borne on? I really like this, but don't have room to let it grow (or any other big shrub, for that matter).

I want to look out of my study at my north facing fence and see this covered in tassels in the winter.

Is it possible?
(If it is, I guess that a small plant would be best to start to train?)...

 

Have I had too much to drink or are you talking about Garrya or cowslip or joke???

 

Yes definately the former! The latter likes to grow against a wall mine is "James Roof" not sure about espalier, my tassels are not as good as the book says they sould be!

 

I grow a Garrya - and I don't think it will do very well as an espallier. Its quite slow growing, and doesn't have the flexible new growth the fruit trees have. It will grow happily against a wall or fence - and mine hasn't seemed to bulk out much - sadly got badly frosted one winter, and I lost two branches - but the remainder is still doing OK

You could try growing it in a container to restrict the roots, and keep compact

 

Given my time again, I would not bother to grow it a to all! Any tips Fran would be much appreciated.

 

Mine took a few years to get established noy it is growing 2-3 feet a year. I cut it back on two sides to get past it.

I cut it back quite late last year and didn't get so many tassels. They must grow on last years growth.

 

The only tips I can give in respect growing it is to grow it in a sheltered position - away from cold wind, and with some protection from hard frosts. Mine was doing quite well - but two of the branches died back following a very late and very hard frost. The remaining branch is doing OK - with the exception of dealing with the damage, I have left it undisturbed as I haven't needed to prune it etc - so don't know when to or how to to avoid losing the tassels.

 

Like holly they have male and female plants. The male catkins are longer and more attractive whilst the females have dark purple berries later in the year.

I was looking at one today and it's planted beside a wall. The top that grows above the wall (6ft.)has suffered wind and frost damage but the lower part has faired better.