Garrya elliptca

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Jerry Cornelius, Apr 11, 2006.

  1. Jerry Cornelius

    Jerry Cornelius Gardener

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    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?)...
     
  2. Waco

    Waco Gardener

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

    Waco Gardener

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    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!
     
  4. Fran

    Fran Gardener

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    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
     
  5. Waco

    Waco Gardener

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

    Rich Gardener

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    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.
     
  7. Fran

    Fran Gardener

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    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.
     
  8. frogesque

    frogesque Gardener

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    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.
     
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