Ideas for fast growing shrub/tree needed please

Hi everyone

Being quite new (and relatively inexperienced at this gardening lark ) I was wondering if I could ask for some suggestions on an appropriate tree or shrub to plant in my garden please :D

Actually, thinking about, I've got two hotspots I need to tackle this winter so advice on both would be fantastic!

I have a favourite area I like to sit in the summer but it's overlooked by a neighbour so I want to plant something in the corner now that will hopefully grow high enough to block their view from upstairs windows by next summer (10ft ish) with a maximum 6ft diameter spread.

Would a buddlhea or something along those lines fit the criteria? I'd like something with a bit of colour on it in the summer too

The second spot is a gap, approx a meter wide, in a mixed hedge (conifers, privet etc) that I would like to fill with something evergreen if possible to reach approx 6-8ft high to match the rest of the hedge, again fast growing if possible! (preferably not leylandii please!) :D


PS ooops I think I posted this in the wrong bit, was meant for the beginners forum, sorry

 

Buddleia would do it, and so would a lavatera. Both are covered with flowers, and buddleia in particular will attract butterflies and bees - hope that's not a problem!
http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/results/?q=lavatera&x=0&y=0

Or if you like yellow, there's always hypericum, the bush type
http://www.newrowfarmnurseries.co.uk/show_item.php?id=3528

There's always bamboo of various sorts, which you can get as a fairly well established plant not too expensively. http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/results/?q=bamboo&x=0&y=0
Bamboo is something I've used in those situations for customers, as it gives the benefits of privacy and dappled shade that you get with a large shrub or tree, but is rather special! Don't get such colourful flowers as Lavatera and Buddleia though!
Re your hedge - photinia 'Red Robin' is fast growing, has glossy green leaves, and red ones at times too.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/647.shtml
If you can spare the time to have a good look at the catalogue of this firm, you'll find it's worth while - at least, I did!! It's from http://www.hopesgrovenurseries.co.uk/index.htm

 

Thanks very much, some great ideas there! :D

I hadn't even considered a bamboo but having looked at the websites you gave I really do like the look of the Red Stem Narihira Bamboo, and could perhaps create an oriental corner in the garden with it as I also love the Japanese Maples and Japanese Blood Grass

I really like the Red Robin you suggested and think it would be perfect to fill the gap in the hedge, adding a splash of much needed colour as everything is just so greeeeeeeeen!! :rolleyes:

I notice on the website that these plants are available to buy now so would they be ok to plant out at this time of year? Also, having never bought plants online before, do they arrive in good condition or is there a risk of being damaged in transit?

Thanks again for your help and advice

 

On the Crocus site, everything seems to be sold as container plants, rather than bare-root, so you can plant those at pretty much any time - you just have to be aware that planting them when it's really wet and muddy isn't a good idea, nor when the ground is frozen. Other than that, it's ok.

With places like Hopesgrove one, they sell bare-root plants which are only sold during the winter, dormant, season, so now is the time to plant, bearing in mind about mud and frozen ground,again.