Small trees for part shade

Hi,

Do you have any recommendations for small trees that will be happy against a west-facing fence please?

I would class the area as part shade, as it gets a decent amount of sun in the afternoon but not the morning.

Regarding the size, it shouldn't be too tall because I don't want to make my neighbour's garden more shady. I estimated that a height of 7-8ft would be ideal, so it would have to be either quite a small tree or one that doesn't mind hard pruning to keep it at that size.

Thank you.

 

Perhaps a variegated holly, which you could keep clipped back? I had one of those in a similar position here, very attractive until it succumbed to holly blight. I'd also suggest a search on this ornamental trees website, which lets you choose by position, eventual size, season of interest etc. - it comes up with quite a few suggestions, though the prices seem rather high to me. But once you've narrowed your choice down you could always find the tree elsewhere!

 

Not strictly a tree but what about Fuchsia magellanica? Very hardy and it has a very long flowering season.
Or maybe one of the smaller Acers?

 

Thank you @Clare G and @longk for the suggestions.

In an ideal world, I would probably get a fig tree, but the spot in my garden would not be good for it. Then I considered a small magnolia but I'm not sure it would look right in that spot (it will be next to a large pyracantha).

I do love acers - I wondered if the afternoon sun might be too strong for them, but that probably depends on what leaves a particular acer has. I've just had a quick look and fell in love with "Acer x orientalia Minorient" - though its eventual size is bigger than what I have in mind.

I have also been looking at the website Clare suggested to get ideas. A small tree that both me & my partner like is weeping willow (e.g. "salix caprea kilmarock") but we thought it really needs full sun. The website lists it as suitable for part shade (even though flower production would be limited compared to full sun). So it could be another option to consider perhaps.

 

Where in the UK are you? If it is mild enough you could try an olive tree. Or even Nicotiana glauca (Tree Nicotiana). Mine was outdoors all winter and new shoots are just emerging.

 

I would love an olive tree, visually I think it would match really well. But I live in the North (near Sunderland) and also the spot isn't in full sun, so I think the circumstances would be too harsh for it. We actually have a cold snap at the moment (hail / snow showers) and it has made me realise that I do not want to be having to rush out with horticultural fleece all the time to protect tender plants - so it's actually been helpful.

I do like the idea of the weeping pussy willow - I will do a bit more research regarding how it copes with part shade and if it just affects how many flowers you get, rather than hinder the health of the plant itself, I might go for that one

Thank you.