'Tree' in pot query

[piskieinboots]

I realise this is the Flower Mill, but as we don't have a tree slot....

...I have a very large (well weathered) clay pot that I want to fill with some sort of shrub/small tree - to stand as a specimen plant on a boring manhole cover.

The aspect is east facing, extremely hot (at the moment) in the morning, but it is subject to expose to wind.

I have searched the RHS website and they don't like any of my specifications - drive me nuts they do!!

[shirlthegirl43]

Are you looking for something that will be pretty all the time or something that flowers or.... or....?

[piskieinboots]

I'm looking for 'or' - deciduous is fine, flowering is fine, evergreen is fine - or not in each case

I even considered a boring standard bay tree, but I'm sure we can do better than that

[shirlthegirl43]

Hmmmm, what's that pretty one with the furry stems on the new growth? I am sure you will know the one I mean - it looks like new antlers with velvet on them

[shirlthegirl43]

I have a shrub in a pot which seems to not mind whatever the weather throws at it, doesn't flower for very long but has green leaves which turn red in late summer. It has an interesting shape to it which means it is okay even when it loses all its leaves. Can't remember what it is just now but will look to see if the label is still readable tomorrow.

[Jeanied]

Shirl I think you have in mind a Rhus Typhina (stagshorn sumach) which is a tad on the invasive side for a pot.
My only suggestion would have been the acer family but they are a bit too tender for early morning sun. How about a shrub not a tree? In which case you could go for camellia or rhodies.
Or, back to trees, why not go for a pot fruit tree? Or a magnolia stellata in a big tub?

[Hazel at the Hill]

Not letting my ignorance stand in the way of sticking my oar in, what about a pieris? I have one in a pot in the NE facing courtyard - it's brill as it is evergreen, has red new growth and white bell-like flowers.

I've had it for 10 years, and it does really well with very little attention - a new layer of soil in the top of the pot every year & a bucket of water if it's really dry.

[Flummery]

Not letting my ignorance stand in the way of sticking my oar in, what about a pieris? I have one in a pot in the NE facing courtyard - it's brill as it is evergreen, has red new growth and white bell-like flowers.

I've had it for 10 years, and it does really well with very little attention - a new layer of soil in the top of the pot every year & a bucket of water if it's really dry.

Just going to say that Hazel. My dad gave me one 12 years ago and it's been in a pot since. It had a windy position too until we built the new fence 2 years back!

[pipkins]

And my recomendation

Nandina Domestica a good plant for all seasons(mine has berries and flowers most of the year)

[piskieinboots]

My short list so far is Cotoneaster hybridus pendulus or Redbud Cercis canadensis 'Lavender Twist'...now I may have to think again

[Flummery]

Death's too good for cotoneasters! An irrational prejudice but I'm entitled to it!

[Glutton4...]

Whatever you choose, you could grow a small Clematis up it for additional interest earlier or later in the year!

[gallop]

I have a prunus laurocerasus in a tub which looks good. Its evergreen and has small candles of white flowers in spring.

[piskieinboots]

Thanks gallop

[bramble]

Eucalyptus, had one in a pot for about 10 or 12 years. Doesn't flower but I just loved the foliage and the movement ti made when the wind was blowing. Unfortunately when i was on holiday it died from lack of water.