Best "huge" plant for position

Green_hopeful

What about shrubby herbs such as bay or Rosemary.

Davesnave

I'm confused. You say evergreen, then give gunnera as a starter for ten.....but gunnera isn't going to be there from November to May! The same for the Service Tree, one of which I've just planted.:D

Laurel is cheap and fast, which is why I've used it next to my troublesome neighbour, but he's 200m away. If I had it in the garden, I'd sacrifice a little speed and go for the variety 'Etna,' which has bronze new foliage and a denser habit, or perhaps Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lustanica,) similar in looks, but not taste (!) to the Bay tree. Bay does get there - I have one much taller than me.

The best evergreen for your situation is Holm Oak; very tough and wind resistant. Holly would also be good, but both are slow in the early years. I think your place might be too windy for Garrya elliptica. Viburnum tinus would get to the desired size eventually and stand a good chance too. Another option is one of the Elaeagnus ebbingei varieties.

For non-evergreens, as someone else has said, buddleia will make it to the required size in a season, and if not pruned heavily will form a dense 'tree.' It won't be long-lived like that, but some of mine are 5 years old or more. Viburnum bodnantense is naturally dense, upright and has the benefit of being ito leaf early and winter flowers, but you might need a couple for the width.

Finally, as you are coastal-ish what about Fuchsia magellanica 'Riccartonii?'

moneyistooshorttomention

Shows how much I'm still learning about plants Dave - ie re the evergreen - or otherwise:rotfl:.

I've clearly got to make out a list of essential features and desirable features for this plant. I think what I want most (beyond correct size I need) is something a bit more unusual/different (hence why I like gunnera manicata - which wont do - as I rarely see that anywhere and have only seen it once over here. But, as stated, the ground isnt quite wet enough for it probably - soggy as West Wales often is.

I'll google pictures of all plants suggested and see what they look like.

The main time I am concerned with the plant being fully there is obviously going to be that time of year when I am out in the garden - as certainly one house nearby can see very easily into the bit of garden concerned. That isnt a problem with the current owner - as they dont use their garden - but might be with the next one.

bouicca21

I am probably the most ignorant gardener on the forum (and even using the g word makes me feel like a fraud) but what about a blackthorn? Attractive to the eye and to birds, and if the birds leave you a few berries, there is always the possibility of sloe gin ...

PS beware the unusual. It may just mean 'impossible to grow'. You don't need to work at being different, just making a nice space is enough in itself.

REEN

If you really want a gunnera give it a try. I have a soggy spot in the garden where nothing thrived so I put some pond liner down to make a reservoir of water to tide it over the summer and it really seems happy there. It doesn't get huge like the ones growing by water but it's an impressive 4ft high and spreading well beyond the extent of the pond liner. The flowers are amazing! Of course, as Dave says, it dies back in winter so no good for keeping the garden private. Another vote for mahonia there, the scent of the flowers in winter is gorgeous. Berries for the birds too.

no1catman

For a 'big plant' that is striking in appearance, and a credit to the garden - I'd go for a forsythia. On the downside - no it's not evergreen, but once established the structure of the plant will get quite dense.

moneyistooshorttomention

Now pondering an ornamental quince.....think that might do the trick - and provide me with a bit of fruit (of the difficult to get variety)....

Davesnave

If you can, just check if quince leaf spot is in the vicinity. A local garden club may tell you.

If it's in your area, you won't get any fruit and the leaves will be badly affected.

There is no cure. Don't ask me how I know!

I noticed even Rosemoor's quinces had it last year.

moneyistooshorttomention

I didn't know that one Dave - will check it out and I know who I could ask about that.

Am guessing that it wouldn't be very likely in an area where I've never noticed any quince around? But then, of course, that could be the reason....:cool:

Davesnave

By quinces, I mean cydonia:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/fruit/quinces?type=f

They aren't really common anywhere in the UK. However, my neighbour also has one. Not sure who was first with the disease, but it makes no difference anyway. They both have to go.