A close look at two of our favourite trees this Winter…
- Prunus laurocerasus Caucasica
I do like this tree. It has darker green foliage compared to most other evergreen trees. A long but thinner leaf to most evergreens. It is a very hardy tree and will stand full sun to virtual full shade. It will grow in most soil, but as most evergreens does not like to be in heavily water-logged soil.
It can be heavily pruned. It has white flowers followed by black berries. It is not poisonous and the birds love the berries. It will also grow on a shallow chalk soil. I would, if on a heavy chalk, feed with a strong iron based fertiliser to keep the darker green leaf.
- Magnolia galliensis ‘Grandiflora’ (Bull Bay)
A large growing tree which can be very heavily pruned. It has a large green glossy top, with a tanned underside foliage which shines in the sunlight. It has large white flowers August-September, depending on the weather – really wet conditions lessens the flowering period.
At the nursery, we are asked, “why hasn’t my Magnolia flowered?” This is normally due to the roots having been covered over. They just do not like this treatment. The trees need to have a maturity before they will flower. They will grow on chalky soil. It is a tree that has been used near foundations and does not appear to have caused any damage over the years. They can be seen at many stately homes.
Tim Teear – Arundel Arboretum
