Pleached Trees

Carpinus Betulus - Pleached/Espalier on 85x50cm Metal frame - 30lt

Carpinus betulus, or European Hornbeam, is a large, deciduous tree with a fluted grey trunk and very appealing, dense, oval to rounded crown. The leaves are ovate, serrated and ribbed, dark green in summer, coppery yellow in autumn. They remain on branches long into winter. Flowers appear in separate male and female catkins before the leaves, in spring, and are followed by winged nuts. European Hornbeam is a low maintenance and easy to grow plant. It is satisfied with any type of soil, but prefers fertile, dry to moist, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is generally disease-free and pest free. It can tolerate drought. Carpinus betulus is an excellent tree and a nice addition to any garden. It is great as a specimen plant or in a group. Because of its tolerance to pruning, it is perfect for hedges and privacy screens.

Photinia fraseri 'Compacta', when espaliered on a metal frame, presents a striking and structured display of horticultural artistry. This particular variety of Photinia, known for its compact growth habit, reaches a height of 120cm and spans 80cm in width, making it an ideal choice for espalier training. The metal frame, robust and unobtrusive, provides the necessary support for this method of cultivation, guiding the plant's growth in a controlled, two-dimensional form.

The leaves of Photinia fraseri 'Compacta' are its most notable feature: vibrant and glossy, they emerge as bright red shoots, offering a vivid contrast against the greenery. As the leaves mature, they transition to a deep, rich green, maintaining their luster throughout the seasons. The espalier technique emphasizes the plant's natural beauty, showcasing its dense foliage in a symmetrical pattern.

This living art form, a blend of nature and craftsmanship, not only serves as an ornamental feature in gardens but also as a practical solution for space-limited areas. The plant's ability to thrive with minimal lateral space, combined with regular pruning and training, results in a visually appealing, living wall of lush foliage, perfectly complemented by the understated elegance of the metal frame.

The Photinia fraseri 'Magical Volcano', espaliered on a metal frame, presents a striking horticultural spectacle. This particular variety is renowned for its vibrant foliage, which undergoes a dramatic color transformation throughout the seasons. Initially, the young leaves emerge in fiery shades of red and orange, reminiscent of a volcanic eruption, hence the name 'Magical Volcano'. As they mature, the leaves gradually transition to a lush, deep green, offering a dynamic visual experience.

Espaliering, a traditional form of garden art, involves training the plant to grow flat against a structure, in this case, a metal frame. The frame, measuring 150cm in height and 100cm in width, serves both as a support and a guide for the plant's growth. This method maximizes space, making it an ideal choice for smaller gardens or for creating decorative wall features.

The Photinia's adaptability to espaliering highlights its robust nature and versatility. Regular pruning and training are essential in maintaining the desired shape and size, ensuring that the plant remains healthy and vibrant. The espaliered Photinia fraseri 'Magical Volcano' is not just a plant; it's a living piece of art, offering a unique blend of horticultural skill and natural beauty.

The Photinia × fraseri 'Red Robin' pleached tree, trained on a 120 x 120 cm metal frame atop a 220 cm clear stem, is a stylish solution for creating instant privacy or elegant garden structure. Renowned for its vibrant red new foliage that matures to glossy green, this evergreen offers year-round interest. The dense, structured canopy makes it perfect for screening, lining driveways, or defining outdoor spaces with a formal touch. Hardy and low-maintenance, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates urban conditions well. Regular trimming maintains its neat, architectural shape. The tall stem and square frame give it a striking, contemporary appearance, making 'Red Robin' an ideal choice for modern gardens and landscape designs.