Small native tree/shrub for dry soil

[boogieman84]

Hi,

I now have a free area in my front garden and am looking for a native tree/shrub that will tolerate fairly dry soil. It will obviously get an occasional water but I would like it to be fairly tolerant of dry spells. Something attractive with flowers and berries or that is beneficial to wildlife that wont get too large or sucker.

Many thanks!

[aeshna5]

Wayfaring Tree, Viburnum lantana, as one suggestion.

[Littlesparrow]

Rowan trees seem to be quite tough and berries come in a variety of colours.

[King Edward]

Elder? Don't know how drought tolerant these are, but they seem pretty tough. They do get quite large but you can hack them right back to the base as required.

[boogieman84]

Here is a picture of the planting area:



The previous shrub/small tree that I cut down was just to the left of the door. I was unable to completely uproot it however I have sawn it off at the lowest point possible and covered with compost. Another question I have is how to proceed now, will the previous stump rot down eventually or it will it deter the growth of the new plant?? A picture of the previous shrub is below(I'm unsure what it is)



Anyway i'm quite keen on the rowan but can it be cut back so I can keep it at a certain height? It would probably be grown as more of a shrub, the area isn't huge but height wise I don't mind it getting fairly big, the top of the window is 2 metres in height so around that is fine. Also thinking of growing either honeysuckle or climbing roses up within the ivy!

Any help or advice appreciated. Many thanks

[King Edward]

It looks like some kind of variegated holly, in which case it might well resprout if it's still alive.

Are you sure you want a tree/shrub there at all? I'd have thought you'd be better with a big herbaceous type thing. If it's dry and sunny, how about lavender (technically a shrub, I suppose, but hardly), or Teucrium fruiticans.

[Littlesparrow]

Having looked at your photo, I think the Rowan would be too big to grow right next to your window, I will have another think about something with berries that would stay small etc.

[Dorts]

I gree that a medium shrub may be better. Here's some you may like to consider.
Daphne odora. Fantastic scent.
Daphne mezereum. Good early colour followed by red berries in the autumn.
Viburnum opulus 'compactum' A compact form of our native Guelder-rose. White flowers - red berries. Great little shrub, easily pruned.
Philadelphus 'Belle Etoile'. One of the most scented of all shrubs.
Dorts.

[artdemole]

Shrub would definitely be better so close to house .Tree would cause problems. I would go for Dort's choice Virbernum opulus.Avery good pleasing shrub.

[Hedera]

What about a Choisyia - Sundance has lovely bright yellow leaves and stays compact. I wouldn't plant a honeysuckle so close to the house as the roots can be very invasive - will even lift paving stones.