What kind of tree or flowering shrub can I put in a corner of my zone 5 garden?

Question

I have a corner area in my garden where two six foot wooden fences meet. Currently, I have a small Japanese maple tree there that is growing so slowly I can probably will it to my great-grandchildren. I also have a bleeding heart and some gorgeous astilbes. The corner needs some height as I have some gorgeous trees in the rest of the yard. This space is about 4' wide and gets a few hours of afternoon sun. My kitchen windows look out on it though so I would like an attractive shrub or small tree. Any ideas? Thanks!

Answer 1

Try Sweet Peas. The sweet pea plants can grow up to about 4 - 6 feet. It has interesting-looking pink flowers and is quite winter-hardy.

Answer 2

hydraneas might be good. keep it near your house so it will be warm in severe winters. willbloom all summer long and be dormat in the winter

Answer 3

There are witchhazels which range in hight from 8-20 feet with a varity of colors which flower in march.  There are yellow orange and red.  The witchhazel will tolerate the few hours of sun that it gets.

Answer 4

How about a Hydrangia?  They are awesome flowering bushes and come in a variety of colors... the soil type will effect the color of the bloom.

Answer 5

Hi! I'm in zone 5, too.  A word of caution about the dwarf Crape Myrtle - I think they are beautiful but I don't think they are hardy in our zone, are they?

You are in a bit of a bind of you need something tall but something that will stay within your 4 feet space.  

How about a Viburnum Blue Muffin?  I want one of those so bad!  Actually a lot of the Viburnums would work for you.  If it's a place where you'd like a pleasant smell then go with a fragrant one - they smell wonderful!  

Or how about a Variegated Weigela?  They are 4-6 feet, too.

If you want something taller then I agree with the person who said try one of the taller ornamental grasses.  They are so beautiful, too!

Good luck!  Here's my gardening blog site - you may find something helpful there.  www.myskinnygarden.blogspot.com

Answer 6

A grass looks great in fence corners. Pampas? Spider?

Answer 7

yes try a dwarf crepe myrtle, they grow fast and only get like 4 to 6 feet tall, and they bloom all summer and all they need is one shot of miracle grow and water often and they grow really fast, mine has doubled it size since i brought it home 2 months ago, and may i suggest the red, they are beautiful. the more sun the better but, they will do nice with after noon sun, good luck