Can anyone suggest an evergreen species of trees, or shrub, that would be suitable for pleaching on a roof garden? The only one I can find is Photinia fraserii 'Red Robin'. Also, what yearly maintenance requirements would these require? Catherine
Is Quercus ilex reliably hardy there? It is the only evergreen I have heard being seriously recommended for pleaching, for example see this quote from an article in The Telegraph, Pleaching, The art of training trees: If privacy is the reason for using evergreen species, maybe consider Hornbeam, Carpinus betulus a deciduous tree that will retain its dead coppery brown leaves over winter if pruned correctly; the final pruning in late July/August will promote the growth of juvenile leaves that are retained over winter. Will be less effective if the roof garden is exposed to strong winds in winter.
Yes, Quercus ilex does grow here and in the warmer, southernmost parts of British Columbia. I just wonder how evergreen it is. I had thought of Carpinus betulus but not sure whether the client would appreciate the dead leaves (although I think they look nice). Thanks
