I'm looking for a couple of shade trees, in the 20-30 foot range, which will tolerate full sun and drought, and some wind. Non-messy and smallish-leaves preferred, as this will be over a patio area. And of course fast growing, fabulous fragrant flowers, stunning fall colour would be wonderful too! Have discarded idea of Mimosa - Albizia julibrissin - too many reports of mess & seedlings. Thanks for any suggestions
Some of the ones on that list are big trees though. I have a small Koeleuteria and it does have pretty emerging foliage. My neighbour has a mimosa, and while I would have to admit to some mess from the leaves, there are no seedlings about. I can't recall what it is, but there is a reason they aren't as invasive and troublesome here as in some parts of North America. It is a wonderful shade tree as it doesn't leaf out until quite late and loses them early so you can enjoy spring and fall sun, and even closes its leaves in the evening (so you can see the stars :-))
Thanks all for your suggestions. I'll do a little more research on the trees named and see what's available on the island. I mayreconsider A. julibrissin as it is certainly a very pretty tree and grows quickly. And as it's late opening, it might miss the damage done by the winter moth that inhabit the Garry oaks on our property. Does anyone know if Pistache chinesis is locally available (mainland or island)? I haven't seen it in my travels so far, tho' I haven't yet phoned some of the specimen nurseries. Jill
