Hi there: I live in Courtenay, Latitude 49.7. We just put in a circular driveway with a 35' diameter island for planting. I'd like to plant one interesting tree in the middle that is not real wide at the base (because I'd like to plant some flowers around the edges of the bed) and won't exceed about 15 feet in height (max). The site has excellent (new) soil and is sunny from about 11AM to the end of the day. I'd be interested to hear some ideas from some of you tree experts. I'm wondering if an evergreen will make the soil very acidic at the base? I've considered something narrow and weeping or lollipop shaped. Something unusual looking or colorful or very fragrant......maybe one of the evergreen magnolias? or the pine that has purple pine cones? Am I too far north for a hardy palm?
With that height cut-off you are really talking about a shrub, unless you plant a dwarf tree cultivar or a naturally short and shrubby species of tree such as Sargent crabapple. Conifers and broad-leaved evergreens do not lend themselves to under-planting, especially when short and low-branching. Pretty much all of the evergreen magnolias will grow above 15', as would most kinds of trees, and the southern magnolia produces a dense shade, drops litter for months at a time. A windmill palm would allow plenty of room for other plants but will grow well above 15'. With its often narrow habit and local adaptation western serviceberry comes to mind, however even this cannot be counted on to stay narrow (and below 15') indefinitely. And I'm not sure it would be seen by you as interesting. But you might want to check it out anyway.
That's Bosnian Pine Pinus heldreichii. Nice tree, but it'll get to more like 15 metres tall eventually.
