tree training

[Goodsoulette]

What would be the best tree to train against a wall which faces south east? Im more than happy to go with a fruit tree but I would like something pretty. MY nan used to have a fabulous peach tree but her wall was south facing, not sure mine would be warm enough.

[oldernowiser]

A south-east facing wall is not bad, and some warmth will come from the house. I think you'd be better off with an apple, but have you considered a wall "shrub" like wisteria, or the longer flowering chaenomeles (mock quince)?

[Goodsoulette]

I hadnt considered wisteria at all which is lunacy cause I adore it. Only thing is I am going to have to put it in a raised bed, as long as I feed it and chuck the old horse poo on it etc will it be okay in there. I dont want to have to go to the trouble of digging holes in concrete.

[oldernowiser]

That puts a different light on it! It would need to be a very big tub! To be honest I wouldnt recommend it. Dont you know a friendly builder with a small breaker - it should only take a few minutes to knock out a 12" hole.. If it has to be a pot you might have to go for something less vigorous like chaenomeles or perhaps the climbing hydrangea - ask at your local garden centre what they'd recommend.

[oldernowiser]

Just to add to my previous comment, I realise you are talking about a "raised bed" and not a tub - sorry! But a raised bed on top of concrete is surely going to give you drainage problems. Try and get a hole made!