When it comes to choosing trees for espalier, there are several options that work well. These trees not only have a graceful form and attractive foliage, but they also have the ability to be trained and pruned into the desired shape for espalier.
One popular choice for espalier is the bougainvillea. This tropical vine produces vibrant, colorful bracts that add a burst of color to any garden. Bougainvillea can be trained to grow flat against a wall or trellis, making it an excellent choice for espalier.
Camellias are another great option for espalier. These evergreen shrubs have beautiful, glossy foliage and produce stunning flowers in a variety of colors. With proper pruning and training, camellias can be shaped into a variety of espalier forms, such as fan or candelabra.
Cotoneaster is a versatile shrub that is well-suited for espalier. It has small, glossy leaves and produces clusters of colorful berries in the fall. Cotoneaster can be trained to grow flat against a wall or fence, or even shaped into a geometric design.
Flowering crabapples, with their showy blossoms and colorful fruit, are also a popular choice for espalier. These trees can be trained to grow in a horizontal or diagonal pattern, creating a striking visual display. They are also attractive to birds and other wildlife.
Flowering quince cultivars are another excellent choice for espalier. These shrubs produce vibrant flowers in shades of red, pink, or white, and can be trained to grow against a wall or fence. They are also relatively easy to prune and shape.
Forsythia is a deciduous shrub that is known for its bright yellow flowers in early spring. With regular pruning and training, forsythia can be shaped into a variety of espalier forms, such as a fan or candelabra.
Holly is a classic choice for espalier, with its glossy, evergreen foliage and bright red berries. It can be trained to grow flat against a wall or fence, or even shaped into a formal pattern such as a diamond or grid.
Magnolia trees, with their large, fragrant flowers and glossy leaves, can also be trained as espalier. They can be pruned and shaped to create a stunning focal point in the garden.
Pyracantha is a thorny shrub that is often used as a security hedge, but it can also be trained as espalier. It produces clusters of bright red or orange berries in the fall, which provide a pop of color in the garden.
Pfitzer juniper, with its feathery foliage and graceful form, is another option for espalier. It can be trained to grow flat against a wall or fence, or even shaped into a geometric design.
Some viburnum species, such as Viburnum tinus, are suitable for espalier. These shrubs have dark green leaves and produce clusters of fragrant flowers in the spring. They can be trained to grow flat against a wall or fence, or shaped into a fan or candelabra.
Winged euonymus, also known as burning bush, is a deciduous shrub that is often used for its vibrant fall foliage. It can be trained as espalier, with its branches trained to grow in a horizontal or diagonal pattern.
Witch hazels are deciduous shrubs that produce clusters of fragrant, spidery flowers in late winter or early spring. With proper pruning and training, witch hazels can be shaped into a variety of espalier forms, such as a fan or candelabra.
When selecting trees for espalier, it is important to choose plants that are amenable to pruning and training. These trees should have a graceful form, attractive foliage, and the ability to tolerate the specific conditions of your garden. Experimenting with different tree species and training techniques can lead to stunning results in your espalier garden.
