Which plants can be espaliered?

Which plants can be espaliered?

Ornamental plants such as bougainvillea, camellias, cotoneaster, flowering crabapples (Malus), flowering quince cultivars (Chaenomeles), forsythia, holly, magnolia, Pyracantha, Pfitzer juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Pfitzerana’), some viburnums, winged euonymous, and witch hazels (Hamamelis) are quite amenable to …

Do espalier apple trees need full sun?

You will need about 8 feet of linear space in a well-drained spot that gets full sun. Full sun means the tree will receive at least six hours of light per day. Espaliered trees can be grown: Against a wall (usually brick or stucco)

Can you espalier any tree?

In theory, any tree or large shrub can be made into an espalier, but it is essential to select a species that will ultimately fit your space and conditions. Often when you see an espalier tree it is a fruit tree, namely apple and pear trees.

How far apart should espalier trees be planted?

They grow to around 10 feet tall without other training. These trees would normally be planted between 4 and 8 feet apart. However, as an espalier they can grow as close as 2 feet apart within a row, if kept to 5 feet tall. The general guideline for row spacing is to place rows twice as far apart as tree spacing.

What can you espalier in shade?

Espalier Plants for Shade

• Anise Shrubs (Illicium): Support not necessary.
• Camellias:Hardware is necessary to attach smaller branches to surface or support structure.
• Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila): A climbing clinger that needs no support.
• Ivy (Hedera helix):Clinging vine attaches itself to stucco, brick, or stone walls.

Which apple tree is best for espalier?

Best Apple Varieties for Espalier Training

• Early ripening. Adore. Divine. Cox’s Orange Pippin.
• Mid season ripening. Ariane. Baujade. Freyberg.
• Mid-late season Ripening. Lady in Red. Braeburn. Splendour.
• Late season ripening. Belle de Boskoop. Mother. TIP BEARING VARIETIES (not recommended for espalier – except for informal fan shapes)

Can any apple tree be espaliered?

Fans and espaliers are popular ways of training fruit trees to grow against a wall or on a trellis. Most apple and pear varieties which produce their fruit on spurs (rather than on the tips of their branches) can be trained as espaliers.

What apple trees are best for espalier?

What is the difference between espalier and cordon?

Cordons are trained against a wall, fence or on wires between free-standing posts. Espaliers are typically grown on a training system of horizontal wires against a wall or fence.

How tall do espalier apple trees grow?

6 to 8 feet tall
A typical espalier is 6 to 8 feet tall, with three to four sets of horizontal branches. Your goal is to keep the tree in bounds. Fruit yields will be proportionately much greater from an espalier than from a full-size tree.

How long does it take to grow an espalier apple tree?

five to seven years
It generally takes five to seven years to create a completed espalier structure and harvest fruit. Until that time, prune out any developing fruit. Your goal in the first few years is to encourage the tree to put all of its energy into growing branches that establish the basic framework.

Can all fruit trees be espaliered?

Almost any fruit or citrus tree can be espaliered, but some are better suited. Apples, for example, are considered the easiest because their branches are more forgiving when the limbs are bent toward support wires. Dwarf or semi-dwarf trees are best for small spaces.

How much space does an espalier apple tree need?

3.75m-6m
Trees should be planted 3.75m-6m (12-20ft) apart, according to their vigour.

How far apart should espalier posts be?

Erect horizontal wires 35-45cm (15-18in) apart between posts, or straining ‘eyes’ on walls or fences. Trees should be planted 3.75m-6m (12-20ft) apart, according to their vigour.

What is the difference between fan trained and espalier?

If you want a very formal effect then choose espalier-trained trees, as the 90-degree angles between the stem and the branches create an attractive regimented appearance, compared with the more variable angles of fan-trained trees. Conversely for a flowing semi-formal effect, choose a fan-trained tree.

What kind of wire is used for espalier?

I then thread 14- or 16-gauge wire through the eye of each bolt several times (photo #4 above), being sure to pull the wire tight before threading it through the next eyebolt. These wires will form the structure that the espalier will be trained to and must be taut to support the weight of the tree as it grows.

Can any apple trees be espaliered?

How far apart are espalier wires?

Planting and initial training Erect horizontal wires 35-45cm (15-18in) apart between posts, or straining ‘eyes’ on walls or fences. Trees should be planted 3.75m-6m (12-20ft) apart, according to their vigour. See our advice in trees and shrubs: planting for more information on planting trees.