Small tree advice

[VoodooCroll]

I'm new to gardening and have built a raised bed in my back garden. It's next to a 6ft wall and approx 6m long, 80cm wide. I know what I'm planting in most of it (climbers) but fancy a tree on the end part. By tree, I mean something small rather than a full on tree.

The wall backs onto a neighbour's drive so I'm mindful of that but it would be nice to have something that could provide a little shade in a few years. I'm partial to a magnolia grandiflora, any thoughts on whether that would be appropriate in that space?

I have to assume that you haven't researched Magnolia grandiflora, because it can become MASSIVE! Up to 80-90feet (eventually, of course). If you like the idea of a magnolia, how about Magnolia stellata? This is more of a shrub than a tree, but stays quite small for years, has pretty star shaped ( hence the name stellata) flowers in white, or pink in the variety rosea, in spring,

I have researched it and the advice was contradictory! I think I'll head to the garden centre and hope they have knowledgeable peeps on duty.

As the Pp said that's a huge tree you're thinking of planting there.

What about a camellia variety, you can get smaller ones like Cornish snow that only grow to about ten twelve feet, Ive a couple in my garden and they are beautiful.

I’m assuming that if you’re planting in a raised bed it’s already getting a 1-2 ft start. Instead of looking only at trees consider a large shrub and remove lower branches to give it a head, or canopy. Elaeagnus Quicksilver, Cercis Forest Pansy both look lovely like this. Lilac? Japanese maple?

I’m assuming the bottom of your bed is not impermeable like concrete.

A tree peony would be love, flowering is spectacular but brief. Possibly best with a flowering cherry - many to choose from - or a crab apple, flowers then colourful fruit. Not the magnolia grandiflora. Really. Google some pictures. Have fun choosing

A small fruit tree maybe? Blossom in spring then fruit in autumn.

Thanks all. I went for magnolia stellata, already planted!

Nice choice. Keep it watered

acer? lovely foliage