Small evergreen flowering tree or large shrub for east facing front garden in London

[greenfenz]

Hello gardeners,

I have a patch of approx. 3m x 3m in the middle of my east facing front garden (overall size 9 x 9m) where I would like to place a - for lack of better adjectives- 'statement' tree or bush.

I would like something which is evergreen, semi tropical in look and also flowers. I was thinking of either a large choisya bush or perhaps a magnolia grandiflora - but for the latter I need to find something that is half standard. Not sure if I can keep pruning it to say 2m or so.

Currently has gravel in it so a bed would bave to be dug or I need to get a large planter.

What would you recommend (doesnt have to be these 2) and where can i buy this reliably online? I dont mind spending a bit for a mature plant.I had got a smaller choisya from ornamental trees but it died in a few months, so dont want to order from them, if choisya.

I had looked into olive since mature trees are readily available but it doesnt have that lush, glossy look I like. The rest of the front garden has a camellia, a large fuchsia, crab apple, arbutus, christmas box, eunymous, ceanothus and some perennials along the border.

Thank you.

How about an Oleander? Not a tree but a large, pretty, evergreen flowering shrub. You can buy them quite big to start off.

You could try this cultivar
https://www.suttons.co.uk/magnolia-grandiflora-little-gem_MH13290?feed=shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces

Choisya is not a good choice if you want a clear stem.

Another option is a Loquat
https://www.architecturalplants.com/product/eriobotrya-japonica-standards-v1-int1/?attribute_pa_size=h-std-90l

Viburnum tinus - the pink flowering ones are especially pretty
Daphne - some varieties have great scent
Sarcococcus - maybe not statement enough but smells wonderful

Rhododendron? I’m not a fan personally but they are spectacular in the right soil.

Sounds like Mahonia would tick all your boxes. Take a look at the varieties here
https://www.simpsonsnurseries.com/products/mahonia-plants?srsltid=AfmBOooRR_8CDGg6DbMooa5dnFfswRyudxXGxjVh4mCOQ7jwKfJa6Oa4

Virbernum or rhododendron- I have both in my London garden which are doing well

You can get dwarf varieties of rhododendron (and also ones which don't need ericaceous compost). I have several dwarf ones which will only grow to about a meter high, others which get to 1.8 and then the normal ones which can get huge but are slow growing. They're all in the ground in clay soil and some are over 30 years old....

Can’t help 9n the plant choice but I’d suggest planting it in a bottomless pot or container. The root Wii find their way down, lots of drainage and once established less watering. Will save you a lot of digging.

how about a standard bay or standard variegated or berry holly.

Great suggestions.
I have a pink oleander in the back garden - contained in a pot. I can possibly move it to the front. It's only about 1.2m tall at present.
Didnt think of rhododendron - will consider that.
I have a viburnum eve price hedge in the front garden which is taking ages to grow, but nice to see it flower in winter.

Also have a mahonia wintersun newly planted in the back garden - yet to flower. Im not overly fond of the spiky leaves.

Sarcococcocus is in a pot right next to the door.

I think one of magnolia little gem, oleander, or rhododendron should do the trick. Thanks.

@SleepingisanArt what variety is your rhododendron? And does it flower well?