Any horizontal wires should be placed about 30 centimetres apart - that's a good average and means the plant should grow well. Before you buy a deciduous plant as an espalier, make sure you're happy with the bare winter look before planting. For example, apples are a common espalier plant. Try planting different varieties so even in a small space it's possible to enjoy the different flavours. Just remember to prune to encourage the tiny fruiting spurs because that's where the apples will appear.
Espaliers need constant work, especially over the growing season. But if you're the kind of gardener who likes to get out with the secateurs, to prune and shape plants, then they are probably right up your alley.
They are not only good space-savers but a really good espalier makes a fine feature in the garden. Fri pm, Rpt Sun pm. Share Facebook Twitter Mail. Using a sturdy trellis, stems are simply tied to the structure in a pleasing, open form. Stems and branches that extend past the intended two-dimensions of the espalier are tipped back, encouraging lateral growth and fullness.
To maintain a healthy tree, it is important that you use a stretchy tie-tape designed for garden use. String or wire should not be used since they can girdle and kill the branch. Check the tie-tape several times a year to make sure it is not becoming too tight as the plant grows and gains size. To make sure the branch stays securely in place with less danger of girdling, tie the tape tightly to the trellis or support where you want the branch or stem, then loop it a bit loosely around the branch or stem to secure it in position.
You still need to stay on top of checking this occasionally, but this method prevents a lot of girdling issues. Other than pruning and training, maintenance of your espalier is no different than any similar specimen in your garden. Practice good planting techniques from the very beginning, apply compost once or twice a year, mulch with a good organic material, and fertilize regularly with a slow release organic fertilizer like Arbor Gate Blend.
Start with a simple design, but enjoy experimenting and learning. Perhaps one day your garden will have an amazing living sculpture like this one. Written by Angela Chandler Angela Chandler is a lifelong gardener with a passion for learning and teaching. Her gardening adventures would not be possible without her husband, Fred — always willing to help unload leaves, compost and help build beds.
Does the trellis need a holder of some sort or does it go directly into the soil. I want to make sure the trellis does not tip over at some point — especially if I plant something larger than a citrus tree. Thanks for the response Carol! The trellis does go directly into the ground. The video was great, very detaily explained. I could easily understand that. Thank you Angela. I have a mango tree at my house and we use its branch for sleeping rope and so the branches are getting wider time to time.
Our rope was like gotten very thight already on the branches. The mango tree still has lots of leaves and fruits, so I think it is okay. For a beginner, the informal design is easiest. In a climate at the edge of ideal for growing citrus, citrus espalier may have a distinct advantage.
Training a citrus tree against a sunny, south-facing wall may supply enough heat that fruit ripening and winter tree survival will be more likely. Working these last 10 years or so at a nursery has made me appreciate many things. Everybody has plants that they either love or just absolutely hate. I have learned there are quite a few plants that I just am not fond of. Each and every one of them has a place in the landscape, and that I appreciate.
I still don't like them. Want an example? Crepe Myrtles. Yes, they are pretty when flowering, kind of. Why do I not like them? The flowers make an absolute mess. The bark peels and exfoliates, which to some people is a plus. I am just not excited about them. Want another example? Espaliered trees. Yes, I know, they do have some good uses to them. Even though I think they are about as ugly a thing as you can do to a plant or tree, they do actually make sense to some degree.
This is the topic for today. I had somebody ask me if I knew anything about them, is it possible to do it with a Citrus tree, and would I write something about it. The answer is YES to all three. Historians note that fruit trees in the 16th century were trained in France to grow next to walls to take advantage of the extra warmth of the wall.
If you have heard me speak or read any of my Citrus articles, you know this is right up that plants alley.
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