Top 5... Columnar trees and shrubs

Woody plants with upright habits have so many uses in the garden

1 Laburnum anagyroides ‘Erect’

Small, compact variety of the June-flowered favourite with stiffly-erect branches. Any well-drained soil in sun. H: 4m (13ft), S: 1.8m (6ft).

Tip Ideal for planting along a boundary or as a focal point.

From www.frankpmatthews. com; tel: 01584 812800 (contact for local suppliers).

2 Sambucus nigra ‘Black Tower’

Easy, fast-growing, upright variety. Leaves emerge green, but turn dark burgundy in full sun, less in semi-shade. Fragrant pink flowers in late spring. Any well-drained soil. H: 2.5m (8ft), S: 1.2m (4ft).

Tip Once established it can be cut back hard in late winter to produce fresh shoots.

From www.thompson-morgan. com; tel: 0844 573 1818.

3 Magnolia ‘Daybreak’

Distinctive variety with 25cm (9¾in) diameter, fragrant, light pink flowers from late May. Flowers when young. Narrow habit with upswept branches. Moist acid to neutral soil in sun or semishade. H: 6m (20ft), S: 2.5m (8ft).

Tip Flowers later so is good for frost-prone areas.

From www.rhododendrons. co.uk; tel: 01252 792698.

4 Malus ‘Laura’

Narrow crab apple with dusky pink, self-fertile flowers in spring. Young leaves flushed bronze. Maroon fruit is good for jelly. Any well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. H: 3m (10ft), S: 90cm (3ft).

Tip Small enough to grow in a half-barrel.

From www.orangepippintrees. co.uk; tel: 01759 392007.

5 Amelanchier canadensis ‘Rainbow Pillar’

Upright form of Juneberry with scented, white flowers and edible berries. Brilliant autumn colour. Any well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. Very narrow when young. H: 5m (16ft), S: 2.5m (8ft).

Tip Ideal for providing an accent in a mixed border.

From www.mailordertrees.co. uk; tel: 0800 066 5972.