Best trees for pots in full sun
Best trees to grow in pots: 15 beautiful compact varieties
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
The best trees to grow in pots can add much needed interest to patios, courtyards and other areas of your back yard.
With both deciduous and evergreen options, offering various leaf color, fruit and flowers through the seasons, potted trees are versatile container gardening ideas.
Growing pots in trees is a way to zone a secluded seating or dining area as a patio idea, flowering trees can add color and scent, while citrus or olive trees are ideal if you want to create a Mediterranean-style garden.
One of the big advantages is that you can grow tree species that wouldn't usually suit the growing conditions in your hardiness zone as the best trees to grow in pots can be moved indoors in colder months.
The best trees to grow in pots
Many different trees can thrive in pots, so look beyond the local garden center for inspiration. You could choose one of the best indoor trees that you move outdoors in warmer months to surround yourself with nature year round.
'There are many types of trees you can grow in pots and containers,' says small space gardening expert Emilly Barbosa Fernandes of Housegrail . 'They instantly brighten up any garden, and can become the main focal point.'
If you want a low-maintenance planting scheme, then the best trees to grow in pots must be compatible with your local climate, and require minimal pruning. An advantage of planting trees in pots is that you can control their soil type – perhaps growing an acid-loving tree in a chalky soil, or creating free-draining conditions in a garden with heavy clay soil.
Consider where you want the tree to be positioned in your garden, as whether it will sit in full sun or receive some shade will be a factor in which varieties will be suitable.
It's important to look at the maximum size of a tree species, and how many years it will take to reach maturity. Some trees are suited to pots for their whole life, while other slow-growing varieties can have a long pot life before needing to be eventually planted in the ground as part of your flower bed ideas.
Trees have hungry, thirsty roots, so container size is also key. Ensure you invest in a pot that's big enough for your chosen tree to flourish.
Remember that a tree planted in a pot will dry out more quickly than in the ground, and the smaller the pot size, the more often you will have to water it.
1. Peach tree
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Enjoy a delicious home harvest of fruit by growing a peach tree in a container. These are among the best fruit trees to grow, and ideal for trees to grow in pots, particularly as you can move the container to the sunniest and warmest positions throughout the year.
You will need a fairly large container for growing a peach tree – although not so large that you can not easily move it when required. Good drainage is important, so either add some crocs or stones to the bottom of a container, or raise it up on pot feet to aid drainage.
'You will need to water peach trees grown in pots almost every day in the growing season, and repot them every few years' explains Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the RHS .
2. Crab apple tree
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Producing lovely pink blossom in spring, followed by their ornamental fruits in fall, crab apples are among the best trees to grow in pots.
When planting crab apples in containers, use a pot that is approximately 12-15in. (30-40cm), in a good quality and free draining loam based compost, explain the experts at Pomona Fruits .
Keep them well watered in the first growing season, watering them daily in warmer weather. They are also among the best trees for autumn color.
3. Amelanchier
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
A small, compact deciduous tree, amelanchier – known by a number of other names including juneberry, shadbush and sarvisberry – offers interest through the seasons. It produces lovely starry white flowers in spring, red and purple berries in summer through to fall, and its bronze tinged young leaves turn through green to the fiery colors of orange and red, making this undoubtedly one of the best trees to grow in pots .
Amelanchier prefers a spot in full sun, so move the container to the best spot throughout the year. Plant bare root trees for the most economical option, in ericaceous compost in a large pot.
4. Japanese maple tree
(Image credit: Ian West / Alamy Stock Photo)
Japanese maples trees – or acer palmatum – are ideal for smaller gardens, as they are slow growing and require minimal pruning or training. They also offer lovely fall color.
‘With a variety of showy cascades in foliage and colors ranging from vibrant greens to deep blood reds, this is a showcase tree for container growing,’ says Tammy Sons, owner of Tennessee Nursery .
‘Japanese maple trees do not grow to extreme heights, seldom reaching over 15 feet. My favorite varieties are 'Crimson Queen' and 'Bloodgood', with their added attribute of spectacular fall foliage.’
Meanwhile, Lisa Tadewaldt, arborist and owner of Urban Forest Pro , particularly favors the dwarf maple 'Sharp's Pygmy'.
‘They can live in a pot for hundreds of years,' she says. 'You can ignore them or pamper them – either way they always look great. This is a favorite of serious bonsai artists, and what I personally have on my deck in pots.’
Position Japanese maples in a cool spot that receives some shade during the hottest part of the day, and water regularly in the summer. They are perfect to include for Japanese garden ideas.
5. Lemon tree
(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)
‘I always think there is something very romantic about a lemon tree growing in a pot,’ says Aaron Bertelsen, author of Grow Fruit & Vegetables in Pots . ‘Perhaps it is the way the scent of the blossom fills a room, or the knowledge that rich people in the past would build dedicated lemon houses to shelter their highly prized trees.’
While lemon trees make fantastic house plants during the winter, they can grow happily outdoors during the spring and summer. This is why planting them in pots is the best solution, so you can bring them indoors in frosty weather.
You can even learn how to grow lemon from seed, to surround yourself with these uplifting trees.
‘Lemons are hungry plants, so make sure you use a good, soil-based compost, adding some grit or sharp sand to improve drainage,’ adds Bertelsen, who recommends the Meyer variety as it flowers throughout the year.
Make sure you understand how to prune lemon trees to get the best out of them, and let them dry out between waterings.
6. Dwarf conifers
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
Larger conifers are some of the best trees for privacy and screening in a backyard, but there are a number of smaller species that are perfect for pots.
Some recommended conifers to consider are dwarf varieties of cypress trees, yew trees, mountain pines, and Chinese juniper.
‘They are not top-heavy and have an equal branch structure from the central leader to the top,’ says Sons.
‘Evergreen conifers also offer year-round beauty and they can successfully be trimmed back in order for them to not overwhelm the container.
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7. Crepe Myrtle
(Image credit: Biosphoto / Alamy Stock Photo)
Crepe myrtle – or crape myrtle – is a striking tree that offers year-round interest, and grows very well in pots.
‘This beautiful tree has large trumpet-shaped flowers that often have an orange tint to them,’ says Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield . 'Crape myrtles also have good fall color, with attractive peeling bark. I love how the branches are always thick enough to handle being in pots.’
Choose from flowers of white, pink or purple, which bloom from late spring through summer. Some varieties flower until the first frost in fall.
Crepe myrtle trees need full sun to thrive, and in frost-prone areas will need to be overwintered in a greenhouse or conservatory. Learn how to prune crepe myrtle to keep your trees looking their best.
8. Bay tree
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
As well as creating a sculptural feature, bay trees are aromatic herbs that have wonderfully scented leaves that can be used in cooking fresh or dried.
Bay trees look particularly stunning in pairs flanking a doorway, or can be positioned next to seating areas on the patio for outdoor dining ideas. They thrive in containers and can be clipped into attractive ball or pyramid topiary shapes.
‘A bay tree is very easy to look after, provided you give it a good sunny spot and feed it regularly,’ says Bertelsen. ‘Prune every spring, both to keep it at the size you want it and to reduce any congestion.’
It’s a good idea to repot bay trees every few years to keep them healthy and encourage fresh growth. Bay trees are an excellent choice for planter box ideas.
9. Banana tree
(Image credit: Oleksandr Sokolenko / Alamy Stock Photo)
Banana trees are some of the best trees to grow in pots if you want to add a tropical garden idea to your patio. But bear in mind if you are growing a banana tree in the garden this will generally be for their ornamental leaves, rather than for fruit, unless you live in a climate of at least 60ºF (15°C) for most of the year.
‘If you live in a cooler climate, then a banana tree still brings a taste of tropics to your landscaping,’ says Tadewaldt. ‘The growth of these trees is usually stunted by the colder weather enough that they can live in the pot for an extended period of time.'
Smaller varieties of banana tree are particularly well suited to climates with colder winters, as they can be brought inside and enjoyed as a houseplant.
10. Rhododendron
(Image credit: Gina Kelly / Alamy Stock Photo)
As well as the popular shrubs, rhododendrons are also available in tree form – R. arboreum. Although after several decades they can eventually reach great heights of over 40 feet, they are slow-growing trees that will live happily for years in a pot, so it is worth learning how to grow rhododendrons.
‘I really like rhododendron – it is such a pretty flowering tree with red and white flowers in the summer,’ says Hyland. As an evergreen tree, it possesses attractive dark green leaves year round.
‘My favorite thing about it is its ability to thrive in stunted, acidic, or shallow soil conditions.’
Be sure you know how to prune rhododendron to keep your potted specimens under control.
11. Olive tree
(Image credit: Darren Chung)
If you want to create a Mediterranean garden, olive trees are ideal and perfectly suited to growing in containers, as they can be moved to safety during excessively cold winters.
‘Olive trees are not fond of winter, so make sure to cover them if you know a frost is coming,’ says Barbosa Fernandes.
‘They love warmth and sun, and they also do well in dry areas. However, they do need the right conditions to produce olives.’
In order for the trees to fruit, they will need two months with temperatures below 50°F (10°C), but above 14°F (-10°C), as well as fluctuation between day and night temperatures. Although self-fertile, olive trees benefit from cross pollination.
‘If you don’t have the right conditions to grow olives, don’t be too disappointed, as they’re such elegant evergreen trees,’ says Barbosa Fernandes.
‘Fertilize them in the spring for the best results.’
You also need to know how to prune olive trees to improve their shape and increase the chances of fruit production.
12. Wedding Cake Tree
(Image credit: Steffen Hauser / Botanikfoto / Alamy Stock Photo)
Also known as Cornus controversa 'Variegata', the wedding cake tree is a variegated dogwood tree.
‘The white in the leaves adds interest and it naturally grows in layers – like the layers of a cake, hence its name – and pruning will help to emphasize this form,’ says Tadewaldt.
However, regular pruning isn’t essential, and as the tree is slow-growing, it will live happily in its pot for a long time, as long as the soil is fertile.
‘Eventually, however, this tree will outgrow the pot and need to be transplanted,’ adds Tadewaldt.
13. Apple tree
(Image credit: Unsplash)
Smaller varieties of apple tree are perfect for growing in pots on the patio.
Not only are varieties grown on dwarf rootstock usually quicker to fruit, but they are often better quality than larger trees.
When choosing a variety of apple tree, you need to consider pollination. ‘Self-fertile cultivars are available, although it’s generally recommended to have at least two different partner trees nearby for cross-pollination,' explains Period Living’s gardening expert Leigh Clapp.
When planting apple trees in pairs, 'opt for different varieties of apple tree that flower at the same time.'
If you only have room for one apple tree, Red Falstaff is a great choice as it is heavy cropping and very hardy. Apples trees are among the best fast growing fruit trees so you will enjoy a well sized tree before you know it.
14. Starry magnolia
(Image credit: Getty Images)
While most types of magnolia will grow too large to plant in pots, starry magnolia is a more compact, bushy tree that produces the most beautiful white, star-shaped flowers.
The tree flowers in the spring and exudes a delicate fragrance, adding a romantic air to a patio seating area.
Position starry magnolia in a sheltered spot, and plant in neutral to acid soil that is well drained.
When established, they are low maintenance, and require only mulching in spring, and learn how to prune a magnolia tree lightly in the summer.
15. Kumquat
(Image credit: Francesco Maltinti / Alamy Stock Photo)
Citrus trees make for some of the best indoor trees, but you can grow them outside in the right climates.
‘If you’ve never tried kumquat, then you most definitely should – you can eat the entire thing, skin and all,’ says Barbosa Fernandes.
Producing small orange fruits and flowers that bloom in the summer, these compact trees can be easily grown in pots, and are one of the hardiest citrus fruits.
‘Position them in full sun, and plant in moist, well-draining soil. However, you don’t need to worry about cross-pollination or cold weather killing it down to 18°F (-8°C),’ adds Barbosa Fernandes.
What trees can remain in pots?
Trees can remain in pots indefinitely if you can find a container large enough to accommodate their maximum mature size. Otherwise, you will need to plant them in the ground when they grow too large.
Opt for dwarf varieties of container-friendly trees, such as Japanese maples and small conifers. Bay trees, small citrus trees and olive trees are also good options.
Bear in mind that most trees will need potting on to a larger container every few years, when they have outgrown their pot.
(Image credit: Darren Chung)
Can trees survive in pots over winter?
Some trees can survive in pots over winter, but this will largely depend on your local climate.
In warmer regions, for example, citrus trees can stay outside year round, but in regions that experience cold winter nights of below 50°F (10°C), they will need to be brought inside.
Japanese maple trees are excellent choices for pots in most climates, and can survive very cold winters where temperatures reach as low as -20°F (-28°C).
What are the best evergreen trees for pots?
There are a number of best evergreen trees for pots. These include Rhododendron arboreum, bay trees, conifers, Japanese holly and Italian cypress – to name but a few. There are many other options you can find to suit the conditions in your garden and area where you live.
As editor of Period Living, Britain's best-selling period homes magazine, Melanie loves the charm of older properties. I live in a rural village just outside the Cotswolds in England, so am lucky to be surrounded by beautiful homes and countryside, where I enjoy exploring. Having worked in the industry for almost two decades, Melanie is interested in all aspects of homes and gardens. Her previous roles include working on Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating, and she has also contributed to Gardening Etc. She has an English degree and has also studied interior design. Melanie frequently writes for Homes & Gardens about property restoration and gardening.
The 9 Best Small Trees For Pots In Full Sun
Small backyards and apartment balconies restrict what you can grow. And when those outdoor spaces receive full sun, it can make finding plants for your container garden difficult. You might even think that trees are off the table completely. But we have good news — there are a variety of small trees that grow well in sunny locations. Today, we’ve selected some of the best small trees for pots in full sun to help you get started.
Citrus trees, fig trees, and olive trees allow you to make the most of your limited garden space by providing you with homegrown fruits. Evergreen trees, like the Dwarf Mugo Pine and the Dwarf Italian Cypress, provide yearlong greenery. And Ornamental Cherry and Crabapple trees decorate your tiny backyard with gorgeous blooms in the spring.
9 Best Small Trees for Pots in Full Sun
Tiny backyards and apartment patios often restrict you to growing dwarf trees in pots. Some small backyards are located entirely in the shade, making finding small trees to suit the space even trickier.
But if your little backyard gets full sun, you may be wondering which trees will work for you. Here are 9 fantastic small trees that can tolerate 6+ hours of sunlight per day.
Meyer Lemon (zones 4 through 11)
Citrus trees are a popular choice for container and patio gardens. These trees grow exceptionally well in full sun, and they tend to produce more fruit than their taller relatives. The Meyer Lemon tree is a delicious hybrid cross of a lemon tree and an orange tree. The resulting fruits aren’t the tart, ultra-sour lemons you’re used to buying from the grocery store. But rather, they’re mild and sweet. You can peel them and eat them straight from the tree, instead of saving them for baking or making lemonade.
Meyer Lemon trees max out at around 8 feet. Lemons can be harvested between October and March. These trees are self-fertile, so you don’t have to purchase more than one if you don’t want to. Plant your Meyer Lemon tree in a mixture of cactus potting soil and compost.
Water the tree whenever the soil feels dry about an inch down, so roughly every other day.
‘Coralburst’ Crabapple (zones 4 through 8)
Beautiful and compact, the ‘Coralburst’ Crabapple tree is covered in coral-colored flower buds that open to produce delicate pink blooms every spring. These sweetly-fragrant flowers attract tons of pollinators, from butterflies to bees. And in the fall months, these trees can bring even more wildlife to your yard. Birds, squirrels, and other hungry foragers love to nibble on the Crabapple’s orange fruits.
‘Coralburst’ Crabapple trees have a moderate growth rate. They reach 10 feet at maturity and have a maximum spread of 15 feet. It’s best to plant these trees in moderately fertile soil that drains well, so it’s not sitting in water. Once established, this tree is incredibly drought-resistant, only requiring weekly waterings. Overall, the ‘Coralburst’ Crabapple is an aromatic, colorful addition to your small patio garden.
Dwarf Mugo Pine (zones 2 through 8)
This tree’s short stature of 5 feet relative to its wide spread of 10 feet makes it an interesting addition to your potted garden. The Dwarf Mugo Pine tree is slow-growing, but it performs best in full sun in nutrient-rich, well-drained soils. Its hardy nature and easy care requirements make it a fantastic ornamental for your potted patio garden.
As a pine tree, this is an evergreen that produces deep green needles throughout the year. The foliage may take on a lime or yellow-green color during the winter months when sunlight is scarce. While the Dwarf Mugo Pine enjoys regular weekly waterings, it’s incredibly drought-tolerant, so it’s a good choice for anyone with a small backyard space who lives in the Southern portion of the U.S.
Dwarf mugo pine tree in potVitex (zones 5 through 9)
Also known as the Chasteberry tree, Vitex has been used to treat hormonal conditions for centuries. This medicinal plant is hardy and low-maintenance, the perfect choice for anyone who has limited garden space and equally limited time to tend to their plants.
Vitex trees thrive in full trees sun, where they grow at a moderate pace.
In the early summer months, the Vitex tree produces clusters of pretty blue-purple flowers along tall stalks, which contrast nicely with the plant’s muted green, bushy foliage. Vitex trees prefer moderately fertile soil that drains well. They don’t need to be fertilized, or even pruned, but they do need to be watered once or twice a week, especially during dry spells. This will help encourage growth so your Vitex can reach its maximum height of 15 feet.
Vitex tree in potSikitita Olive (zones 4 through 11)
Featuring silvery green foliage similar to other Mediterranean natives, like bee-favorite rosemary and easy-growing thyme, the Sikitita Olive tree produces earlier than most other olive trees. You can harvest a multitude of sweet and savory olives between October and November to make salads, sauces, and pickled vegetable mixes.
The Sikitita Olive tree doesn’t just grow well in full sun, it needs full sun to thrive.
Because it only grows to be 10 feet tall, it’s well-suited to growing in pots. Plant your Sikitita Olive tree in well-drained soil, being sure to water it thoroughly whenever the soil dries out. This tree is self-fertile, so it can produce on its own. Feed your Sikitita with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer like 17-6-10 to help improve production.
Dwarf Italian Cypress (zones 8 through 10)
The Dwarf Italian Cypress tree’s narrow linear shapes make it a dramatic ornamental choice for small garden spaces. These trees are perfect for growing in pots on opposite sides of exterior doorways or lining up along a bare wall of your house. Though these trees are slow-growing, they can tolerate full sun conditions very well. At 10 years, these trees reach 7 to 9 feet tall. At maturity, they can grow to 25 to 30 feet, but they can be trimmed back over the years to maintain their small height.
Dwarf Italian Cypress trees are fairly low-maintenance. They need to be pruned regularly to maintain a manicured appearance.
And they’re fairly drought-tolerant, too, requiring only weekly waterings once they’re established. For best results, grow your Dwarf Italian Cypress in soil that drains well and use a general-purpose fertilizer to feed it every spring.
‘Red Dragon’ Japanese Maple (zones 5 through 8)
With a thick trunk, twisting branches, and eye-catching red leaves that cascade in a weeping fashion, the ‘Red Dragon’ Japanese Maple tree is a breathtaking choice for your patio garden. These trees max out at 12 feet, and grow just as wide, giving them an attractive uniform shape. The best part about the ‘Red Dragon’ Japanese Maple is that it’s highly adaptable, growing well in partial shade and full sun conditions.
This variety of Japanese Maple can grow well in nutrient-poor soils as long as it’s well-drained. They prefer to be watered regularly and don’t need to be fed to produce their stunning foliage. This tree’s gorgeous leaves make it an excellent focal point for your small garden from spring, when new leaves emerge a bright cherry red, to fall when mature foliage takes on a rich scarlet hue.
LSU Purple Fig (zones 7 through 10)
Figs are delicious picked straight from the tree, but they make excellent preserves, too. The LSU Purple Fig tree produces early, usually in its first year, and matures at 5 years, when it reaches its maximum height of 10 feet. This fig tree is self-fertile and requires very little care. All it needs to produce is to be planted in full sun in well-drained soil where it can be watered twice a week.
The LSU Purple Fig tree was created by the Louisiana State University College of Agriculture to be disease-resistant and to produce more fruit than other fig trees. So with very little effort, you can enjoy fresh figs every year between July and October. The LSU Purple Fig is well-suited to the Southern and coastal regions of the United States, where humidity is high and the temperatures are even higher. It’s perfect for full-sun container gardens.
LSU purple fig tree in potSnow Fountains Weeping Cherry (zones 5 through 7)
You don’t have to have a huge yard to grow a weeping tree.
Snow Fountains Weeping Cherry trees have sturdy trunks with gray to brown bark and oval, bright green leaves that cascade around them like vines, sometimes reaching down to the ground. In the spring, each branch is covered in white blossoms that draw the attention of local pollinators.
The Snow Fountains Weeping Cherry tree makes a lovely focal point when grown in a decorative pot. Plant these trees in full sun and in soil that drains well. Keep the soil moist, but not muddy, by watering it moderately every other day to every third day. And while these trees certainly don’t need to be fed to perform well, giving them a slow-release general-purpose fertilizer every spring will help boost flower and foliage production.
Snow fountain weeping cherry tree in potGrowing small trees in pots: a few extra tips
Whichever trees you choose to grow in your small garden, be sure to plant them in well-drained soil. Soggy soil contributes to root rot, which can be fatal to any plant.
Additionally, you should check your plant’s soil regularly, as trees that are grown in pots and under full sun dry out faster than those grown in the shade.
No matter how tiny your growing space is, there’s a tree to help you fill it! With the help of these 10 best small trees for pots in full sun, you can finally turn your little backyard into the landscape of your dreams.
+20 plants that support a lot of sun
Image - Flickr / ukgardenphotos
There are many plants that support a lot of sun, but there are some that can only withstand it as an adult. That's why, when we don't have shade on our terrace, patio, or garden, we should look for those that can be exposed to direct sun exposure from an early age; or, otherwise, those that adapt quickly.
For this reason we are going to show you a few species that , based on experience and knowledge, they not only grow well in sunny places, but if they have been in partial shade, they will quickly get used to direct sunlight.
If you want to know how heat affects plants, watch the video:
Index
- 1 Choosing sun-tolerant plants
- 1.1 Agave
- 1.2 Bamboo
- 1.0003
Agave
Image - Wikimedia / Emke Dénes
Agaves are plants that have rosette-shaped leaves, green in color and end in sharp tips . The edges are usually spiky except in some species such as Agave attenuata .
The height varies from one to another, but in general they grow up to 40 centimeters. Of course, they bloom only once, producing a stem 2 meters high; later they die, leaving suckers and seeds. Subscribe to our Youtube channel
Bamboo
Image - Wikimedia / Callerna
Bamboo These are rhizomatous plants that usually have very tall reed-shaped stems, over 20 meters in height; although there are species in which they are much shorter than Like Pseudozasa japonica (5 meters) and some can even be considered dwarfs like Pleioblastus pumilus (between 0.30 and 5 meters in height). These are plants that, although they tolerate partial shade well, develop better if grown in open sun from the first day.
Date
Image - Wikimedia / Naman Gupta
La date This is a palm tree typical of arid and semi-arid regions where it lives in the sun. Still, is a plant with several thin trunks, the height of which is 12 meters.
. But sometimes it will only have one, either because genetically it shouldn't produce it, or because it's in an area where the gardener removes its suckers. If we talk about its leaves, then they are pinnate, bluish-green, long. Dates ripen in summer. Lavender
La lavender is a sunny plant that grows like a shrub or, as we say in the popular Castilian language, "mata". Reaches a height of up to 1 meter, forms flowers in purple inflorescences. The whole thing gives off a very pleasant scent, but the smell repels some very annoying insects like mosquitoes. . For this reason, it is interesting to grow it in gardens in warm, sunny regions. In addition, you should know that he survives with a small amount of water.
Olivo
Image - Wikimedia / Burkhard Mücke
El olive tree is an evergreen tree that reaches a height of 15 meters. . Over time, its trunk thickens and twists. It is a fruit tree grown for its olives, but also because it is one of those that needs the fewest cold hours to produce fruit.
In addition, it is ideal for dry gardens as it does not require much water to grow. rosebush
El rosebush This shrub, usually deciduous, blooms from spring to late summer or autumn depending on the weather. There are many varieties: some have red flowers, others are yellow, others are white, others are pink... Some even have a scent. But they are all plants that can withstand a lot of sun.
Yucca
Image - Flickr / James St. John
Plants of the genus Yucca are succulent evergreen shrubs that may or may not develop a more or less tall stem , about 5 meters high, from which rosettes and pointed leaves grow, usually green, but there are also variegated (green with yellow edges). In addition to being sun tolerant, they resist drought very well, which is why they are widely used as dry garden plants.
Terrace plants with lots of sun
Now we will tell you about five plants that can be grown in pots on a terrace in direct sunlight.
They are, unlike many we have seen so far, smaller, so their growth is easier to control: Aeonium
Aeonium These are succulents or non-cactus succulents that do very well in full sun if they have been acclimatized beforehand (or if they have germinated in the sun). There are about seventy different varieties, and that's not counting hybrids and cultivars. They all form a rosette of leaves, which usually grow from a more or less short stem. These leaves are green, brown, bicolor or tricolor. They are resistant to drought and occasional frosts down to -2ºC, although Aeonium woody y el Aeonium haworthii they can withstand even higher temperatures, down to -4ºC, without being damaged.
Bay (
Ethiopian Zantedeschia )Calla is a perennial rhizomatous plant reaching a height of about 30-100 centimeters. It blooms in spring, forming white or other colors (yellow, orange, red, pink). While it can be in partial shade, it grows best in full sun.
Yes, indeed, frost destroys its leaves , but the rhizome can withstand up to -12ºC. Formion (
Tormium tenax )Image - Wikimedia/David J. Stang
El formium or New Zealand flax is a perennial plant growing up to 3 meters in height. Its leaves are xiphoid and leathery, green, red or variegated. . They can be up to 2 meters long. It blooms in summer, producing clusters of reddish-orange flowers that emerge from the center of the plant. He needs a lot of sun and heat, although he can withstand up to -5ºC.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus)
A copy of my collection.
Shrubs and small trees of the genus Hibiscus These are very beautiful plants reaching a height of 1 to 5 meters. The flowers are usually large, about 5-7 cm in diameter, very bright colors (white, yellow, orange, red, lilac). They all need direct sun, although if you live in a frosty area we recommend buying pink hibiscus from Syria.
( Hibiscus syriacus ), which grows up to 4 meters and is resistant to -10ºC (Chinese rose, Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis , withstands only weak and short-term frosts down to -2ºC). Star Jasmine (
Jasmine Trachelospermum )Image - Flickr / Cyril Nelson
El star jasmine or false jasmine is an evergreen vine that can reach a height of 10 meters. It has dark green leaves and produces white flowers with five petals, very similar to true jasmine flowers. (Jasmine). But unlike this, it is much more resistant to cold and frost: it holds up to -8ºC.
Dwarf palm (
Phoenix Chopped )Image - Wikimedia/David J. Stang
La dwarf palm This is one of the few types of palm that can be grown in pots, although it is important that it is planted in a larger one as it grows. pot. Reaches a height of 2-3 meters, has pinnate leaves up to 1-1.5 meters in length. . Its trunk remains thin throughout life, its thickness does not exceed 20 centimeters.
Withstands down to -3ºC. Sarracenia
Las Sarracenia they are sun-loving carnivorous plants. In fact, they are one of those who need it the most. They have tubular leaves filled with water and attract their prey by producing nectar on top of each. . These traps are also very beautiful because, depending on the variety, they can be green, reddish, green-yellowish or multi-colored (for example, half green and half white with reddish or purple nerves. Of course, they cannot be grown in the floor. follow the link for obtaining additional information
Flowers that hold the sun
If you are interested in flowers, let's look at some of them that need to be grown in sunny places so that they can grow and bloom properly: carnation or carnation is a perennial or living plant about 30 centimeters tall but can reach one meter. Blooms in panicles of very bright colors such as reds, pinks or yellows in spring and summer. .
But to do this, you need to be directly in front of the Star King, otherwise he will not prosper. Dimorphotheca (Dimorphotheca and Osteospermum)
Plants known as dimorphic libraries they reach a height of about 30 centimeters but can reach 1 meter in width. as they are upholstery. Its stems extend in all directions, forming a small green carpet with small white, orange, pink or lilac flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Of course, they do not resist trampling, but are interesting for a rock garden or a large planter of those whose length is about 80 centimeters or more. They tolerate frosts down to -3ºC.
Gazania (
Gazania Rigens )La gazania This is a small herbaceous plant that reaches a height of about 20 centimeters. It has leaves with dark green upperside and whitish underside, and from spring to summer it produces flowers about 3 centimeters in diameter, reminiscent of daisy flowers. They are yellow, white, orange or red, and they have the peculiarity that they open only on sunny days and close at sunset .
Therefore, in no case should you put it in the shade, otherwise it will not bloom. Withstands down to -4ºC. Geranium (geranium and pelargonium)
geranium and pelargonium These are widely cultivated plants because of their flowers. They reach an approximate height of 30 to 50 centimeters and bloom in spring, summer and sometimes autumn if the weather is warm. They are ideal for growing in pots, although they are also grown in the garden. Yes indeed, it is very important to carry out preventive treatments against geranium moth at least from spring to autumn , but if you live in a warm climate, you must do it in winter as well, otherwise we would run out of plants . You can use an insecticide like this and grind up the whole plant and soil. They do not withstand severe frosts, only weak and frequent down to -2ºC.
Sunflower (Helianthus)
If there is a sun-loving plant, it is the sunflower. It is a herb that sprouts in spring and wilts in early fall.
produces yellow or rarely red flowers . It can reach 1 meter in height and is very interesting because it produces an edible fruit: smoking pipes, which are a delicious snack. Would you like to know how seeds are sown? Watch this video to find out exactly how it's done:
Primula
Primroses, also known as primroses, are perennial plants that grow up to 40 centimeters in height and bloom very early in winter or early spring. Its flowers are grouped in inflorescences, and can be of different colors: white, yellow, pink, lilac. . They are very fond of direct sun, without which they cannot have normal development. It withstands down to -1ºC without damage. In cooler climates, it is grown as an annual, as it begins to flower and produce seeds as early as its first year.
Verbena (
Hybrid Verbena )La Verbena This is a perennial herb that is usually grown as an annual due to its low cold tolerance. There are two types, one with a vertical support reaching 50 centimeters and the other with an outstretched support growing over 20-30 centimeters in height. . It blooms in summer and produces white, red, pink, blue or yellow flowers. Withstands mild frosts down to -3ºC.
Do you know other plants that support a lot of sun?
10 plants that can withstand frost and lots of sun
Is your garden, patio or balcony in a very open area? If so, don't worry, as there are many plants that tolerate cold and direct sun exposure very well: flowers, shrubs, palm trees, trees... There is such a variety that we have selected those that are easier to get in baby stores, so you won't have to wait long to decorate the space as you wish.
- 8 Olivilla (Teucrium fruticans)
- 9 Raised palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)
- 10 Rose bush (Rosa spp)
Chica (
Cycas Revoluta ) 90 Cycas revolta Its leaves are one meter long.
La Cica It is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 4 or 5 meters in height, rarely reaching 7 meters. It has a false trunk up to 20 centimeters thick and pinnate leaves up to 1 meter long. They are green and leathery. It blooms in spring and summer, although it takes many years, about 50. He needs a lot of light, even direct sun, and he is not afraid of frosts, if they are not very strong. : in fact, it is stable down to -5ºC.
Would you like to have one? Press here.
Common cypress (
evergreen cypress )Subscribe to our Youtube channel
El common cypress, also called Mediterranean cypress, is an evergreen conifer that loves direct sun. Reaches a height of up to 30 meters, has dark green scaly leaves. There are two varieties: horizontal and pyramidal, the latter being the most widely grown. . It tolerates frosts down to -15ºС.
Date (
Phoenix dactylifera )La date This is a palm tree that usually develops several stems up to 50 centimeters thick, although it can be seen as a single specimen (only one).
In any case, we are talking about a plant that reaches 30 meters in height, with pinnate and prickly leaves, bluish-green in color. As you know, it produces edible dates that ripen in summer. In addition, This plant is resistant to drought and frost down to -4ºC. . Dimorphoteka
La Dimorphotheca pluvialis It is a perennial herbaceous plant reaching a height of 40 centimeters, with white or yellowish flowers about 4 centimeters in diameter, similar to daisies. It can be very pretty in a windowsill, but it can also be used as a hanging plant. . Withstands frosts down to -4ºС.
El Durillo (
Tin viburnum )Image - Wikimedia / Retama
El Durillo It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that reaches a maximum height of 7 meters. Its leaves are green, bright green on the upper side and lighter on the underside. It blooms in spring with numerous small white or pink flowers about 2 centimeters wide.
It is so beautiful that it looks great anywhere as long as it is not exposed to direct sunlight. . In addition, it can withstand temperatures down to -10ºC. Star Jasmine (
Jasmine Trachelospermum )Image - Wikimedia / Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
El star jasmine or milky jasmine is an evergreen climbing plant that reaches a height of 7 to 10 meters if maintained. The leaves are simple, oval to lanceolate, shiny, dark green on the upper side and lighter on the underside. Its flowers are white, fragrant and about 2 centimeters in size. This plant can be grown in large pots or in the ground, always in a sunny spot to flower well. . Withstands up to -12ºC.
Don't be without him Tuyo.
Lilo (
Common lilac )Image - Wikimedia / Salicina
El LILO This is a deciduous tree reaching a maximum height of 7 meters, although it can be lower, as it tolerates pruning if done in autumn or late winters, if it is a young specimen.
The leaves are green and lanceolate, and in spring it forms fragrant lilac, mauve or white flower panicles. He loves the sun and frost is no problem for him : resistant down to -20ºC. Buy seeds from here.
Olivilla (
Teucrium shrub )Image - Flickr / José Maria Escolano
La olive tree It is an evergreen shrub with a height of 50 to 200 centimeters. It has small oval leaves with an olive green upper surface and a whitish underside. Its flowers are also small, as they are about 2 centimeters long. They germinate in spring, are grouped in inflorescences and have a lilac color. The most interesting thing is that resists pruning well, so it can be grown in pots, window boxes, or in the garden. Withstands up to -12ºC.
Palm Raised (
Trachycarpus Fortunei )Image - Wikimedia/Georges Seguin (Occhi)
El Palm Raised It is a palm tree with a single trunk (false trunk) about 20 centimeters thick and 12 meters high.
It has palmate leaves about half a meter long and about 70 centimeters wide, green in color. Its growth rate is slow, but it is a plant that greatly decorates the garden from a young age. . Similarly, it is resistant to cold and frost down to -15ºC, although young specimens may suffer at -8ºC. Rose bush (Rosa spp)
El rose bush It is a thorny bush that cannot be missing in any garden or outdoors, which is very exposed to direct sunlight and does not have much protection. This is a very hardy plant that blooms most of the year and is easy to care for. as you just have to try and water it moderately and prune it to keep it producing flowers. In the video we explain how to do it in a simple way.
