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Small tree for planter box


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. ’ 

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.

13 Best Small Trees for Patios

By

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 12/19/22

Reviewed by

Kathleen Miller

Reviewed by Kathleen Miller

Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens, a working sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column. She has over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

The Spruce / Tara Anand

Small trees on patios or decks can serve as natural focal points, add privacy, frame views, provide shade, and even bear fruit. Many of these trees can grow well in containers or raised beds. Some have special features, including flowers, attractive bark, and vivid fall colors. However, the features of certain trees might be too messy for your taste, dropping seeds, flowers, fruits, and more. So it's important to know all of a tree's traits, as well as whether it thrives in your climate, before committing. Here are 13 of the best small trees to grow around a patio or deck.

Tip

To find the right tree for your space, first consider its mature height and width. Also, note whether its roots tend to crack or lift up pavement, which wouldn't be ideal right next to a patio. And if you plan to grow your tree in a container, make sure you'll be able to repot it whenever the roots need more space.

25 Popular Small Trees for Landscaping

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Queen Palm Problems. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

  2. Disease and Insect Resistant Ornamental Plants. Cornell Cooperative Extension.

  3. Fire Blight of Ornamental Pear. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Research and Extension.

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Gardening - in the country or in the walls of a city apartment - can be even more interesting if you approach the process with a bit of creativity: we have compiled a shortlist of ideas that you You will definitely like it

Not only owners of small apartments and fans of hand-made pieces of furniture and decor can use IKEA bestsellers for their own purposes - the products of the Swedish brand will also be a great help for gardeners: a little imagination - and ordinary things turn into an original garden or window sill decoration. In a word, today we are telling how to replace banal flower pots and flower beds. nine0003

Double two

Decorating your garden with original decor is easier and more affordable than you think. You will need two regular flower pots, your favorite plants, and some inspiration.

Successfully hooked

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Non-standard use of ordinary things is a safe way to add zest to the interior. Try turning a vintage lantern into a flower pot: it will be the perfect "home" for small plants - for example, succulents.

Colour-out

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Upgrade your regular colander with paint and strong string. Now it remains to decorate it with flowers and hang it on a hook - a bright planter is ready!

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Compact picture shelf hanging around? Plant small indoor plants in it and let nature into your living room, kitchen or bedroom.

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Glasses from scented candles are also useful in everyday life - it is very convenient to grow flowers in these glass containers. And yet, you see, they look much more original than standard planters. nine0003

Line up

Attach a metal wine bottle holder to the fence and use it instead of a flower frame. You can also use the trick in the walls of the kitchen - growing herbs in this way is very convenient - they are always at hand!

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A classic made from renewable raw materials

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