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Small trees for border


The Best Trees for Privacy Screening in Big and Small Yards

Regardless of whether your yard is large or small, privacy is something everyone is looking for. While the old saying “fences make good neighbors” is definitely true, I’d much rather gain some much-needed backyard solitude by using lush, green plants instead of a stiff, boring fence. Thankfully, there are may great privacy trees for yards both big and small. They shield your outdoor space from nosey neighbors, help buffer street noise, and create the sense of seclusion necessary to make your yard a peaceful haven. Today, I’d like to introduce you to some of the best trees for privacy.

Great trees to screen out neighbors and noise have several things in common. They’re evergreen, low maintenance, and easy to find on the market.

What do all good trees for privacy have in common?

Before looking at which specific varieties of trees are best for screening, it’s important to discuss the traits all good privacy trees have in common.

1. Privacy trees are easy to grow.

Fussy trees are not a good fit for creating privacy. If a tree is difficult to grow, or it won’t survive in a broad diversity of soil and sunlight conditions, I don’t bother using it for this purpose. I need something tough that doesn’t have to be coddled.

2. Trees for screening are evergreen.

Since privacy is something most of us want year-round, why use a deciduous tree that drops its leaves every winter? Dense evergreens with thick branches are the best trees for privacy.

3. Trees to create privacy are easy to find on the market.

What’s the use of learning about the best trees for privacy only to discover you can’t find them at your favorite local nursery? All of the trees on this list are common finds at regional garden centers and online nurseries.

4. Privacy trees are pretty.

Most folks who install plantings for privacy want the results of their efforts to be attractive. They want to look at soft green foliage, not ugly plant shapes, needles, or leaves.

5. The best trees to create seclusion can be planted close together.

Most plantings for privacy are spaced fairly tight. Some evergreens need lots of room to grow and don’t do well so close to their neighbors. The best trees for privacy thrive in dense plantings.

Privacy plantings along streets and property lines should be thickly planted.

6. Evergreens used to create a backyard retreat are easy to maintain.

Yes, you’ll have to water your privacy trees deeply and regularly, at least for the first year after planting. But the best trees for privacy don’t have to be pruned, deadheaded, fertilized, or otherwise maintained. Plus, they’re pest resistant and tough-as-nails.

7. The best trees for screening grow taller than eye level.

To block the neighbor’s view, you need plants that reach at least 6 to 8 feet in height. Many of the trees on my list grow much taller. If you live in a smaller yard and want a privacy tree that tops out at a particular height, pay extra attention to the mature dimensions of each variety.

8. Privacy trees are moderate to fast growers.

There’s no place for slow-growing trees when it comes to creating a living fence. Since you likely don’t want to wait 10 years for your solitude, you need varieties that grow fairly quickly.

Based on these 8 essential traits, here’s my list of the perfect plants for the job.

The best trees for privacy

Leyland Cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii)

This beautiful evergreen has dense, feathery branches in the most lovely shade of green. It’s a quick grower, adding several feet to its height each year. Fully evergreen, Leyland cypress is an all-around winner. Hardy down to -10 degrees F, it has few pests, but it grows very tall. Reaching up to 60 feet in height and about 10 feet wide, this tree for screening can block even the rowdiest neighbor! Makes a great hedge when planted on 8 to 10 foot centers.

Here, a homeowner uses a planting of Leyland cypress to block traffic noise and create privacy along their property line.

Lawson Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana)

Oh how I love this privacy tree! We have three on the side of our house, blocking our view of the neighbor’s house from our dining room table. Hardy down to -20 degrees F, this low-maintenance tree is one of the best trees for privacy. The evergreen foliage is soft and lush. Lawson’s cypress grows very large. It’s well over 40 feet at maturity with a 20 foot spread (though in the wild it grows much larger). There are a few compact cultivars that stay smaller and are worth seeking out for urban yards.

Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)

For decades, arborvitae have reigned supreme when it comes to the best trees for privacy and rightfully so. Unbelievably hardy (down to -40 degrees F) with deep green foliage and almost zero maintenance, arborvitae tolerate a vast array of soil conditions. Reaching 20 to 30 feet tall and 10 feet wide, few plants have the power to create solitude the way this one does. There are many cultivars of this privacy tree for small yards and large, including ‘Green Giant’ and ‘Emerald Green’. Arborvitae can be planted close together, about 5 to 6 feet on center.

Tall, narrow evergreens, such as these arborvitae, make excellent screens while creating intimate spaces in the garden.

Concolor Fir (Abies concolor)

This evergreen tree for privacy is noteworthy for several reasons. Its gray-blue needles are chubby and soft. And its natural conical shape requires no pruning. Toping out at 40 feet high and 20 feed wide, concolor firs are hardy to -40 degrees F and offer a great amount of winter interest. Skip this selection if your soil is poorly drained or if you live in the heat and humidity of the south. A tree with few insect and disease problems, you’ll find it to have a moderate growth rate. It’s a perfect choice for large properties.

Dense evergreens such as concolor fir make great living fences.

Red Cedar (Juniperus virginana)

Another great tree for blocking out the neighbors or the street, red cedars survive winters down to -50 degrees and are native across much of Eastern North America. Deer dislike them, and they shrug off drought and city pollution like a champ. Plus, the prickly foliage keeps wayward neighborhood kids in bounds. With dense growth and a mature height around 30 feet, red cedars are a great fit for tall hedgerows when planted 8 feet apart.

Dragon Lady holly (Ilex x aquipernyi ‘Meschick’ DRAGON LADY)

The only broad-leaved evergreen tree for privacy on this list, dragon lady holly offers many benefits. First, the prickly leaves deter deer and other animals (including humans). Next, dragon lady is an excellent hedge plant for small yards. It grows just 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide at maturity. The leaves are a very dark green. Since hollies are dioecious (meaning plants are either male or female) and dragon lady is a female, you’ll need a male plant nearby to pollinate if you want to see beautiful red berries. Good varieties for the job are ‘Blue Prince’ and ‘Blue Stallion’. Hardy to -10 degrees F, this hybrid holly is columnar in form which makes it great for narrow yards.

Dragon Lady holly is dark green and lush, perfect for property lines.

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

If you’re looking for a massive plant to block out a massive view, white pine is it. Long-needled and soft, white pines survive winters down to -40 degrees F. They max out at 60 feet tall and 30 feet wide. Stately trees that are tolerant of city pollution, white pines are quick growing and bear elongated cones. This is not a good plant for the humid south. While it has more pest issues than other plants on this list (including weevils, shoot borers, and sawflies), it’s still a privacy tree worth considering for large areas.

Japanese false cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera)

One of the best trees for privacy, false cypress is feathery and soft. Shorter cultivars, such as Soft Serve®, top out at just 6 feet tall, while the straight species grows to 60 feet in the wilds of Japan. The pyramidal form of this tree requires no pruning to maintain. Look for cultivars with blue-, silver-, and yellow-colored foliage, too. Some of my favorites include the Squarrosa types and the Plumosa types. The Mop types are too short for privacy plantings. ‘Filifera’ tops out at 6 feet tall and “weeps”. Most varieties are hardy to -30 degrees F. This is an excellent plant for screening.

I hope you’ve found the perfect privacy tree for your yard on this list. Remember to keep new plantings well-watered for the first year, and mulch them well – but never pile mulch up against the trunk. With time and care, your yard is sure to become your own personal “fortress of solitude” before you know it (minus Superman, of course).

For more on the best trees and shrubs for your yard:

What have you done to create a privacy screen in your yard? Tell us about it in the comment section below.

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Best trees for small gardens: 11 top picks for less-than-large plots

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Introducing one of the best trees for small gardens to your outdoor space will bring many benefits. As well as being a strong focal point, trees create dappled shade, attract wildlife, and clean the air. Plus, with their ever-changing foliage, blossom and fruits, there is always something new to look at as the seasons roll around. 

But, when considering small garden ideas, planting a tree might not be at the forefront of your mind. In fact, the thought may leave you feeling a little apprehensive. Yes, some are definitely best left to bigger backyards. But if you choose carefully, there are plenty of trees which can enhance even a tiny courtyard, without causing problems by getting too tall or bushy. So why not factor one in?

Best trees for small gardens: 11 types to try in your backyard

We've rounded up the best trees for small gardens below, to make it easy for you to find the perfect variety for your space.  

1. Olive

An olive tree in the Julius XXL Tuscan pot from Gardenesque

(Image credit: Gardenesque)

Olives are slow growing, reaching up to 6.5ft (2m) in 8–10 years, which makes them perfectly suited to smaller spaces. The silvery gray foliage stays intact year-round and they will thrive in a container. 

When planting, add a spade of horticultural grit to the soil to ensure good drainage. They can be 'standards' – that is, trees with a bare trunk and a shaped rounded top, or for a less formal effect, they can be left to grow irregularly. 

Olive trees need a sheltered spot to survive the winter. If you live in an exposed area, or your garden is in a frost pocket, wrap them up in some horticultural fleece if freezing conditions are forecast. Between April and October, feed olive trees once a month with a tomato feed. And keep them hydrated during the summer, watering until the liquid flows from the bottom of the pot. If they start to shed their leaves, a drink of water, a light prune and some food should solve the problem.

They'll add a lovely Mediterranean touch to your outdoor seating space. If you're looking for more small patio ideas, you'll find plenty in our feature.

2. Silver birch

Silver birches add an elegant accent to a garden

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It is hard to beat the pale beauty of a silver birch tree and the good news is that there are varieties which are suited to smaller gardens. 

Betula utilis jacqumontii is a medium-sized tree with an elegant, slender shape. It will grow to approximately 23ft x 11.5ft (7m x 3.5m) over 20 years. Hardy and suited to all kinds of soil and conditions, it has airy green leaves in the spring and yellowy brown catkins, then turns a glorious golden yellow in autumn. Once the leaves have fallen, the snowy white bark is revealed, which is a stunning feature in itself. 

The tree is easy to care for: simply prune any dead or damaged branches in late summer to midwinter. If the bark looks grubby, it can be washed with plain water and a sponge.  

Jeremy Hall, Group Plant Buyer at Squire's Garden Centers particularly recommends the 'Snow Queen' variety – it 'has very pronounced white bark from an early age,' and 'also encourages bio-diversity as it supports an array of insects that birds love.'

Silver birch trees can be planted in the ground as 'bare roots' between November and February, providing the ground is frost-free – so add them to your list of winter garden jobs. Container versions can be planted at any time. Keep the area around them weed-free for the first few years. 

3. Amelanchier 

White blossom followed by copper-hued foliage make an amelanchier a lovely feature

(Image credit: Massimiliano Finzi/Moment/Getty Images)

These small deciduous trees, also known as Juneberry and serviceberry, have clusters of dreamy white star-shaped flowers on soft copper colored foliage in the spring. The leaves then turn to dramatic fiery reds and vivid orange in autumn. 

Try Amelanchier lamarkii 'Ballerina', as this variety will not grow taller or spread wider than 13–16. 5ft (4–5m). Or, as recommended by Jeremy Hall of Squire’s Garden Centers, opt for 'Snow Flakes', which grows to a similar height. It is 'covered in snowy white flowers in spring that are loved by bees,' then 'has glossy reddish purple berries which the birds adore followed by a blaze of autumn color.'

Despite the delicate blossom, these are hardy trees, which can cope with damp conditions and most soil types, although they do prefer clay or sandy soil. Our guide to soil types will give you a helping hand if you're unsure.

4. Magnolia

A magnolia will always turn heads in spring

(Image credit: Klaus Steinkamp/Alamy Stock Photo)

The dramatic over-sized tulip-shaped blossoms in spring make the magnolia a real statement tree. 

A variety such as Magnolia x soulangeana has flushed pink flowers. The neat, rounded shape means that it suits smaller spaces, and it will make a splash if you're looking for new front garden ideas. Expect it to grow to about 20ft (6m) tall with a spread of 13ft (4m) over 20 years.  

These trees need full sun or partial shade and moist conditions. Avoid exposed areas, as a frost can ruin the display of blossom, turning the pretty petals brown. When planting, water well for the first few months, and during any dry spells in summer. A rabbit guard might be necessary if you live somewhere rural.

5. Crab apple

Try planting a crab apple for year-round interest

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A compact crab apple tree can light up a small garden. In spring, it has beautiful clouds of pretty blossom. In autumn, it produces a profusion of tiny, richly colored fruits, in shades of scarlet, yellow, gold and red and it has attractively colored leaves, too. 

The height of these trees can vary widely, so check carefully before you buy – planting a tree too big is one of the biggest small garden design mistakes. Smaller ones include malus 'Butterball' and 'Wisley Crab' which can reach a height of around 13ft (4m). Malus x zumi is a pretty rounded tree with golden fruit. 

Plant them in a sunny site, in moist but not wet soil. In winter, remove any damaged branches, or ones that cross over each other. Bare root varieties should be planted between November to March, while container grown trees can go in at any time.

6. Acer

Bold and beautiful acers add vibrant color to a scene

(Image credit: Mabo/Alamy Stock Photo)

If you love a riot of autumn color, then an acer is a must. They will introduce a pop of blazing orange, red, or a rich pink, and once the gorgeous leaves have fallen, many have ornamental bark which makes a lovely feature. 

There are many different types to choose from, but Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream' is a good choice as it is a dense, small tree which grows to 13ft (4m) tall over 20 years. Acers prefer partial shade – the sun can scorch their leaves – and they will grow happily in containers or in the ground. 

For pot grown trees, use ericaceous compost to plant them in, as this ensures a more vibrant foliage color. Avoid banking up the soil in a volcano effect around the bough, as this may encourage disease. Acers rarely need pruning: they are low-maintenance trees and an asset to any garden. 

If you want to know more, our guide on how to grow acers has everything you'll need.

7. Ornamental cherry

Bring clouds of springtime blossom to your yard

(Image credit: Jacky Parker Photography/Moment/Getty Images)

A confetti of pink or white petals in spring is the hallmark of cherry trees, and there are some very pretty smaller varieties which suit a compact space. Try Prunus yedoensis for its weeping branches and romantic white almond-scented blossom which is loved by bees and butterflies. It will reach around 10ft (3m) tall in 10 years. Another option is the cherry 'Pink Shell' which has pastel pink flowers which turn to white in April, contrasting beautifully with its light green leaves. And, it won't grow beyond 11.5ft (3.5m). 

Ornamental cherry trees prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil of any type. Once established, they are very low maintenance. The most difficult decision is choosing which variety to go for!

You can find more picks of the best flowering trees in our dedicated guide.

8. Chinese dogwood

These trees are an elegant addition to a garden with their white flowers

(Image credit: M.Arai/Moment/Getty Images)

Known for their show-stopping displays of flowers in June, the Chinese dogwood – or Cornus kousa – delivers throughout the seasons, with pretty autumnal foliage and an unusual pink fruit shaped like a strawberry. 

Not every variety is suitable for a limited space, so check carefully before buying. For tiny gardens, a dwarf dogwood, such as Cornus kousa 'Angyo Dwarf' will only reach 4–5ft (1.2–1.5m) tall, but other varieties can grow as tall as 26ft (8m). These trees need full sun or partial shade, and they prefer a moist, free-draining neutral to acid soil.

9. Rowan

Rowan berries will attract birds to your garden

(Image credit: Westend61/Getty Images)

Theresa Scattergood, Plant Manager at Squire's Garden Center in Washington suggests the mountain ash, otherwise known as rowan, as one of the best trees for small gardens. It will give good height and privacy, she says – perfect if you're on the lookout for garden privacy ideas.

With their clusters of berries in autumn, they're ideal for attracting birds. Try the Sorbus vilmorinii variety, which has froths of summertime blossom, followed by pinkish berries which fade to white as fall turns into winter. It will eventually grow to 13ft x 13ft (4m x 4m).

10. Hawthorn

Frothy hawthorn blossom is a stunning springtime sight

(Image credit: Alex Ramsay/Alamy Stock Photo)

Theresa also suggests hawthorn for small gardens. Commonly seen in hedgerows in the English countryside, the tree-forming variety makes a beautiful addition to a backyard and will welcome in wildlife.

The RHS suggests Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ due to its compact growth, dark and glossy foliage, and white flowers followed by crimson berries and fall color. It will grow to a height of 16.5ft (5m).

What's more, it's a hardy tree, and will grow well in all kinds of conditions including exposed and damp sites.

11. Cotoneaster

The bright red berries of cotoneaster 'Hybridus Pendulus'

(Image credit: Clare Gainey/Alamy Stock Photo)

Jeremy Hall, Group Plant Buyer at Squire's Garden Centers recommends cotoneaster 'Hybridus Pendulus' as one of the best small garden trees. Whilst some varieties of cotoneaster are shrub-like in form, this particular type is a weeping small tree, with elegant branches that form a dome shape.

It's 'covered in red berries in the autumn – great for birds and squirrels,' Jeremy adds. Plus, it's evergreen, so the glossy, deep green leaves will offer interest and color to your garden all year round. It grows to an ultimate height of around 6. 5ft (2m) after 20 years and can even be grown in a pot if you're looking for courtyard garden ideas.

What is the best evergreen tree for a small garden?

Looking for a small tree that'll add a boost of greenery to your yard come winter? Try these evergreen varieties:

Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin' offers vibrant color

(Image credit: allanbellimages/Alamy Stock Photo)

How to plant a small tree

Feeling inspired to bring one of the best trees for small gardens into your plot? Once you've purchased it, here's how to plant it:

  1. Water the tree first in the container you bought it in.
  2. Dig a square-shaped hole that is twice as large as the tree's rootball and soil. It is important that the hole is deep and wide enough for the tree's roots to spread out.
  3. Put a 20 liter bag of John Innes No.3 compost into the hole and work it into the soil.
  4. Release the tree from its pot, taking great care not to damage the roots. Place it in the planting hole.
  5. Refill the hole, making sure that the tree is planted the same depth as it was in its pot.
  6. Press the soil around the tree down firmly.
  7. Water around the tree with a full can. Keep the tree well-watered, until it is firmly established.  

If you need a new tool for planting your small garden trees, our buying guide to the best garden spade has you covered.

Planting a small tree is simple

(Image credit: Westend61/Getty Images)

When is the best time to plant a tree?

October and November are the ideal months to plant a tree. The temperature and level of moisture in the soil at this time are optimum for encouraging roots to establish and regenerate.

This is also the time when bare root varieties are available from garden centers and nurseries, offering a wide choice and lower prices than mature pot-grown trees.

An experienced freelance journalist, editor and columnist writing for national magazines and websites, Fiona now specialises in gardens. She enjoys finding and writing about all kinds, from the tiniest town plots to impressively designed ones in grand country houses. 

Deciduous shrubs for borders and low hedges - FloweryVale.ru

Fences on the site are created for various purposes. Curbs or low hedges are very interesting both in the front part of the site and along the central path or lawn. Such low borders themselves can become an independent element in the garden. The main thing is that they are always dense, neatly trimmed.

Among the unpretentious and at the same time very beautiful ornamental deciduous shrubs, suitable for creating borders or low, up to half a meter, hedges, are undersized species of barberry, rhododendrons, boxwood, cotoneaster, honeysuckle, caragana, Fortune's euonymus, dyeing gorse, cinquefoil, mahonia, low almonds, well-known currants and gooseberries, snowberry, spirea, chaenomeles.

Undersized species of barberry include boxwood barberry (Berberis buxifolia Nana).

Evergreen boxwood barberry (Berberis buxifolia Nana) is very decorative at any time of the year, unpretentious in care, grows well even on dry sandy soils, develops well both in the sun and in partial shade, tolerates pruning. By the way, barberry can also be used for landscaping a balcony or terrace.

For low borders, you can use the low and dense variety boxwood (Buxus sempervirens Suffruticosa) - a slow growing evergreen shrub with very beautiful shiny dark green leaves.

Boxwood is perfect not only for decorating an oriental-style balcony, but also for trimmed front borders. Several varieties of boxwood have been bred, which differ not only in the shape of the leaf, but also in the variegated color of the leaves.

Boxwood is shade-tolerant and drought-resistant, prefers fertile loose soils without stagnant water. For the winter, it is advisable to cover boxwood with agrospan to protect the leaves from winter and early spring sunburn.

For border plantings, it is quite possible to use some varieties of Fortune's spindle tree (Euonymus fortunei) - a slow-growing, very low, creeping shrub up to half a meter high with long, up to 3 meters, shoots easily rooted in internodes. These shoots are quite capable of clinging to a support, if any. Fortune's euonymus has green small leathery leaves 2–5 centimeters long.

This species, as well as its hybrid forms, eg Fortune's variegated spindle tree (Euonymus fortunei Variegatus) with white-green leaves and pink veins, which can also be used as a groundcover. And ripening fruits will not only add decorativeness to the bushes, but also serve as food for birds.

Fortune's euonymus prefers a semi-tel, rather drought-resistant, tolerates pruning well.

Caragana (Caragana) has long been used as an ornamental plant. Perhaps most of us know it as an acacia growing in forest belts and parks, but in fact it is a caragana. For example, species such as prickly caragana (Caragana pygmaea) and orange caragana (Caragana aurantiaca) are able to create even impenetrable thickets if they are not cut.

Orange Karagana is a loose shrub up to 1 meter tall with numerous protruding shoots.

It grows well in urban environments, tolerates drought well, is not at all demanding on soil fertility. It needs to be trimmed constantly to get a solid green border. Karagana prickly differs from orange only in yellow flowers.

Very beautiful in hedges snowberry (Symphoricarpos). Snowberry is a deciduous shrub up to 1–1.5 meters tall, especially beautiful in autumn, during long-term fruiting, when the branches bend under the weight of numerous white berries, indeed resembling small snowdrifts. And, perhaps, it is called so because the berries on the bush hold for a long time, right up to the snow.

Snowberry grows very quickly, is completely unpretentious in care, prefers open sunny places, calcareous soils. It grows well in urban conditions with insufficient watering. It tolerates shearing and bush formation. Sometimes in severe snowless winters it can freeze slightly, but it recovers very quickly.

Semi-evergreen can be used for low hedges glossy honeysuckle or glossy (Lonicera nitida) with many decumbent shoots abundantly dotted with glossy green oblong leaves.

Brilliant honeysuckle grows well on both sandy and clay soils, if measures are taken to improve fertility, make the earth water and breathable. It grows well in open, sunny places, and in partial shade. The brilliant honeysuckle is thermophilic, therefore in our climate it loses leaves for the winter and can freeze slightly, therefore it requires shelter for the winter.

and capped honeysuckle (Lonicera pileata), which differs from the first in fragrant pale yellow flowers. It bears fruit, the fruits are medium-sized, with a cherry, purple. Honeysuckle cap-shaped can grow both in the sun and in partial shade; besides, it is more hardy than glossy honeysuckle, but in cold winters it still loses leaves.

As a hedge, some types of hydrangeas, such as tree hydrangeas, as well as Spiraea (Spiraea). All spireas are unpretentious, outwardly highly decorative and very flexible flowering shrubs in use. Among the variety of varieties of spirea, you can always choose a plant according to your preference, focusing on the height of the plant, the flowering period or the color of the flowers.

Spiraea grows and blooms beautifully with sufficient light and soil fertility, no stagnant water in the ground. Young spireas need shelter for the winter. All spireas tolerate pruning well.

Rhododendrons (Rhododendron) - one of the unsurpassed ornamental shrubs, flowering which is distinguished by an incredible variety of shapes and colors. For low borders, undersized, compact hybrids created on the basis of Yakushimanum rhododendron, dwarf hybrids of the Repens group, Kamchatka rhododendron are ideal - a low sprawling shrub with lilac-pink flowers.

However, rhododendrons are very demanding on growing conditions. They need lacy penumbra or sun, they need protection from cold northern winds. Almost all types of rhododendrons need an acidic soil reaction, they prefer very fertile, permeable soils. In addition, evergreen species of rhododendrons must be protected with agrospan from the winter and early spring sun so that the leaves do not get burned.

Among the best evergreen deciduous plants used in hedges is Holly mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium). Some sources refer it to the genus Barberry under the name Berberis aquifolium.

Low, up to 1 meter tall, hedges of holly mahonia are good both in a free-growing form and in a haircut. Magonia holly throughout the year looks very fresh, of course, thanks to its juicy dark green shiny leaves. The edges of the leaves are sharp-toothed. And since the leaves remain on the shrub in winter, the mahonia hedge always attracts attention.

In spring its yellow flowers are charming. By winter, the leaves of the holly mahonia become dark red, purple. Ripe fruits of bluish-black color hanging from the bush in whole clusters also increase the decorativeness of the bush. In such a luxurious outfit, mahonia leaves before winter.

Mahonia grows well in moist, even clayey and silty soils with a high lime content. Prefers partial shade, but can grow both in open areas and in the shade. If you want to have a low curb of the correct form, then do not forget about the haircut, which is recommended to be done immediately after flowering or in the fall, before the onset of winter. In the conditions of the middle band of the holly mahonia, shelter for the winter will be required.

Low almond , or steppe almond (Amygdalis nana = Amygdalis tenella = Prunus tenella) - low, up to 1–1.5 meters tall, branchy deciduous shrub, especially beautiful in early spring, when it blooms very bright, attracting attention, pink flowers blooming along with the leaves. Almond is unpretentious, so it can be successfully used to create permanent garden compositions, flower beds.

Low almond prefers sunny places, tolerates drought well, can grow on poor sandy soils. On clay soils, almonds will have to be drained, as they do not tolerate stagnant water in the soil at all.

For low borders, cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri), cotoneaster pressed (Cotoneaster adpressus), cotoneaster horizontal (Cotoneaster horizontalis) are suitable. Dummer's cotoneaster is a ground cover evergreen shrub with long, easily rooted shoots and small, up to 4 centimeters, oval leaves. In autumn, ripening red fruits add decorativeness to the cotoneaster.

Cotoneaster appressed refers to deciduous ground cover plants. It has small, up to 1.5 centimeters, rounded leaves. Red fruits also ripen in September.

Cotoneasters are undemanding to soil fertility, can grow both in open sunny places and in partial shade, do not tolerate strong waterlogging, but are very responsive to watering in dry times. For the winter, these types of cotoneaster need to be covered, as they freeze slightly.

Potentilla is very decorative. For low hedges, Potentilla Dahurian (Potentella davutica) and Potentilla shrub (Potentella fruticosa) are quite suitable.

Dahurian Potentilla is a low deciduous shrub up to 1 meter tall, blooms all summer with white flowers. Potentilla shrub - neat shrubs of a rounded shape, but slightly higher than the Daurian Potentilla, blooms with yellow flowers, there are varietal forms with white, pink and red flowers. Potentillas are unpretentious in care, they grow well in an open sunny area with minimal watering and top dressing. They tolerate a haircut well, do not require shelter for the winter.

For dry areas with depleted soil for hedges, you can use a steppe plant such as dyeing gorse (Genista tinctoria) - a dense shrub up to 1 meter tall with thin shoots directed upwards. The shoots are covered with narrow pale green leaves. Blooms with bright yellow flowers. The shrub is very unpretentious, although it can freeze slightly in snowless winters, but it quickly recovers.

Rose (Rose) - in no way inferior to the beauty of rhododendon, rather equal among equals - a worthy representative of ornamental garden shrubs. For low borders, it is quite possible to use ground cover, miniature, patio, polyanthus and even some undersized varieties of floribunda roses. Neatly trimmed, or growing freely - roses never leave indifferent.

However, in order for roses to always be in excellent condition, you need to work hard: roses are quite whimsical. The soil they need is nutritious, moderately moist. Roses need both thinning and sanitary pruning. For the winter, all roses need to be covered.

For some reason, currant (Ribes) and gooseberry (Grossularia) we are accustomed to treating only as fruit bushes. However, it is worth looking at them from the other side. Any currant is decorative during the growing season: both in spring, during flowering, and in summer, during fruiting, and even without fruits.

All currants and gooseberries are very similar, but for a stunted hedge it is quite suitable Alpine currant (Ribes alpinum) is a compact and fairly dense deciduous shrub up to 1.5 meters tall, a dioecious plant, female specimens are suitable for fruiting. True, the berries of the alpine currant are tasteless. The alpine currant is quite unpretentious, grows well in sunny areas, is undemanding to soils, but when top dressing, the shrub is much thicker, tolerates pruning well, and does not need shelter.

Japanese chaenomeles hedge is very decorative. Japanese Chaenomeles (Chaenomeles japonica), or Japanese quince is a dense deciduous shrub up to 1 meter tall. Chaenomeles is very beautiful during flowering, when it is covered with marvelous red flowers. When tied, small rounded fruits with a pleasant lemon taste and smell are formed, from which jams and jams are cooked.

However, Japanese chaenomeles needs protection from northerly winds. It is photophilous, grows better on fertile, well-drained soils. In winter, shoots can freeze slightly, but in spring they quickly recover. With strong thickening, thinning is required.

From this list, it is quite possible to choose plants that are ideal for your site, according to the requirements for maintenance conditions, fertility, acidity and soil moisture.

It is absolutely not necessary to go against nature and plant magonia or rhododendron on poor dry soils, or on wet wetlands - almonds, gorse or boxwood. Only plants that are ideally suited to your conditions will grow quickly, become a real highlight of the garden, and most importantly, they will not require much maintenance.

See also: Medium deciduous hedge shrubs

References: Konovalova T.Yu., Shevyreva N.A. Ornamental shrubs, 2004
flickr.com image source: Leonora Enking (5), John Hickey, Ron Gay, Deborah Cowder, www.jardinerosenaccion.es, Janette Dollamore, Tracey Stout, Jodi, Stefano, peganum, Josef Lex (mission accomplished! ), Matt Lavin, Mountain Partnership at FAO, per.aasen, Cheryl Moorehead, Andreas Balzer, Dietmut Teijgeman-Hansen, flemertown, dangle earrings, Maja Dumat (2), Daniela Ionesco, Diddlecome Dawcock, Paul Simpson, Eirien, Yasuki Fujinuma, Ron Wolf, Nobuhiro Suhara (2), Steve Garvie, Jens Schmidt, David Trevan, Ben Rushbrooke, Jan Sølve Borlaug, Marcel, stanze, jacqueline (Jackie) ramsey, naturgucker. de / enjoynature.net, Wulf Forrester-Barker, Nacho, Mark Watts, gartenknorze, Helge Vindenes. Ruschi. Carl Lewis, Martha B. Moss, L'herbier en photos, Stephanie, jlcummins - Washington State, matt hirt, Andrew Caird, photopoésie, Betsy, tesselaarusa (2), -eney- (3), Marc Kummel, Sirpa Tähkämö, Dan Davis, Kirill Ignatyev, FarOutFlora, Rainer Fritz

Ideas for a small garden: ornamental trees, shrubs and plants for a small garden, photos and tips

Just because a garden is small doesn't mean you can forget about it. A few simple ideas will turn it into heaven on earth!

A small garden is somewhat similar to a theater stage, because everything is in sight: walls, paths, sheds and, of course, the main characters are plants. A tree, bush, grass, creeping ivy or flowers should look great all year round, because you look at them not only in the garden, but also from home. Even those plants that shed their leaves for the winter must be attractive.

The garden is a natural extension of the house, so it is better to think over every centimeter of the site and plant only those plants that will fully justify the space they occupy. So how do you know which plants to choose? Our recommendations will help you.

Claire Stevens Interior Design

The simpler the better
Simplicity is the key to small garden design, and this applies to both small architectural forms (paths, stairs, etc.) and plants. You will have to control yourself and stop at one type of tree, two or three types of shrubs and two or three flowering plants. You can diversify the composition with the help of outdoor pots and flowerpots of various shapes, but the choice of plants should still be as simple as possible. A good example is this small garden in Brisbane.

brucele

No tree, no garden
All gardens, even those that are the size of a shoebox, look better with a tree in them. Wood is a necessary vertical landscape design element that helps to balance the horizontal planes of paths, lawns and fences. They adorn the garden with foliage, fragrant flowers and berries, birds nest on their branches.

Compact ornamental trees for a small garden can be planted in large pots if space is limited. Possible options include small cherry, apple, plum, lemon, dogwood, crimson, large-flowered or star magnolia, Japanese maple (pictured), olive, birch and pear.

Monrovia

Talents and Fans
Where possible, follow the advice of landscapers and try to buy plants with more than one merit. Pretty blooms are not the most compelling reason to buy a plant (unless, of course, you are crazy about this particular species). It should also have beautiful foliage, good shape and, if possible, a pleasant aroma or bright berries (albeit inedible).

Think also of the practical functions that plants can perform. They can be used as a hedge or as a canopy to protect from the sun or wind. Many plants bear fruit (cherry, dog rose, dogwood). If the plant that you like has at least three positive qualities, then most likely it will suit you.

Habitat Design

Protecting privacy
The garden is a place to relax, so it is very important that you can hide from prying eyes here. But how to achieve this in a small garden? Build high walls? An alternative would be a hedge of plants that grow upward while maintaining a slender silhouette.

A good result can be achieved by planting red hawthorn, spruce, thuja, juniper, as well as flowering trees and shrubs ─ ornamental apple and plum trees, tree hydrangea, coronal mock orange, various types of lilacs and forsythia.

Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design

Higher and higher
Creeping plants are ideal for a small garden. Not only do they take up little space on the ground, but they can also form a green canopy, which comes in handy if you have a small garden next to which your neighbors' tall mansions stand. Creeps can also be used to decorate a wall that you don't like the look of.

Most species can be planted in pots and trimmed as needed. There is a wide variety of species of creeping shrubs and grasses, including the sweet-scented star jasmine (pictured). Other varieties of creeping shrubs are pyrostegia, akebia quintuple (with an unusual smell) and Azorean jasmine.

Monrovia

The benefits of shrubs
Small shrubs like camellias are the backbone of almost any planting scheme. They are simply indispensable in small gardens, because they have lush foliage, but do not take up as much space as trees.

Other advantages of shrubs include bright flowers and berries, as well as the ability to form borders and fences. Such unpretentious and “multi-tasking” shrubs will surely suit you - such as boxwood, camellia, lavender, choisia and many types of viburnum.

Barbara Pintozzi

Semiflower
Tiered planting is a good option for smaller gardens. The bottom row is occupied by colorful flowering perennials or low-growing shrubs, the top row is occupied by creepers or low trees. Choose one species of flowering perennial and form clumps at the foot of a wall or fence, as well as at the base of trees, to fill in unnecessary voids. For these purposes, yarrow, decorative flax, daylily (pictured), iris, geyhera, carnation, undersized kniphofia and rudbeckia are suitable.

Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

Garden
Even a small area can be a vegetable garden. Herbs and vegetables do well in containers. Today there are also many low-growing fruit trees that can be planted in large pots and tubs.

Learn more