Trees in containers 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.
’
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.
Best trees to grow in pots: top choices to add height to your garden planters
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By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The best trees to grow in pots create an instant focal point in the garden. Placed on a patio as a feature, used to frame a path, or positioned to create shade or privacy, there is a suitable tree for every situation. Some will offer frothy blossom in spring, others are prized for their colorful autumn foliage, while evergreens are quietly reliable performers all year round.
Unlike some smaller plants in pots, once they are established container-planted trees will look after themselves, although watering will always be needed to keep them happy and healthy.
If you are tight for space, and think any kind of tree might be too big, consider under-planting, that is using the soil underneath the tree to plant flowers (lavender under a standard olive tree is a classic combination).
There are a few simple rules to ensure success when picking the best trees to grow in pots. Always choose a large container, with room for the tree to grow (but not too big as it is best to pot trees on in gradual stages every 2-4 years).
Like most container gardening ideas, you will need to bear in mind that trees in pots will dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground, so they will need to be watered regularly in the warmer months. They will also need to be fed, to replace vital nutrients in the soil.
Finally, select a tree that fits with your garden style. Acers create a Zen-like feel, lollipop-shaped bay works in a classic, elegant space, and an olive tree is perfect for a Mediterranean look.
The best trees to grow in pots
Not all trees are right for container growing.
Many varieties are simply too big to be confined to your garden planter ideas. It is very important to choose a slow growing or a dwarf type, which is also suitable for your chosen site and situation.
Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres says: 'Trees are fantastic as a habitat and food source for wildlife and as a source of carbon capture. They also give structure and architecture to a garden.'
Check our pick of the best trees to grow in pots to find the right one to suit your garden style.
1. Acer (Japanese Maple)
Acers will grow well in pots and add a splash of color to patios and decking
(Image credit: Getty Images)
With delicately shaped leaves, elegant form and stunning autumn foliage in shades of red, orange, yellow and plum, acers, also called Japanese maples, are top of our list of the best trees to grow in pots. They drop their leaves in winter, but the patterned trunks create interest all year round.
Choose acer atropupureum for trees with red or purple leaves, and acer dissectum for fresh green foliage. Water regularly during spring and late summer.
For best results with how to grow acers, make sure you grow them in a sheltered spot in sun or part shade, and keep away from drying winds. Pruning is not usually needed, and in fact it might spoil the naturally graceful shape of these stunning trees.
2. Bay
(Image credit: Flower Council of Holland )
Evergreen, with glossy leaves, these trees look attractive year-round and are a great choice for low maintenance garden ideas. They will do well in pots with well-drained soil-based compost.
Add some control release fertilizer pellets or liquid feed about every two weeks in mid-spring to late summer. For standard lollipop-shaped bay trees, prune and shape the foliage in the summer – having the best secateurs to hand will help with this. As a rule, bay trees need repotting every two to three years.
3. Olive
(Image credit: Flower Council of Holland )
Elegant and timeless, an olive tree brings instant Mediterranean garden ideas to your plot. They are evergreen, so year-round interest is guaranteed. Olives are easy to grow but they do not like harsh winters. If you're wondering how to protect plants from frost, one of the easiest ways is to cover them horticultural fleece if the temperature looks set to drop below 14˚F (-10˚C). By doing this, they will be protected from damage.
Grow olives in a warm, sunny site. They are drought-tolerant, but you will still need to add the task of watering plants to your gardening to-do list around once a week. Feed in spring with a granular general fertilizer.
4. Amelanchier
(Image credit: Jacky Parker Photography/Getty Images)
With clusters of white star-shaped flowers on copper colored foliage, this is one of the best trees to grow in pots if you want a striking display in spring. The flowers are followed by small, pinkish berries.
Amelanchier is compact and slim, but will still need a large pot to thrive. Choose a smaller variety, such as Amelanchier Lamarkii ‘Ballerina,’ which should not grow taller than 4-5m. These trees prefer acid soil so plant them in ericaceous compost.
5. Sophora microphylla ‘Sun King’
(Image credit: Holmes Garden Photos/Alamy)
For something exotic for the best trees to grow in pots, this is a good choice. Also known as the Japanese Pagoda tree, this has small evergreen leaves on long leafy stems, and generously thick clusters of bright yellow bell-shaped flowers from late winter to early spring.
Despite the flamboyant, almost tropical appearance of the blooms, it is hardy down to 14˚F (-10˚C). Place the pot in a sunny, sheltered spot for best results.
For more exotic looking plants, check out our guide to the best tropical plants.
6. Witch Hazel
(Image credit: Flowerphotos/Getty Images)
The unusual spidery flowers in yellow, marmalade orange and plum red appear before the leaves on this multi-stemmed tree, and they glow like coals in midwinter and very early spring when everything else in the garden is brown and dull.
In a container, witch hazel grow slowly, at around 10cm a year, so they are ideal for small garden ideas. They do best in sun or part shade, and there’s no need to prune them.
There's more top picks for the best trees for small gardens in our guide.
7. Japanese Holly Tree
(Image credit: Catherine McQueen/Getty Images)
Also known as ‘ilex crenata’ these trees are often sold clipped into a lollipop shape, adding a touch of formality to the garden. They can also be pruned into striking cloud shapes to suit the look of Japanese garden ideas.
Japanese holly is evergreen, with dark, glossy leaves and they will need shaping with sharp secateurs twice a year in May and September. Plant in John Innes No 3 and keep the compost moist at all times.
These little trees do well in pots in sun or part shade, but do protect them with fleece if a cold snap is forecast.
8. Ornamental Cherry
(Image credit: Thrillerfillerspiller/Alamy)
Not all flowering cherry trees suit container growing, but there are plenty that do, and they will create a wonderful feature in the spring, garlanded with pretty pink or white flowers.
Try Prunus ‘Snowgoose,’ an upright tree which is good for containers and would work well as part of your patio gardening ideas. Another option is ‘Little Pink Perfection,’ a dwarf variety which is ideal for pots. When planting, add a layer of gravel to the tub for good drainage. Place in full sun or part shade and keep moist, but not soggy. Once established, they need very little attention.
There's more suggestions for the best flowering trees in our dedicated guide.
9. Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’
(Image credit: Flowerphotos/Getty Images)
For a shot of drama, the almost-black dissected foliage and flat topped creamy pink flowers of this large shrub/small tree make this a must for the best trees to grow in pots.
It will need a large container, at least 24" or 60cm in diameter, and just as deep. Place in full or partial sun to retain the deep color of the foliage.
It’s a fast grower, but it can be pruned to keep it under control. Place near flowers with yellow or golden leaves for a lovely contrast in your garden color schemes.
10. Italian Cypress
Pair of Italian cypress trees from You Garden
(Image credit: You Garden)
Probably one of the easiest of the best trees to grow in pots, these pencil slim conifers are tough and hardy. Use their architectural shape to frame either side of a gate or doorway or to define a zone in the garden. They are drought-tolerant, but container-grown ones will need regular watering. Remove any cones that appear as these can pull the foliage apart and spoil the elegant shape.
How to plant a tree in a pot
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Squires Garden Centres offer expert advice on planting the best trees to grow in pots.
- Choose a container with plenty of room to house the root ball, including space to grow.
- Choose a loam-based compost, such as John Innes No 3, which is designed for long term growing.
- Water the tree regularly.
- Use a slow release fertilizer every spring to boost growth.
- Some trees may need a stake to hold them upright. Staking kits are available to buy from garden centers.
How do you know if a tree needs repotting?
(Image credit: Dobbies)
One of the biggest container gardening mistakes is to keep your tree in a pot that has become too small for it. Trees which are not happy can show signs of stress through yellowing leaves, leaf drop and die-back. If this happens, it might be time for a new container.
Loosen the edges of the soil, then carefully remove the tree from its pot, including the entire rootball. Replant in a bigger pot with fresh compost. You will need to keep the tree watered regularly as it re-establishes.
Do you need to feed a tree in a pot?
Acer palmatum Dissectum Garnet
(Image credit: Ian West/Alamy)
Even the best trees to grow in pots will need extra nutrients. According to the RHS advice, refresh the compost each spring by scraping off about 5cm of compost and replacing it with fresh.
Mix in some control release fertilizer granules, or alternatively, use a liquid feed regularly during the growing season.
Now you've learned about the best trees to grow in pots, why not add some more interest to your garden by growing vegetable in pots too? Our guide has lots of tips to get you started.
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.
10 plants for year-round containers!
When the air turns cool in autumn, gardeners often discard, propagate or find a home for their outdoor potted plants. Too bad, because most of it is a waste of effort and plants. Many perennials and shrubs can live in a container for several years. By taking advantage of this feature, you can reduce the amount of time and money you spend on your plants.
Your containers can be of year-round interest, depending on the plants you choose, and you can bring consistency to your designs.
For a plant, life in a container is very different from life in the open field. Containers can provide excellent drainage, however plants are dependent on water and nutrients. Shrubs and large perennials often remain smaller in a pot, although this depends on the plant, climate, and container. In addition, open ground does not insulate the plant's roots from winter temperatures.
The general rule for container plants to survive the winter is that the plant should be cold hardy and have a hardiness zone of 3 or 4.
Tips for winterizing plants in containers
Choose a frost-resistant container. Choose a pot with a drain hole at the bottom and made from fiberglass, lead, iron, heavy plastic, or stone. Most terracotta will crack at low temperatures.
Use good potting soil. There are mixtures specifically designed for container use that provide the necessary drainage required by potted plants.
Stop feeding in autumn. If you are using a water soluble fertilizer, stop feeding your plants about six to eight weeks before your first frost date. This will prevent any tender growth that won't survive the winter. Start fertilizing again when the plants resume growth in the spring.
Watering in winter. Water as needed until the soil in the container freezes. Do not water frozen pots because the plants are unable to absorb water.
Repot every few years. While some plants will live longer in a container, repot your plants every three years to be on the safe side.
Container perennials
Through trial and error, we have found many plants that can live in a container year after year.
We've selected the top 10 plants that are not only strong enough to survive, but also look great while doing so.
1. Yucca Filamentosa
This yucca pairs with just about anything. Its 4 cm wide sword-like leaves have thin and dark green margins with curly fibers.
Having a prickly architectural form, it grows by 30–90 cm wide with equal spacing. This yucca tolerates some shade but thrives in sunny, dry conditions. In summer, creamy-white, fragrant flowers appear from the center of the plant on stems as high as 180 cm. In late winter, the foliage may become a little flat, but in spring it will revive again. Remove old foliage to keep a neat appearance.
2. Boxwood Evergreen
Planting in a container will keep it within limits. And therefore, the box will have a lower height than under normal conditions.
Place the boxwood away from strong winds in a semi-shady area. If possible, rotate the pot periodically to balance the effect of the light on the plant and avoid developing bare sides.
Boxwood is a slow growing shrub that retains a dark green color throughout the winter. The shrub lends itself well to pruning, and you can give it any shape.
3. Coin Loaf
Coin Loaf is a really reliable container performer.
This plant, 12 cm high, lays beautifully on the edge of the pot. Its coin-shaped bright green leaves look good with all neighbors. It loves partial shade but loves water so much that it will do well in a water garden. The loosestrife can take full sun, but you must keep the soil moist.
4. Japanese Pieris
This pest resistant shrub (Pieris japonica) is an excellent container candidate. Although its evergreen foliage is of interest at any time of the year, spring growth on Japanese pieris is particularly impressive, ranging in color from glossy red to salmon pink and even creamy white depending on the variety.
In winter the flower buds are showy, usually dark red with some hints of pink. Thin brushes from 9up to 12 cm of urn-shaped white flowers appear in early spring and are lightly scented. Graceful branches of this shrub naturally cover the edges of pots.
Japanese pieris grows in both full sun and full shade areas. Keep it away from harsh winter winds and strong sun.
5. Thuja Smaragd
Thuja Smaragd (Thuja occidentalis Smaragd) provides excellent year-round interest. Even in winter, it retains its rich green color. The vertical, narrow habit of this variety fits the bill for the vertical accent that many containers need.
The shape and texture of its foliage makes it easy to combine with other plants. Plant this thuja in the sun or in the shade.
6. Bergenia
With their green, glossy, oval leaves, bergenia or bergenia are among the most interesting plants. Bergenia is a strong manufacturer that provides a bold element in container design. The leaves are 20 to 40 cm long and 20 to 32 cm wide, and take on a magnificent burgundy color in autumn. Bergenia blooms in early spring on stems 25 to 30 cm long. Pink flowers resemble hyacinths.
The plant looks better in containers than in flower beds, perhaps because of the excellent drainage. Grow it in full sun or light partial shade.
7.
Dogwood Elegantissima
Another shrub that does well in a container is the variegated red-branched dogwood (Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'). Its leaves have white edges and grayish green centers, and the bright red stems shine in winter, especially if they have an evergreen background.
The variegated leaves of the bush make a beautiful frame for hydrangeas in the ground on both sides. Dogwood's deepest color appears on young stems, so remove older branches in early spring. Place this shrub in full sun. Or in partial shade.
8. Geichera
Geichera are attractive, low growing perennials that contrast with tall plants in a container. Their lobed foliage can be showy, often veining silver through green or purple leaves. Geichera are especially suitable for containers because they like well-drained soil and recover easily from winter.
Most geichera grow into mounds 24 to 36 cm in diameter and in the summer throw out flower panicles with white, pink or red flowers.
First of all, they can grow in full sun. But they can also be in full shade, depending on the variety.
9. Blue Star Juniper
Has a useful color. The low growing 'Blue Star' juniper (Juniperus squamata Blue Star) has densely spaced steel blue needles 0.5 cm long. This color makes the plant stand out in winter. It reaches 90 cm in height and spreads to 90-120, but it grows slowly.
Blue Star works well in containers because it blends easily with most colors. Its branches elegantly curve around the edge of the pot.
Prefers full sun but will accept partial shade. In addition, this juniper does not like wet conditions.
10. Sedum 'Fuldaglut'
Sedum 'Fuldaglut' (Sedum spurium 'Fuldaglut') is dominated by a bronze-red leaf color that turns red in winter. The delicately serrated leaves are larger than most species and are covered in late summer with pink flowers that last for three weeks. Measuring just 12 cm high and 24 cm wide, this sedum graces the edge of a container.
He loves full sun. However, will grow in partial shade.
Read also What should be done in the flower garden in September?.
what to grow and in what
There are places that you can't decorate without plants in containers - for example, paved squares, city streets, windowsills of houses, roofs, balconies, terraces. Basically, flyers are used for these purposes - and this is justified: bright, abundant flowering all summer, and you don’t have to think about what to do with them in winter. Woody plants in containers are no less interesting, but so far not very common.
Woody plants in containers are very interesting, but not yet common
Woody plants in containers
Decorating with standard roses or other ornamental woody plants in containers next to the house means creating a mini-garden atmosphere. Container plants, unlike those planted in the ground, are mobile.
They can be moved, forming different compositions, including not only plants, but also stones and sculpture.
With the help of trees in containers, you can create a mobile mini-garden next to your house. For example, trees ornamental almond or forsythia are fabulously spectacular during flowering, but after flowering they are unremarkable.
It cannot be said that the fashion for trees in containers appeared recently. For example, one of the elements of the manor estates of the past is tubs with trees, and not only indoor subtropical ones ( lemons , coffee ), but also with pears , grapes , apricot , Persians ...
In containers, relatively heat -loving species can be grown - stem roses , scums . and others, which often freeze to the level of snow. In winter, they need a dormant period, so they cannot be kept in a warm room.
In the open ground, they are covered for the winter, sometimes it is quite laborious. Containers are easier. You can put it together with the plant in the finished hole, without injuring the roots, put it in a cool, but not freezing basement or garage. In this case, the container makes it possible to admire the plants characteristic of the more southern zones in summer.
Trees in containers are not uncommon on the streets of European cities
Especially often trees in containers can be seen on the streets of European cities. True, usually water is supplied to each such container for automatic irrigation, and the winters are warm - there is no need to protect the plants from frost.
But not all plants tolerate container growing conditions well. If there is no automatic watering, then drought and heat tolerant varieties are preferable, with a compact root system that responds well to pruning, which maintains a balance between the underground and aboveground parts of the plant.
This balance and feeding helps him to endure unusual conditions.
In containers you can grow heat-loving drought and heat-resistant species
All kinds of spicy- lavender , TIMYANA , drought-resistant dwarf bushes and miniature trees, miniature, are excreted due their conditions.
At one time there was an opinion that indoor plants also need a change of scenery and it is better to take them outside in summer. However, outdoor conditions can be detrimental to them. A sharp change in temperature, lighting leads them to stress. In addition, some plants even react to the usual rearrangement or turning over of a pot or tub by dropping buds (as lemon , for example).
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In order to remove heat-loving species for the winter and move them from place to place, it is better that the container is light, plastic.
Usually is used in two containers - the inner one, in which the plant is located, and the outer one - a decorative planter (ceramic, wooden, clay, etc.).
The type, volume and material of the container also matter
Between these two containers, an air gap is formed, which helps to protect the roots of plants from overheating. In addition, when watering, excess moisture is stored inside.
The color of the container also matters. Blacks warm up faster than whites in hot weather, and plants can experience temperature stress. The shape of container is also important: some plants have round roots at the bottom; to avoid this, it is recommended to use square ones.
Drying out of a clod of earth is one of the problems when growing plants in containers. To reduce the evaporation of moisture, the ground is mulched with various materials - from a scattering of small stones to pine bark and pine nut shells.
More benefits
Containers can be useful when forcing plants. In the autumn, having planted lilac , forsythia , bean , genomeles in a container , let them enter the dormant stage, then bring them into the house in December and, having created conditions for good lighting, heat and watering, you can see them blooming .
Some plants do not tolerate transplantation well - oaks , magnolias . For subsequent planting in a permanent place, it is better to grow them in containers.
Plants in containers allow you to get creative in your garden
Plants in a container allow you to get creative in your garden. For example, you do not always immediately imagine the composition of the purchased plants, you cannot see how they will fit into the garden environment. Container trees and shrubs can be rearranged as you like until you achieve the desired effect, and after that they can be planted in the ground.
