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 offer frothy blossoms in spring, others are prized for their colorful fall foliage, while evergreens are quietly reliable performers year-round.
Unlike some small plants in pots, container-planted trees will take care of themselves once they are established, although they will need frequent watering to keep them happy and healthy. If you are tight for your space Garden landscaping ideasAnd if any type of tree seems too big, consider under-planting, which uses the soil beneath the tree to plant flowers (lavender is a great combination under a standard olive tree).
Check out our selection of the best trees to grow in pots to find the right tree to suit your garden style.
1. Acer (Japanese Maple)
With delicately shaped leaves and stunning fall foliage in shades of red, orange, yellow and plum, acers, also called Japanese maples, top our list of the best trees to grow in pots. They shed their leaves in winter, but the patterned trunks produce year-round interest.
choose Acer Atropureum For trees with red or purple leaves, and Acer severed for fresh green foliage (both available through Gardening Express). Water regularly in spring and late summer.
For best results with growing Acer, make sure you grow it in a sheltered location in sun or partial shade and away from drying winds. Pruning is usually not necessary, and in fact can spoil the naturally attractive shape of these stunning trees. It’s also the perfect tree to grow if you’re so inspired Japanese garden ideas.
2. Bay trees
With evergreen, glossy leaves, bay 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-free fertilizer pellets or liquid feed every two weeks in mid-spring to late summer. For standard lollipop-shaped bay trees, pruning the foliage in summer will help shape it. As a rule, bay trees require repotting every two to three years.
Shop for potted trees
Gardening Express
Bypass Secateurs
With extra-thick blades, these secateurs can cut through thick stems with ease
Gardening Express
Red watering can
Keep your plants well-watered with this cheerful red watering can
Gardening Express
Frost protection fleece
Protect potted trees in winter with this fleece jacket
3. Olive trees
Elegant and timeless, the olive tree brings instant Mediterranean garden ideas For your plot. They are evergreen, so year-round interest is guaranteed. Olives are easy to grow but do not like harsh winters. If you’re wondering how to protect plants from frost, the easiest way is to cover them with horticultural fleece if the temperature starts to drop below -10˚C. By doing this, they will be protected from harm.
Grow olives on a warm, sunny site. They are drought-tolerant, but you will still need to add work Water the plants Once a week on your gardening to-do list. Feed with a granular general fertilizer in spring.
4. Amelanchier
With clusters of white star-shaped flowers on copper-colored foliage, this is one of the best trees to grow in a pot if you want a spectacular display in spring. The flowers are followed by small, pink berries.
Amelanchier is compact and slim, but will still need a large pot to thrive. Choose a smaller variety, eg Amelanchier Lamarcky ‘Dancer’ (Available from Dobby’s)Which should not grow more than 4-5 meters tall. These trees prefer acid soil so plant them in an ericaceous compost.
5. Sophora microphylla ‘Sun King’
Best trees to grow in pots For something exotic, 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.
Although the blooms have an almost tropical appearance, they are hardy to -10˚C. For best results place the pot in a sunny, sheltered location and find out which one is which The plant grows well in sunny places to put up with it.
Sophora microphylla ‘Sun King’ is available from Gardening Express.
6. Witch hazel
Unusual spidery flowers in yellow, marmalade orange and plum red appear before the leaves on this multi-stemmed tree, and they glow like coal in midwinter and early spring when everything else in the garden is brown and dull.
In containers, witch hazel grows slowly at about 10 cm a year, so it is ideal for Small garden ideas. They do best in sun or partial shade, and there is no need to prune them.
Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Jelena’ (available from Crocus) There is an award-winning cultivation variety.
7. Japanese Holly Tree
Also known asIlex crenata’ These trees are often sold clipped into lollipop shapes, adding a touch of formality to the garden. They can also be cut into attractive cloud shapes.
Japanese holly is evergreen, with dark, shiny leaves and will need to be shaped with sharp secateurs twice a year in May and September. Plant in John Innes No. 3 from B&Q And always keep the compost moist.
These small trees do well in pots in sun or partial shade, but protect them with fleece if cold is forecast.
8. Decorative cherry
Not all flowering cherry trees are suitable for growing in containers, but there are plenty that do, and they will make a wonderful feature in spring, wreathed with beautiful pink or white flowers.
try Prunus ‘Snowgoose’ (available from Gardening Express) – It is an upright tree that is good for containers and will work well as part of you Consider a patio. Another option is ‘Little Pink Perfection’, which is ideal for pots.
When planting, add a layer of gravel to the tub for good drainage. Place in full sun or partial shade and keep moist, but not wet. Once established, they require very little attention.
9. Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’
For a shot of drama, this large shrub/small tree’s almost-black dissected foliage and flat-topped creamy pink flowers make this a must-have tree for growing in pots.
Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ (available from Thompson & Morgan) A large container will be needed, at least 60 cm in diameter and equally deep. Place in full or partial sun to maintain deep foliage color.
It is a fast grower, but can be pruned to keep it under control. Place them near flowers with yellow or golden leaves for a beautiful contrast in yours Cottage garden patio ideas.
10. Italian Cyprus
Probably one of the best trees to grow in pots, this pencil slim conifer is hardy and hardy. Use their architectural shape to frame either side of the gate, porchOr to define a zone in the garden.
They are drought tolerant, but those grown in containers will need regular watering. Remove any visible cones as these can separate the foliage and spoil the elegant shape.
you can Buy a pair of Italian Cypress trees from Gardening Direct Which is suitable for growing in pots.
FAQs
How to choose which trees to grow in pots?
Not all trees are suitable for container growing. Many varieties are too large to be limited to just you Garden Planting Ideas. It is very important to choose a slow growing or dwarf type, which is also suitable for your chosen site and conditions.
There are a few simple rules to ensure success when choosing the best trees to grow in pots. Always choose a large container, with room for the tree to grow (but not too large as it is best to place trees in successive stages every 2-4 years).
As with most container gardening ideas, you have to keep in mind that trees in pots will dry out faster than trees planted in the ground, so they will need to be watered regularly in the warmer months. To replace important nutrients in the soil, they will also need to be fed.
Finally, choose a tree that fits the style of your garden. Acer creates a zen-like feel, a lollipop-shaped bay works in a classic, elegant space, and an olive tree is perfect for a Mediterranean look.
How to plant a tree in a pot?
Squires Garden Centres Here are some tips for planting the best trees for growing in pots:
- Choose a container with plenty of room to hold the root ball, including room to grow
- Choose a loam-based compost, eg John Innes No. 3 from Amazonwhich is designed for long-term growth
- Water the tree regularly
- Use a slow-release fertilizer each spring to stimulate growth
- Some trees may require stakes to keep them upright. Staking kits are available to buy from garden centres
How do you know if a tree needs repotting?
One of the biggest mistakes in container gardening is placing your tree in a pot that has become too small for it. Trees that aren’t happy can show signs of stress with yellowing leaves, leaf drop and death. If this happens, it may be time for a new container.
Loosen the edges of the soil, then carefully remove the plant from its pot, including the entire rootball. Replant in a larger pot with fresh compost. You will need to water the tree regularly as it reestablishes itself.
Do you need to feed a tree in a pot?
Even the best trees for growing in pots will need additional nutrients. According to RHS Advice, refresh the compost every spring by scraping off about 5cm of compost and replacing it with fresh. Mix in some controlled release fertilizer granules, or alternatively, use a liquid feed regularly during the growing season.
Now that you’ve learned about the best trees to grow in pots, why not add a little more interest to your garden Building raised garden beds And Start your own vegetable garden But? Our guide has lots of tips to get you started.
