Imagine stepping out onto your balcony or patio, greeted by a vibrant display of trees with leaves dancing in the sunlight.
With potted trees, you can bring this vision to life, no matter how small your outdoor space is.
As someone who loves gardening but lacks a spacious backyard, I’ve found joy in growing trees in pots. And guess what? I had no idea just how many types of trees thrive in containers.
From elegant flowering species to fruit-bearing beauties, the possibilities are endless!
I can even pick my own apples now, despite my tiny garden barely having room for me (thanks to some holiday weight gain).
I’ve added a few cozy seating spots to enjoy the fruits of my labor, transforming my little nook into a peaceful oasis.
Here’s what I’ve been experimenting with lately – I promise you’ll love it!
1. Spruce Up Your Space with Dwarf Spruces
No green oasis is complete without a trusty dwarf spruce – I’m telling you!
These tiny wonders of the tree world bring year-round structure and greenery to any garden, terrace, or balcony. Plus, they’re so low maintenance that even my sister – who’s no gardening pro – managed to keep hers alive.
Check out varieties like Dwarf Alberta Spruce or Dwarf Blue Globe Spruce. Just remember, these mini trees thrive in sunny spots, so let them soak up those rays!
And when it comes to pots, size matters: opt for one that’s 18 to 24 inches wide to give the roots plenty of room to stretch.
2. Add Some Japanese Elegance with a Japanese Maple
If you, like me, have always admired the elegance of Japanese aesthetics, you’ll love growing a Japanese maple.
With leaves ranging from fiery red to delicate lime green and deep royal purple, these stunners are a must for anyone looking to add a touch of Japanese flair to their garden.
Make sure to choose the right pot – about 18 to 24 inches wide is ideal. These little leafy wonders prefer a cozy spot with partial shade, as too much sun can be harsh on their delicate leaves.
For soil, go for something light and airy, with a slight acidity to keep those vibrant colors popping.
3. Bring a Mediterranean Vibe with Olive Trees
Feeling adventurous? Why not bring the Mediterranean right to your doorstep? I’ve got just the thing: the Arbequina Olive Tree, which thrives in a pot just as well as in the ground!
These hardy, drought-tolerant trees are like a little slice of Spain in your garden. And the best part? They’re not just ornamental – in a few short years, they’ll reward you with delicious olives.
With their silvery-green leaves and timeless beauty, they’re the perfect tree for anyone with limited garden space. Just make sure they get plenty of direct sunlight, and let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
4. Add Elegance with Ornamental Cherry Trees
Whenever I stroll through my grandma’s garden and see her ornamental cherry tree in full bloom, it takes my breath away. Those pink blossoms are just too gorgeous!
With their stunning spring flowers and compact size, ornamental cherry trees are perfect for growing even in the tiniest spaces.
While they do thrive in containers, these cherry trees need a bit more space for their roots to spread, so the deeper the pot, the better!
Place your ornamental cherry in a sunny spot, either indoors or outdoors, and soon enough, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular sight.
5. Wow Your Guests with Dwarf Hinoki Cypress
Want to be the talk of the neighborhood with your stylish garden? Just get yourself a Dwarf Hinoki Cypress.
This evergreen gem is the perfect blend of beauty and ease. Its slow growth and compact stature make it a great fit for any small garden. Line a pathway or flank a doorway (they look best in pairs), and you’ll have everyone talking!
Just be sure to give it plenty of sunlight and regular watering to keep it happy. And if you live in snowy areas like Washington or Michigan, protect it from salt to maintain its lush foliage.
Not a fan of this cypress? Go for the Lemon Bonsai Cypress instead!
6. Bay Laurel: The Perfect Leafy Accent
Here comes my favorite little tree: the delightful Bay Laurel!
This unique evergreen tree produces aromatic leaves that are a culinary delight (your recipes will have that extra flavor kick, thanks to these tasty leaves).
But if you’re not looking for a kitchen garden, Bay Laurel makes a beautiful leafy accent for any space. Just place it in a sunny spot and forget about it!
Its dense foliage also works wonders as a natural privacy screen for your garden. Plus, Bay Laurel is drought-tolerant and prefers the soil to dry out between waterings – so no need to stress!
7. Citrus Trees Never Disappoint
From zesty lemons to juicy oranges, citrus trees thrive in pots with ease.
Remember, they love the sun, so keep them outside year-round if you’re in a warm climate, or bring them indoors during the frosty months. Choose your pot wisely, as citrus trees don’t outgrow their containers. For a tall tree, go for a roomy pot (like 8 to 16 gallons) and upgrade to a 20-gallon pot as the tree matures.
Their stunning appearance and practicality make citrus trees the ultimate porch or patio showstoppers!
8. Dwarf Apple Trees Bring the Looks and the Fruit
I’m smitten with my little potted dwarf apple trees! Imagine picking fresh apples from a tree that’s only about 3 feet tall (no more need for ladders!).
My prized ‘Granny Smith’ stands proudly in the kids’ play area, but these beauties also shine as centerpieces or on spacious terraces.
Not all dwarf apples are created equal, so choose one grafted onto a mini-dwarf rootstock like M.27 for high disease resistance. And don’t forget, a large 20-gallon pot is essential for healthy root growth.
9. Everyone Will Love a Fig Tree
Fig trees are the VIPs of container gardening – the more their roots are contained, the sweeter their fruit!
Spoil them with sunlight and a cozy corner shielded from the winter chill. And with potted trees, you can easily move them to safety when frost hits!
For miniature perfection, go for ‘Little Miss Figgy,’ or stick with the classic ‘Brown Turkey.’ These babies will give you figs galore in no time!
10. Magnolia ‘Stellata’: The Star of Your Spring Garden
With delicate, star-shaped blooms, the Magnolia ‘Stellata’ feels like a celebrity in your backyard.
Don’t let their elegance fool you – these beauties thrive in containers with well-draining soil and love soaking up the gentle spring sunshine.
For a show-stopping addition, plant the ‘Royal Star’ variety, known for its late bloom and frost resistance.