Limited outdoor space doesn't have to stop you from enjoying the benefits of trees. Discover 13 tree options suitable for pots, handpicked by experts.
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Whether you're short on space, live in a rented property, or simply want to bring some greenery closer to your everyday world, growing trees in pots is a fantastic option. Here's a guide to help you get started, focusing on fruit trees and other suitable species.
Choosing the Right Trees
Dwarf fruit trees, such as dwarf citrus (lemons, limes), dwarf fig trees, dwarf cherry and plum trees, mango, star fruit (carambola), papaya, lychee, and guava, are ideal for container growing. These trees are often self-pollinating and do not require a second tree to bear fruit, making them perfect for small spaces. [1][2]
When it comes to fruit production, crab apples like 'Malus 'Evereste' are a great choice, offering clusters of fragrant, white and pink flowers and orangey/red crab apples. [1]
For decorative trees, consider the Scots pine cultivar 'Watereri' with its attractive orange-brown bark, blue-green needles, and candle-like cones. [1] Or, opt for the Mediterranean palette, which includes olives, Arbutus x andrachnoides, or Lagerstroemia indica. [1]
Container Size and Soil
Start with a small container (1-3 gallons) and gradually increase pot size as your tree grows (up to about 25 gallons) to encourage healthy root development and avoid waterlogging or root rot. [1] Use well-drained soil and ensure your container has proper drainage holes to maintain root health. [1]
Climate Adaptability and Tree Selection
Tropical dwarf fruit trees prefer USDA zones 9-11, but can be grown in colder climates in pots if brought indoors in winter or grown in greenhouses. [1] Dwarf cherry and plum trees also perform well in containers, can start fruiting in 2-3 years, and benefit from being planted in pairs for better yields. [2]
Transplanting and Maintenance
Potted trees can be planted or transplanted almost any time except harsh winter, with spring and summer being ideal for better adaptation and growth, especially for sensitive species like citrus and olives. [3] Regular pruning is important to keep the tree's shape and prevent it from getting too leggy. [1]
Additional Tips
- Use a loam-based, peat-free compost for trees in pots. [1]
- Lighter coloured pots (ideally terracotta) are preferable, as dark pots retain heat, drying out the growing medium. [1]
- Feeding is vital, as container-grown plants often stay in their compost for many years. Use a feed with more nitrogen and phosphorus than potassium. [1]
- Bunny Guinness recommends baseless pots, as they encourage the roots to find their way down to the soil to access moisture and nutrients. [1]
- Selecting trees with smaller leaves is another useful tip, such as Japanese maples or silver birches, as smaller leaves mean less transpiration. [1]
- Good hygiene, regular watering, and feeding will help to give a container-planted tree the best chance of defense against pests and diseases. [1]
Fruit Trees in Pots
Apples and pears can also be happy in pots, but don't assume you need a dwarfing rootstock, as the pot is doing the dwarfing by stressing the roots. [1] Even tough species need watering, especially in drought. [1]
Decorative Trees in Pots
The Koelreuteria paniculata originates from the dry valleys of China and prefers a hot, sunny position where its large panicles of yellow flowers, which turn to bronze, lantern-like fruits, can be shown off. [1] The Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' offers pea-like magenta flowers on the tree's wood in spring, heart-shaped, glossy-green leaves that follow, turning butter yellow in autumn, and grows to 3m x 2.5m. [1] The Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis' is a choice winter-flowering cherry with semi-double white flowers from November to March and good autumn yellow-orange foliage. [1]
Advice from the Experts
Andy Sturgeon suggests planting a tree into an Air-Pot and then placing it into a larger ornamental pot to help it live longer. [1] Nick Dunn recommends being strict with feeding and watering regimes, plus root pruning in winter every two to three years is advisable. [1]
Potting Considerations
Wide pots are better than tall, thin ones, as roots like to spread outwards. [1] A pot elevates the canopy of a small tree up to eye level, useful for masking buildings or creating co-ordination in an ill-matched group of buildings. [1]
Challenges of Container Growing Trees
Dealing with the climate, and how the plant grows, is the biggest challenge of container growing trees. Pots can dry out quickly, their size can limit root growth, water availability may be poor, and for larger specimens, pots may not give structural rigidity. [1]
[1] RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) [2] Gardener's World Magazine [3] Gardeners' World
Sources:
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
- Gardener's World Magazine
- Gardeners' World
- Potted trees bring the beauty of flowers and greenery closer to your lifestyle.
- Dwarf fruit trees like dwarf citrus, dwarf fig trees, and dwarf cherry and plum trees are perfect for container growing.
- Crab apples offer not only beautiful white and pink flowers but also orangey/red crab apples.
- Decorative trees such as the Scots pine cultivar 'Watereri' and Mediterranean plants like olives, Arbutus x andrachnoides, or Lagerstroemia indica add a unique touch to landscapes.
- Start with a small container and gradually increase its size to encourage healthy root development.
- Use well-drained soil and ensure proper drainage holes to maintain root health.
- Tropical dwarf fruit trees prefer warmer climates but can be grown in pots in colder areas.
- Dwarf cherry and plum trees perform well in containers and benefit from being planted in pairs.
- Spring and summer are ideal for planting or transplanting trees, while harsh winter should be avoided.
- Pruning the tree is essential to keep its shape and prevent leggy growth.
- Use lighter-colored pots (like terracotta) to prevent them from retaining heat.
- Feeding container-grown plants is crucial, especially using a feed rich in nitrogen and phosphorus.
- Bunny Guinness recommends baseless pots to help roots find moisture and nutrients.
- Smaller-leafed trees, such as Japanese maples or silver birches, transpire less and are easier to care for.
- Regular watering, good hygiene, and feeding help protect container-planted trees from pests and diseases.
- Apples and pears can also thrive in pots, but they require watering, especially during dry periods.
- The Koelreuteria paniculata is a decorative tree that prefers a hot, sunny position and offers large panicles of yellow flowers.
- The Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' has pea-like magenta flowers in spring, glossy-green leaves that follow, and turns butter yellow in autumn.
- The Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis' is a winter-flowering cherry that adds beauty from November to March.
- Experts recommend Air-Pots for extended tree life and a strict feeding and watering regimen for healthy growth.
- Wide pots are better than tall, thin ones, as roots prefer spreading outwards.
- A pot elevates a small tree's canopy to various heights, useful for masking buildings or creating coordination.
- Climate adaptability, choosing the right trees, container size, soil selection, and proper maintenance are key challenges for container growing trees.
