Pondering no room for a tree in your yard? Reconsider - explore these 13 tree options, curated by experts, for planting in containers
Growing Trees in Containers: A Guide to Beauty and Environmental Benefits
Growing trees in containers has become increasingly popular, especially for those with limited outdoor space or unable to grow plants in the ground. This method brings the beauty of trees closer to our everyday world and offers environmental benefits as well.
The Right Pot and Growing Medium
Lighter-colored pots, ideally terracotta, are preferable as dark pots retain heat and dry out the growing medium. Use a loam-based, peat-free compost for trees in pots, as the tree will be growing in it for many years.
Choosing the Right Tree
When selecting trees to grow in pots, a Mediterranean palette is recommended, such as olives, figs, Arbutus x andrachnoides, or Lagerstroemia indica, as they are adapted to poor soil and lack of nutrients and water that occurs in containers.
Some of the best trees to grow in pots for both beauty and environmental benefits include the Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum), Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis or Cercis canadensis), Weeping Pussy Willow (Salix caprea 'Pendula'), Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber), and Red Fountain Grass Tree.
The Japanese Maple is renowned for its stunning, colorful foliage that changes through seasons, particularly brilliant in fall. It is low-maintenance if placed in partly shaded areas and protected from extreme heat or frost. It adds aesthetic elegance and can improve air quality.
The Western Redbud features vibrant rosy blooms in spring and blue-toned leaves in summer. Native to parts of the U.S., it is suitable for container growth and zones 6 and above. It supports local biodiversity by attracting pollinators.
The Weeping Pussy Willow offers unique springtime beauty with cascading catkin flowers. It’s hardy to cold zones (Zone 4), and willows generally help in soil stabilization and water purification.
The Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany is an evergreen with smooth gray bark and birch-like leaves, drought- and fire-resistant. Ideal for low-maintenance container gardening, it may support wildlife and ecological resilience in arid areas.
The Red Fountain Grass Tree, although technically more of a grass than a tree, is noted for striking red plumes, drought tolerance, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, preventing soil erosion with its dense roots, and improving air quality.
Caring for Container-Grown Trees
Dealing with the climate, and how the plant grows, is the biggest challenge of container growing trees. Pots can dry out quickly, limit root growth, and may not provide structural rigidity. Good hygiene, regular watering, and feeding will help to give a container-planted tree the best chance of defense against pests and diseases.
Wind rock is a potential issue with trees in containers, and maintaining pruning can help keep the tree's shape and prevent it from getting too leggy. Don't rely on rainwater; even tough species need watering, especially in drought.
Bunny Guinness recommends baseless pots, as they encourage roots to find their way down to the soil to access moisture and nutrients. Andy Sturgeon suggests planting a tree into an Air-Pot and then placing it into a larger ornamental pot to help it live longer. Nick Dunn recommends being strict with feeding and watering regimes, and root pruning in winter every two to three years is advisable.
Additional Recommendations
Crab apples are a good choice for fruit trees in pots, as they bring seasonal interest and provide a nectar source for pollinators. 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.
Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii is a deciduous tree with white bark and ovate leaves that turn yellow in autumn, suitable for large pots in small gardens. Trees with smaller leaves, such as Japanese maples or silver birches, can do well in pots, as smaller leaves mean less transpiration.
Apples and pears can be happy in pots, but don't assume you need a dwarfing rootstock, as the pot is doing the dwarfing by stressing the roots. Albizia julibrissin is a medium-sized deciduous tree with mimosa-like leaves and pink-white flowers, hardier than people think but enjoys a lot of sun.
Feeding is vital for container-grown plants, as they often stay in their compost for many years. Use a feed with more nitrogen and phosphorus than potassium.
The appreciation of trees has increased in the past few years due to their beauty, diversity, ecological benefits, and environmental credentials. Using a repeated type of tree in similar pots allows you to define and create spaces around buildings.
Pinus sylvestris 'Watereri' is a slow-growing cultivar of the Scots pine with attractive orange-brown bark and blue-green needles that cradle candle-like cones. Arbutus unedo is a shrubby evergreen Mediterranean tree with shredding red-brown bark, leathery small leaves, white flowers, and red fruits in autumn, suitable for small pots.
In summary, Japanese maples, Western redbuds, pussy willows, birchleaf mountain mahogany, and Red Fountain Grass Tree stand out for their balance of elegance and environmental utility when grown in containers. They support air purification, attract pollinators, stabilize soil, and are adaptable to container life with proper care.
- When considering container-grown trees, species such as the Japanese Maple, Western Redbud, Weeping Pussy Willow, Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany, and Red Fountain Grass Tree are excellent choices for both beauty and environmental benefits.
- The Japanese Maple, with its colorful foliage adjusting through seasons, adds aesthetic elegance to gardens and can enhance air quality.
- The Western Redbud, featuring vibrant rosy blooms in spring and blue-toned leaves in summer, attracts pollinators and suits container growth in zones 6 and above.
- Crab apples are a suitable choice for fruit trees in pots, as they provide a nectar source for pollinators and can thrive in appropriate care conditions.
