21 Best Trees to Grow Outdoors in Pots and Containers
Bring greenery to balconies with hardy, space-saving specimens that thrive in planters.
Image: HearthJunction Design Team
21 Best Trees For Pots and Containers
Urban living, small yards, or simply a desire for versatility in your garden designâthere are many reasons to turn to trees that thrive in pots. Whether you want to add height to a balcony, shade a seating area, or create an eye-catching focal point, container-grown trees are the answer. In this guide, we highlight 21 species perfectly suited for growing outdoors in pots and containers, plus essential care tips and answers to your most common questions.
Why Grow Trees in Pots?
Growing trees in pots is an excellent solution when space is tight or when you want the flexibility to move your greenery as seasons and sunlight change. Container trees add vertical interest, improve privacy, and allow you to cultivate exotic or tender specimens you might not otherwise grow in your climate.
- Space-saving: Ideal for patios, balconies, and small gardens.
- Portability: Move trees to adapt to changing light, weather, or design schemes.
- Versatility: Experiment with non-native or cold-sensitive species by overwintering them indoors.
- Easy control: Better manage soil, watering, and pest conditions.
Choosing the Right Tree for Containers
Not all trees thrive in containers. The best choices are naturally compact, slow-growing, and tolerant of confined root zones. When selecting a container tree, keep these essential factors in mind:
- Growth habit: Look for varieties that stay manageable in size or respond well to pruning.
- Root system: Trees with less aggressive, fibrous roots adapt best to pots.
- Climate suitability: Choose species suited to your USDA zone or be prepared to overwinter indoors.
- Light requirements: Match tree species to your available sunlight (full sun, partial shade, etc.)
Best Trees for Outdoor Containers
Letâs dive into the top trees that are proven to flourish in pots, providing beauty, shade, and even edible harvests right on your doorstep.
1. Olive Tree (Olea europaea)
Evoking Mediterranean charm, olive trees are compact, drought-tolerant, and perfectly content in containers. With silvery green foliage and the potential for homegrown olives, they love sunny spots and thrive in USDA Zones 8-10. In cooler zones, bring indoors to protect from frost. Choose a gritty, well-draining potting mix and ensure pots have ample drainage holes to prevent root rot.
2. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Valued for their graceful, lacy foliage and dramatic color, Japanese maples perform well in pots. Dwarf varieties are especially suited for containers and make beautiful patio statements. They prefer dappled shade and need consistent moisture, but dislike waterlogged roots.
3. Lemon Tree (Citrus limon)
Lemon trees in pots deliver aromatic blossoms, glossy evergreen foliage, and tart fruit. Ideal for warm climates (USDA Zones 9-11), they can also be overwintered indoors in colder regions. Use a rich, well-draining soil mix and place in full sun for the heaviest yields.
4. Fig Tree (Ficus carica)
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Figs grow surprisingly well in containers, even producing bountiful fruit in limited root space. Hardy to Zones 7-10, they need a sunny spot and respond well to regular watering during fruiting.
5. Dwarf Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora varieties)
Compact magnolia cultivars offer glossy green leaves and stunning, fragrant blooms. Their manageable size and upright growth habit make them ideal for large patio pots in zones 7 and up.
6. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
Edible, aromatic foliage and compact growth make bay laurel a favorite for containers. Happy in full sun to part shade and USDA Zones 8-10, bring indoors where winters are harsh. Itâs perfect for culinary use and as an evergreen screen.
7. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
This sun-loving small tree dazzles with clusters of bright summer blooms and striking bark. Dwarf crape myrtle varieties remain compact and bring months of color from zones 7-9.
8. Camellia (Camellia japonica and others)
Known for their glossy leaves and exquisite winter or early spring flowers, camellias handle container life well if given acidic, moisture-retentive soil and protection from harsh afternoon sun.
9. Meyer Lemon (Citrus à meyeri)
Sweeter and less acidic than standard lemons, Meyer lemons are a top choice for container citrus. Provide ample sunlight, consistent feeding, and winter protection in zones below 9.
10. Dwarf Apple Tree (Malus domestica on dwarf rootstock)
Grow your own apples, even in the smallest spaces! Select varieties on dwarfing rootstock for container-friendly trees. Plant two different cultivars nearby for best pollination.
11. Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum)
This evergreen shrub/tree adapts easily to pots and provides year-round privacy and structure, with fragrant white flowers in spring.
12. Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Pomegranates are tolerant of container conditions and offer dramatic orange-red flowers and nutritious fruit. Best in full sun and Zones 8-11, they resent overwatering.
13. Dwarf Conifers (various species)
Many dwarf conifersâlike spruce, pine, or juniperâare perfect for pots, adding year-round greenery and sculptural form. Choose slow-growing cultivars for long-term container culture.
14. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
Technically a woody vine, star jasmine can be trained into a small tree or standard for containers. Enjoy fragrant, star-shaped blooms in summer and glossy foliage all year.
15. Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)
This Mediterranean evergreen delivers urn-shaped flowers and berry-like fruit, thriving in pots with well-draining soil in Zones 7 and up.
16. Lime Tree (Citrus aurantiifolia)
Lime trees in containers provide fresh citrus for cooking and cocktails. Like all citrus, they need warmth, abundant sun, and rich soil.
17. Serviceberry (Amelanchier species)
Serviceberries are adaptable, offering spring flowers, edible berries, and vibrant fall color. Dwarf cultivars suit containers best.
18. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Tropical hibiscus features bold, colorful flowers and makes a striking centerpiece for summer containers. Winter indoors in cold climates.
19. Topiary Bay or Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)
Classic topiaries are stars of container gardening. Boxwood and bay laurel are easily shaped into neat forms and perform well in pots.
20. Dogwood (Cornus species)
Some dogwood varieties, like Cornus kousa, stay small and bring year-round interest with spring blooms and fall foliage in containers.
21. Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata)
Japanese yew is a slow-growing evergreen that tolerates pruning and confined spaces, offering dense greenery for shady patios.
Essential Tips for Growing Trees in Containers
- Select the right pot: Choose sturdy, weatherproof containers at least twice as wide and deep as the treeâs root ball. Drainage is critical.
- Potting mix: Use high-quality, well-draining potting soilâoften a cactus/succulent blend or a mix designed for trees and shrubs.
- Watering: Potted trees dry out faster than those in the ground. Check soil moisture regularly, especially in hot weather.
- Feeding: Container trees need extra nutrients. Use slow-release fertilizer or liquid feed throughout the growing season.
- Repotting: Refresh soil and move up a pot size every 2-3 years or when you see roots circling the container.
- Winter care: Insulate pots or bring tender trees indoors to protect against frost.
- Pruning: Prune as needed to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth.
Table: At-a-Glance Guide to Container Trees
| Tree | USDA Zones | Sun Needs | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive | 8-10 | Full Sun | Needs excellent drainage |
| Japanese Maple | 5-8 | Partial Shade | Dwarf varieties best |
| Lemon | 9-11 | Full Sun | Bring indoors in winter (zones < 9) |
| Fig | 7-10 | Full Sun | Well-drained soil |
| Pomegranate | 8-11 | Full Sun | Tolerates heat and drought |
| Dwarf Magnolia | 7-9 | Full Sun to Partial Shade | Choose compact varieties |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What size pot is best for trees?
A: Choose a pot at least twice the diameter of the treeâs root ball and deep enough (minimum 18 to 24 inches for most trees) to support root growth.
Q: How often should I water container trees?
A: Water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry, often 2â3 times a week during hot weather. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Q: Can trees stay in containers permanently?
A: Many dwarf and slow-growing trees can thrive for years in containers if repotted, pruned, and fertilized regularly. Monitor for root binding.
Q: What are the best soil mixes for potted trees?
A: Use a high-quality potting mix with excellent drainage, like a cactus/succulent blend for Mediterranean trees, or a loam-based mix amended with compost for fruit trees.
Q: Do container-grown trees need special fertilizers?
A: Yes. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or liquid feed every 4â6 weeks during the spring and summer growing season.
Container Tree Care Tips
- Mulch the surface: Adds insulation, conserves moisture, and reduces weeds.
- Rotate pots: To ensure even growth, especially for sun-loving trees on patios or balconies.
- Monitor for pests: Container trees can be targets for aphids, scale, and mitesâinspect leaves and treat promptly.
- Support top-heavy trees: Use stakes or decorative supports to prevent blow-down in wind-prone areas.
Conclusion: Bringing Trees to Every Space
With thoughtful selection and care, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of treesâeven on a balcony or small patio. Choose compact, container-friendly species, meet their basic needs, and youâll create a lush, inviting retreat filled with color, shade, seasonal blooms, or fresh fruit. With these 21 recommendations, your outdoor space can truly grow up in style.
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