How to Grow Trees in Containers
Get tips on how to grow and maintain healthy trees — and which types to choose — from landscape design pros
Kate Burt
July 26, 2021
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and various magazines. I'm now excited to part of the editorial team at Houzz UK & Ireland, bringing the best of British and Irish design, interiors and architecture to Houzz.com.
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and... More
Whether you own a small yard, have a patio that needs more foliage or live in a rented property, there are plenty of reasons you might want to consider growing some or all of your trees in pots rather than in the ground. Not only can you buy specific varieties for container growing, you may also find you have more choice in what you grow. Read on to learn more.
Why Grow Trees in Containers?
There are several reasons why growing trees in pots can be a great idea.
You can protect delicate varieties. “Having trees in pots allows you to grow varieties — such as sweet bay (Laurus nobilis, USDA zones 8 to 11; find your zone), for example — that wouldn’t otherwise survive [in cold-winter climates], as you can take them into a greenhouse or somewhere protected over winter,” Katie Reynolds of Katie Reynolds Design says.
“Using pots also means you can grow a species that might not otherwise be suited to your garden soil type,” she says. “For example, a maple (Acer spp.) or serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) prefers an acidic soil, so you can use ericaceous compost to provide the best conditions for the tree.”
Reynolds adds that containers also make it easier to grow a tree in a small area like a patio. “[They] are also useful for people renting, as you can take the trees with you when you move house,” she says.
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There are several reasons why growing trees in pots can be a great idea.
You can protect delicate varieties. “Having trees in pots allows you to grow varieties — such as sweet bay (Laurus nobilis, USDA zones 8 to 11; find your zone), for example — that wouldn’t otherwise survive [in cold-winter climates], as you can take them into a greenhouse or somewhere protected over winter,” Katie Reynolds of Katie Reynolds Design says.
“Using pots also means you can grow a species that might not otherwise be suited to your garden soil type,” she says. “For example, a maple (Acer spp.) or serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) prefers an acidic soil, so you can use ericaceous compost to provide the best conditions for the tree.”
Reynolds adds that containers also make it easier to grow a tree in a small area like a patio. “[They] are also useful for people renting, as you can take the trees with you when you move house,” she says.
Find a landscape designer near you
What Makes a Tree Suitable for Growing in a Pot?
“Generally speaking, trees that are slow-growing work better,” Jonathan Templar of Urban Gardener says. He notes that dwarf varieties or trees grafted to rootstock that limits their full size are perfect for pots.
Reynolds agrees, citing the dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca var. albertiana ‘Conica’, zones 2 to 6), pictured here, as a great container tree.
Edward Prouse of Birch Meadow Landscaping says drought tolerance can also be a benefit. “Though it’s not necessary if you intend to water and feed frequently,” he adds.
10 Top Trees to Grow in Containers
“Generally speaking, trees that are slow-growing work better,” Jonathan Templar of Urban Gardener says. He notes that dwarf varieties or trees grafted to rootstock that limits their full size are perfect for pots.
Reynolds agrees, citing the dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca var. albertiana ‘Conica’, zones 2 to 6), pictured here, as a great container tree.
Edward Prouse of Birch Meadow Landscaping says drought tolerance can also be a benefit. “Though it’s not necessary if you intend to water and feed frequently,” he adds.
10 Top Trees to Grow in Containers
What Are Some Favorite Container-Suitable Trees?
Reynolds recommends Japanese maple (Acer palmatum, zones 5 to 8). The version pictured here is a single-stemmed variety, but Reynolds loves the multistemmed form of this tree. “It really lends itself to being grown in a pot, creating a beautiful focal point,” she says.
Prouse picks out the ‘Orange Dream’ Japanese maple variety, of which he says: “Blink and it’s changed color again. It’s good for constant color changes throughout the growing season.”
Two more of his favorites are the versatile flowering cherry (Prunus incisa ‘Kojo no mai’, zones 6 to 9) — “simply stunning, delicate flowers, beautiful autumnal color, small in stature” — and serviceberry (Amelanchier lamarckii, zones 4 to 8) — “one of my favorite trees: stunning spring flowers and breathtaking autumnal colors.”
“I love to see Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’, zones 4 to 9) and olive trees (Olea europaea, zones 8 to 11) in container gardens,” Templar says. “Or, for a bit of a feature plant, we often use star magnolia (Magnolia stellata, zones 4 to 8).”
Reynolds recommends Japanese maple (Acer palmatum, zones 5 to 8). The version pictured here is a single-stemmed variety, but Reynolds loves the multistemmed form of this tree. “It really lends itself to being grown in a pot, creating a beautiful focal point,” she says.
Prouse picks out the ‘Orange Dream’ Japanese maple variety, of which he says: “Blink and it’s changed color again. It’s good for constant color changes throughout the growing season.”
Two more of his favorites are the versatile flowering cherry (Prunus incisa ‘Kojo no mai’, zones 6 to 9) — “simply stunning, delicate flowers, beautiful autumnal color, small in stature” — and serviceberry (Amelanchier lamarckii, zones 4 to 8) — “one of my favorite trees: stunning spring flowers and breathtaking autumnal colors.”
“I love to see Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’, zones 4 to 9) and olive trees (Olea europaea, zones 8 to 11) in container gardens,” Templar says. “Or, for a bit of a feature plant, we often use star magnolia (Magnolia stellata, zones 4 to 8).”
Reynolds also references the slow-growing, topiary-friendly English holly (Ilex aquifolium, zones 7 to 9). Pictured here is the lollipop-shaped ‘JC van Tol’ variety, underplanted with foamflower (Tiarella sp.). “Two of these either side of a doorway or on top of garden steps creates a welcoming entrance,” she says.
Shop for pots and planters on Houzz
Shop for pots and planters on Houzz
Can Fruit Trees Be Grown in a Container?
Dwarf varieties of plum (pictured), apple, pear — even peach and apricot — make good container plants, though soft fruit trees will need winter protection.
“Fruit trees will need good, free-draining compost, a sheltered, full-sun spot, frequent watering during hot spells, and fertilizing,” Prouse says. Templar advises: “Fill your container with good-quality compost mixed with one-third grit sand, position the pot in full sun, and feed with a high-potassium feed [every two weeks] during the growing season.”
Reducing the quantities of fruit-bearing shoots will reduce potential damage to overladen trees, as will careful positioning — out of the wind or tied to a wall — so the tree can’t blow over.
Pollination is a key factor to bear in mind as well. “As a general rule, fruit trees will need another of the same tree flowering at the same time to cross-pollinate in order to fruit, though there are some self-pollinating varieties,” Reynolds says. Templar adds that hand pollination may be required if the trees are kept inside greenhouses.
Dwarf varieties of plum (pictured), apple, pear — even peach and apricot — make good container plants, though soft fruit trees will need winter protection.
“Fruit trees will need good, free-draining compost, a sheltered, full-sun spot, frequent watering during hot spells, and fertilizing,” Prouse says. Templar advises: “Fill your container with good-quality compost mixed with one-third grit sand, position the pot in full sun, and feed with a high-potassium feed [every two weeks] during the growing season.”
Reducing the quantities of fruit-bearing shoots will reduce potential damage to overladen trees, as will careful positioning — out of the wind or tied to a wall — so the tree can’t blow over.
Pollination is a key factor to bear in mind as well. “As a general rule, fruit trees will need another of the same tree flowering at the same time to cross-pollinate in order to fruit, though there are some self-pollinating varieties,” Reynolds says. Templar adds that hand pollination may be required if the trees are kept inside greenhouses.
What’s the Best Soil for a Container Tree?
Generally, a loam-based compost is suitable, though some trees, such as maples, prefer acidic soils.
As with fruit trees, Templar advises mixing compost with one-third grit sand before placing it in a container. Don’t forget to boost drainage and stop the soil from running out of the pot’s holes by adding gravel to the bottom. When watering, Templar says it’s best to allow the top surface of the soil to dry out, then drench.
Reynolds says a layer of mulch on top will help retain the water and that feet beneath the pot are a good idea on patios, so water can drain easily.
Container Gardening Basics: The Dirt on Soil
Generally, a loam-based compost is suitable, though some trees, such as maples, prefer acidic soils.
As with fruit trees, Templar advises mixing compost with one-third grit sand before placing it in a container. Don’t forget to boost drainage and stop the soil from running out of the pot’s holes by adding gravel to the bottom. When watering, Templar says it’s best to allow the top surface of the soil to dry out, then drench.
Reynolds says a layer of mulch on top will help retain the water and that feet beneath the pot are a good idea on patios, so water can drain easily.
Container Gardening Basics: The Dirt on Soil
How Should Container Trees Be Fed?
Container trees need a bit more attention than trees in the ground. All our experts underline the benefits of repotting every other spring and replacing around one-third of the soil with fresh compost to provide a nutrient boost. Templar advises mixing the new soil with a slow-release fertilizer.
“I’m a fan of blood, fish and bone,” Prouse says. “It promotes healthy root growth and is a long-lasting feed.”
How to Feed Your Plants for a Healthier Garden
Container trees need a bit more attention than trees in the ground. All our experts underline the benefits of repotting every other spring and replacing around one-third of the soil with fresh compost to provide a nutrient boost. Templar advises mixing the new soil with a slow-release fertilizer.
“I’m a fan of blood, fish and bone,” Prouse says. “It promotes healthy root growth and is a long-lasting feed.”
How to Feed Your Plants for a Healthier Garden
How Important Is Pruning?
The good news is that dwarf and slow-growing trees should require little pruning, though obviously topiary is a different story. Reynolds and Prouse advise treating container trees as you would the larger varieties. Templar does caution, though, that there’s no such thing as blanket advice, since every variety has its own needs.
“When growing fruit trees, it may be necessary to thin out fruits during the growing period to prevent branches from snapping under the weight,” Prouse says. A light trim can also help prevent disease. “Good pruning techniques can keep the likes of canker, brown spot and peach leaf curl at bay,” he says.
The good news is that dwarf and slow-growing trees should require little pruning, though obviously topiary is a different story. Reynolds and Prouse advise treating container trees as you would the larger varieties. Templar does caution, though, that there’s no such thing as blanket advice, since every variety has its own needs.
“When growing fruit trees, it may be necessary to thin out fruits during the growing period to prevent branches from snapping under the weight,” Prouse says. A light trim can also help prevent disease. “Good pruning techniques can keep the likes of canker, brown spot and peach leaf curl at bay,” he says.
What’s the Best Type of Container for Growing Trees?
Templar and Prouse say pots should be no bigger than needed. “Don’t use a huge pot for a small tree,” Reynolds echoes. “And every few years, repot it into a slightly bigger container.” This should also reduce the need for excessive pruning.
Aside from that, you’ll need to consider durability, water retention and, of course, the style of your garden. As for materials, concrete and terra cotta are heavy enough that they shouldn’t blow over. Do ensure your choice is frost-resistant, though, or it risks cracking in cold weather. “Terra cotta dries out more quickly than other materials, so the tree will need more frequent watering,” Reynolds says. “While wooden planters retain water better and will cope better in cold weather, they’re more susceptible to rot, so lining them is a good idea.”
Metal is another option, though it can rust. Reynolds suggests getting around this by choosing Cor-Ten steel, as the rusting is a self-protecting layer that looks attractive.
Prouse says he favors plastic. “That’s mainly due to its durability and protection against frost,” he explains. “It’s also lightweight and easy to move around, and you can drill extra holes into the base to provide more drainage.” You can find lots of attractive versions in different colors and finishes, as well as designs made from recycled plastic.
Your turn: Which trees have you grown successfully in pots and what are your tips? Let us know in the Comments.
More on Houzz
10 Trees Landscape Designers Love
Learn more about growing plants in containers
Work with a landscape designer in your area
Shop for outdoor furniture
Templar and Prouse say pots should be no bigger than needed. “Don’t use a huge pot for a small tree,” Reynolds echoes. “And every few years, repot it into a slightly bigger container.” This should also reduce the need for excessive pruning.
Aside from that, you’ll need to consider durability, water retention and, of course, the style of your garden. As for materials, concrete and terra cotta are heavy enough that they shouldn’t blow over. Do ensure your choice is frost-resistant, though, or it risks cracking in cold weather. “Terra cotta dries out more quickly than other materials, so the tree will need more frequent watering,” Reynolds says. “While wooden planters retain water better and will cope better in cold weather, they’re more susceptible to rot, so lining them is a good idea.”
Metal is another option, though it can rust. Reynolds suggests getting around this by choosing Cor-Ten steel, as the rusting is a self-protecting layer that looks attractive.
Prouse says he favors plastic. “That’s mainly due to its durability and protection against frost,” he explains. “It’s also lightweight and easy to move around, and you can drill extra holes into the base to provide more drainage.” You can find lots of attractive versions in different colors and finishes, as well as designs made from recycled plastic.
Your turn: Which trees have you grown successfully in pots and what are your tips? Let us know in the Comments.
More on Houzz
10 Trees Landscape Designers Love
Learn more about growing plants in containers
Work with a landscape designer in your area
Shop for outdoor furniture
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The tree in the 2nd picture from the top looks to me like a Dwarf Hinoki cypress 'Nana Gracilis' not a dwarf Alberta spruce. The Hinoki cypress is a great tree for a pot as well.
I am trying to recreate the Japanese Maple in the large red container, along with the wonderful underplanting. Can advise what I would need?
I’ve bought a half dead very small acer in a pot about 20 years ago and it’s now looking pretty good