How to Grow Healthy Trees in Containers
Trees don’t need to grow in spacious beds nor get huge – there are plenty of petite options that will thrive in pots
Whether you own a small garden, 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 straight 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 discover more.
Professional advice from: Jonathan Templar of Urban Gardener; Katie Reynolds of Katie Reynolds Design; Edward Prouse of Birch Meadow Landscaping
Professional advice from: Jonathan Templar of Urban Gardener; Katie Reynolds of Katie Reynolds Design; Edward Prouse of Birch Meadow Landscaping
What makes a tree suitable for growing in a pot?
“Generally speaking, trees that are slow-growing work better,” Jonathan Templar says. He adds that dwarf varieties or trees grafted to rootstock that limits their full size are perfect for pots.
Katie agrees, highlighting the dwarf conifer Picea glauca var. albertiana ‘Conica’ (dwarf Alberta spruce), pictured here, as a great container tree.
Edward Prouse says drought tolerance can also be a benefit. “Though it’s not necessary if you intend to water and feed frequently,” he adds.
You might also enjoy How Do I Create a Drought-tolerant Garden?
“Generally speaking, trees that are slow-growing work better,” Jonathan Templar says. He adds that dwarf varieties or trees grafted to rootstock that limits their full size are perfect for pots.
Katie agrees, highlighting the dwarf conifer Picea glauca var. albertiana ‘Conica’ (dwarf Alberta spruce), pictured here, as a great container tree.
Edward Prouse says drought tolerance can also be a benefit. “Though it’s not necessary if you intend to water and feed frequently,” he adds.
You might also enjoy How Do I Create a Drought-tolerant Garden?
What are your favourite container-suitable trees?
Katie recommends Acer palmatum (Japanese maple). The version pictured here is a single-stemmed variety, but Katie loves the multi-stemmed form of this tree. “It really lends itself to being grown in a pot, creating a beautiful focal point,” she says.
Edward picks out the ‘Orange Dream’ variety, of which he says, “Blink and it’s changed colour again. It’s good for constant colour changes throughout the growing season.”
Two more of his favourites are the versatile Prunus incisa ‘Kojo no mai’ – “Simply stunning, delicate flowers, beautiful autumnal colour, small in stature,” – and Amelanchier lamarckii – “One of my favourite trees: stunning spring flowers and breathtaking autumnal colours.”
“I clearly have a Mediterranean influence, because I love to see Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’ and Olea europaea in container gardens,” Jonathan says. “Or, for a bit of a feature plant, we often use Magnolia stellata.”
Katie recommends Acer palmatum (Japanese maple). The version pictured here is a single-stemmed variety, but Katie loves the multi-stemmed form of this tree. “It really lends itself to being grown in a pot, creating a beautiful focal point,” she says.
Edward picks out the ‘Orange Dream’ variety, of which he says, “Blink and it’s changed colour again. It’s good for constant colour changes throughout the growing season.”
Two more of his favourites are the versatile Prunus incisa ‘Kojo no mai’ – “Simply stunning, delicate flowers, beautiful autumnal colour, small in stature,” – and Amelanchier lamarckii – “One of my favourite trees: stunning spring flowers and breathtaking autumnal colours.”
“I clearly have a Mediterranean influence, because I love to see Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’ and Olea europaea in container gardens,” Jonathan says. “Or, for a bit of a feature plant, we often use Magnolia stellata.”
Katie also references the slow-growing, topiary-friendly tree, Ilex aquifolium (holly). Pictured here is the lollipop-shaped ‘JC van Tol’ variety, underplanted with Tiarella. “Two of these either side of a doorway or on top of garden steps creates a welcoming entrance,” she says.
Nose around the rest of this garden.
Nose around the rest of this garden.
Can fruit trees be grown in a container?
Indeed they can. Think dwarf varieties of plum (pictured), apple, pear – even peach and apricot, 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 fertilising,” Edward says.
Jonathan elaborates, “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 fortnightly 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 it can’t blow over.
Pollination is a key factor to bear in mind, too. “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,” Katie says.
Jonathan adds that hand pollination may be required if the trees are kept inside greenhouses.
Indeed they can. Think dwarf varieties of plum (pictured), apple, pear – even peach and apricot, 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 fertilising,” Edward says.
Jonathan elaborates, “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 fortnightly 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 it can’t blow over.
Pollination is a key factor to bear in mind, too. “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,” Katie says.
Jonathan 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 such as John Innes No 3 is suitable, though some trees, such as acers, prefer acidic soils.
As with the fruit trees, Jonathan advises mixing compost with one third grit sand before placing it in a container. Don’t forget to boost drainage and stop the soil running out of the pot’s holes by adding gravel or crocks to the bottom, too. When watering, Jonathan says it’s best to allow the top surface of the soil to dry out, then drench.
Katie adds that a layer of mulch on top will help to retain the water and that feet beneath the pot are a good idea on patios, so water can drain out easily.
Browse homeowner reviews in the Houzz Professionals Directory to find a landscape architect or garden designer in your area.
Generally, a loam-based compost such as John Innes No 3 is suitable, though some trees, such as acers, prefer acidic soils.
As with the fruit trees, Jonathan advises mixing compost with one third grit sand before placing it in a container. Don’t forget to boost drainage and stop the soil running out of the pot’s holes by adding gravel or crocks to the bottom, too. When watering, Jonathan says it’s best to allow the top surface of the soil to dry out, then drench.
Katie adds that a layer of mulch on top will help to retain the water and that feet beneath the pot are a good idea on patios, so water can drain out easily.
Browse homeowner reviews in the Houzz Professionals Directory to find a landscape architect or garden designer in your area.
How should container trees be fed?
Container trees need a bit more attention than trees planted straight into 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 give them a nutrient boost. Jonathan advises mixing the new soil with a slow-release fertiliser.
“I’m a fan of blood, fish and bone,” Edward adds. “It promotes healthy root growth and is a long-lasting feed.”
Jonathan suggests then feeding your potted trees with liquid seaweed or tomato feed throughout the growing season. Edward recommends a potash fertiliser every two to three weeks. “It will keep the tree invigorated and fed enough to produce sizeable fruits,” he says.
Container trees need a bit more attention than trees planted straight into 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 give them a nutrient boost. Jonathan advises mixing the new soil with a slow-release fertiliser.
“I’m a fan of blood, fish and bone,” Edward adds. “It promotes healthy root growth and is a long-lasting feed.”
Jonathan suggests then feeding your potted trees with liquid seaweed or tomato feed throughout the growing season. Edward recommends a potash fertiliser every two to three weeks. “It will keep the tree invigorated and fed enough to produce sizeable fruits,” he says.
How important is pruning?
The good news is that dwarf and slow-growing varieties should require little pruning, though obviously topiary is a different story. Katie and Edward advise treating container trees as you would the larger varieties. Jonathan does caution, though, that there’s no such thing as blanket advice, since every variety will have 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,” Edward says. A light trim can also help to 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 varieties should require little pruning, though obviously topiary is a different story. Katie and Edward advise treating container trees as you would the larger varieties. Jonathan does caution, though, that there’s no such thing as blanket advice, since every variety will have 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,” Edward says. A light trim can also help to 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?
Jonathan and Edward advise pots should be no bigger than 50cm in diameter. “Don’t use a huge pot for a small tree,” Katie 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 terracotta are heavy enough that they won’t blow over. Do ensure your choice is frost-resistant, though, or it risks cracking in cold weather.
“Terracotta dries out more quickly than other materials, so the tree will need more frequent watering,” Katie 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 be prone to rust. Katie suggests getting around this by choosing Corten steel, as the rusting is a self-protecting layer that looks good in its own right.
Edward says he favours 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 colours and finishes, as well as designs made from recycled plastic.
The planters in this urban garden are concrete-effect lightweight fibreglass – and the tree is an evergreen Nandina domestica.
See more of this small London garden.
Tell us…
Which trees have you grown successfully in pots and what are your tips? Let us know in the Comments.
Jonathan and Edward advise pots should be no bigger than 50cm in diameter. “Don’t use a huge pot for a small tree,” Katie 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 terracotta are heavy enough that they won’t blow over. Do ensure your choice is frost-resistant, though, or it risks cracking in cold weather.
“Terracotta dries out more quickly than other materials, so the tree will need more frequent watering,” Katie 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 be prone to rust. Katie suggests getting around this by choosing Corten steel, as the rusting is a self-protecting layer that looks good in its own right.
Edward says he favours 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 colours and finishes, as well as designs made from recycled plastic.
The planters in this urban garden are concrete-effect lightweight fibreglass – and the tree is an evergreen Nandina domestica.
See more of this small London garden.
Tell us…
Which trees have you grown successfully in pots and what are your tips? Let us know in the Comments.
There are several reasons why growing trees in pots can be a great idea.
You can protect delicate varieties. “I’m based in Aberdeenshire, where winters are very cold,” Katie Reynolds says. “Having trees in pots allows you to grow varieties – such as Laurus nobilis (bay tree), for example – that wouldn’t otherwise survive, as you can take them into a greenhouse or somewhere protected over winter.
“Using pots also means you can grow a species that might not otherwise be suited to your garden soil type,” she says. “For example, an Acer or Amelanchier prefers an acidic soil, so you can use ericaceous compost to provide the best conditions for the tree.
“Containers are also a great way of growing a tree in a small area, such as on patio, and are also useful for people renting, as you can take the trees with you when you move house,” Katie says.