Landscape small trees: 25 Dwarf Trees for Use in Landscaping

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25 Dwarf Trees for Use in Landscaping

These dwarf varieties can make a big impact in a small space

By

Les Engels

Les Engels

Les Engles achieved Master Gardener through the Camden County Extension of the Rutgers Master Gardeners Program. He is an arboretum curator with over 30 years of experience. He describes himself as a “tree-hugging dirt worshipper” who is a member of multiple gardening societies and foundations.

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Editorial Process

Updated on 03/13/23

Reviewed by

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Reviewed by
Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary has been a Master Gardener for 30+ years and a commercial and residential gardener for 50+ years. She is a former Clemson University Extension Agent.

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Review Board

The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

We don’t all have room for a giant sequoia or huge oak in our yard. Fortunately, there are many small trees—known as dwarf trees in the landscaping trade—that are suitable for small yards. These trees generally mature at around 15 feet tall or less. Not only are they easy to fit into landscaping, but they are also less cumbersome to maintain than large trees. Pruning is typically a simpler task, as is training the trees to grow in a certain way. Plus, many small trees can even be grown in containers, which you might be able to bring inside for winter if your climate isn’t suitable for them.

To plant a small tree in your yard, find a suitable spot away from strong winds. Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball and roughly three inches deeper. Gently remove the rootball from the container and loosen the soil around the roots. Place the tree in the hole and backfill around the rootball, compressing the soil firmly as you go—the tree should remain in place if you give it a tug after filling the hole. Mulch around the base of the tree but keep the material a couple of inches away from the trunk. Give your new tree about a gallon of water each week.

Here are 25 small trees that are ideal for landscaping tight spaces.

Tip

If you have a small yard, focus on your vertical space. Select plants with an upright growth habit, and use vertical planters to maximize your ground space.

  • 01
    of 25

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Cryptomeria japonica can grow as tall as 60 feet. Luckily there is a dwarf tree cultivar that’s just the right size to fit the smallest of spaces. ‘Globosa Nana’ grows only a little over three feet high with a pyramidal shape. Its blue-green foliage develops a bit of a reddish-bronze color in the winter. Make sure never to allow its soil to dry out, and plant it somewhere sheltered from harsh winter winds.

    USDA Growing Zones: 5a to 9a

    Color Varieties: Nonflowering

    Sun Exposure: Full sun

    Soil Needs: Moist, rich, acidic, well-drained

  • 02
    of 25

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Wintersweet is usually grown as a shrub, but it can be trained easily to grow as a small tree.  It generally reaches around 10 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide when mature. The yellow blooms that arrive over the winter are quite fragrant, making this an ideal plant to situate near a deck or patio. Make sure to keep its soil moist but not soggy.

    USDA Growing Zones: 7b to 9a

    Color Varieties: Yellow with purple-brown centers

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Moist, rich, well-drained

  • 03
    of 25

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Even if you don’t have a lot of landscaping room, you can still include some wow factor. The harlequin gloryblower can achieve that with its ultra-showy summer flowers and purple pearlescent fruits. The foliage on this plant also has a unique trait: When bruised it smells somewhat like peanut butter. It will take a few seasons to train your harlequin gloryblower into tree form with some easy pruning. The mature plant can reach between 10 and 20 feet high.

    USDA Growing Zones: 7b to 9a

    Color Varieties: White

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained

  • 04
    of 25

    The Spruce / Les Engels

    Franklinia alatamaha is a dwarf tree that can grow either with a single trunk or as a multi-stemmed shrub. It features five-petal, sweetly fragrant blooms that appear late in the summer. While it can grow up to 20 feet as a tree, that’s uncommon. Its average height is around 8 to 10 feet. This plant must have sharp soil drainage, as it is not tolerant of being waterlogged.

    USDA Growing Zones: 5b to 8a

    Color Varieties: White

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained

  • 05
    of 25

    Megan Hansen / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

    Acer campestre ‘Carnival’ is a hedge maple cultivar. This dwarf tree’s foliage appears as a variegated silver and lime green for most of the year, though it is a cotton candy pink in the early spring. Best of all, it tops out at only around 15 feet, providing a lot of visual interest in a tiny package. It also needs relatively little maintenance besides watching out for common garden pests, such as aphids and scale.

    USDA Growing Zones: 5b to 8a

    Color Varieties: Yellow-green

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

  • 06
    of 25

    ‘Randy’ Magnolia (Magnolia ‘Randy’)

    David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    The ‘Randy’ magnolia cultivar is part of the Little Girl series, making them similar to a magnolia ‘Jane’ which were all bred to be small, low-branched deciduous trees. It grows around 10 to 15 feet tall with an oval form. And in the late spring, it blooms with reddish-purple, star-shaped flowers that have white on the inside. This dwarf tree doesn’t need much pruning besides removing dead or diseased branches as needed.

    USDA Growing Zones: 4a to 8a

    Color Varieties: Red-purple

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Rich, neutral to slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained

  • 07
    of 25

    Hardy Orange (Citrus trifoliata)

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    A member of the citrus family, the hardy orange does produce small fruits that ripen in the fall. But unlike typical oranges, they are quite acidic and have more of a lemon flavor. Many gardeners leave them on the tree for aesthetic value rather than consuming them. This plant can grow as a shrub or small tree, reaching around 8 to 15 feet high. It can be pruned after it’s done flowering, but be careful of its sharp thorns.

    USDA Growing Zones: 5a to 9a

    Color Varieties: White

    Sun Exposure: Full sun

    Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

  • 08
    of 25

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The main dawn redwood species can easily reach 100 feet. However, the cultivar ‘Miss Grace’ is an extremely slow-growing dwarf tree. It will only reach around 8 feet after 10 years. This cultivar has a weeping form that offers flexibility for those with small yards. It can be left to weep in almost a completely prostrate manner or staked to grow upright.  

    • USDA Growing Zones: 4a to 8a
    • Color Varieties: Nonflowering
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Humusy, moist, well-drained

  • 09
    of 25

    Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium)

    William Herron / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

    Native to China, yellowhorn is not commonly seen in landscaping. But it is a beautiful flowering tree that’s worth a look. It matures between 8 and 25 feet high and features an abundance of star-shaped blossoms in the springtime, followed by small green fruits. Plus, it’s quite hardy and adaptable to various growing conditions. It can tolerate some shade but ideally should be planted in full sun for best flowering.

    USDA Growing Zones: 4b to 7a

    Color Varieties: White with yellow or red center

    Sun Exposure: Full sun

    Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained 

  • 10
    of 25

    Mountain Witch Alder (Fothergilla latifolia)

    Ron Evans / Getty Images

    Mountain witch alder is a slow-growing shrub that can be trained to grow as a dwarf tree with a single trunk. It reaches only around 6 to 10 feet high. This plant bears fragrant flowers in the spring, and in the fall the foliage turns to shades of red, orange, and yellow. In optimal growing conditions, it is prone to spreading via root suckers around the base of the plant. So these should be removed if you want to limit its spread. 

    USDA Growing Zones: 4a to 8a

    Color Varieties: White

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

  • 11
    of 25

    Dwarf Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinoides)

    Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4. 0

    Oaks trees are one of the most ecologically important species. They host countless moths and butterflies and are a vital source of food for wildlife. The dwarf chestnut oak allows you to contribute to this even in a small yard. This dwarf tree only reaches around 12 to 25 feet high. And it will start producing acorns in a few years, benefiting wildlife. It will require some raking of fallen leaves in the fall but not nearly as much as a larger oak.

    USDA Growing Zones: 5b to 8a

    Color Varieties: Yellow, green, red

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Average, acidic to neutral, medium moisture, well-drained

  • 12
    of 25

    Dragon Lady Holly (Ilex × aquipernyi ‘Meschick’)

    David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    Several holly varieties can work in a small space, but the Dragon Lady holly is an excellent choice for a few reasons. It is widely available. Its conical form requires little maintenance. And it only reaches around 10 to 20 feet high. However, to get the attractive berries, you need both a female plant and a male pollinator nearby.

    USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 8

    Color Varieties: White

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Acidic, moist, well-drained

  • 13
    of 25

    Spanish Fir (Abies pinsapo)

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The Spanish fir’s main species plant grows between 50 and 75 feet high on average. But the dwarf tree cultivar Abies pinsapo ‘Fastigiata’ only reaches around 10 feet tall. The short, rigid, evergreen needles are a blue-green color. And the seed cones are a pinkish-purple color that matures to brown. This fir tree is fairly low-maintenance, but it is important to keep an eye out for insect pests.

    USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 7

    Color Varieties: Nonflowering

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Somewhat rich, slightly acidic, medium moisture, well-drained

  • 14
    of 25

    Bonehead / Garden. org

    Acer palmatum ‘Lemon Lime Lace’ is a colorful, compact Japanese maple cultivar. The leaves emerge a lemon-yellow color, turning to chartreuse in the summer, and ending up a bright orange in the fall before dropping for winter. This dwarf tree only reaches around 6 to 12 feet high with a 4- to 5-foot spread. Pruning is not typically needed, but any pruning for shape should be done in the late fall.

    USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8

    Color Varieties: Insignificant

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Rich, moist, slightly acidic, well-drained

  • 15
    of 25

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Witch hazel can be grown as a shrub or dwarf tree. In landscape use, it usually reaches only around 15 to 20 feet high, though in the wild it can grow even taller. In the fall, the plant bears shaggy, citrus-scented, yellow flowers. Overall, witch hazel is low-maintenance. If you need to clean up growth, pruning in the early spring is best.

    USDA Growing Zones: 3a to 9a

    Color Varieties: Yellow

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

  • 16
    of 25

    Amur maple (Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala)

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Amur maple is a fast-growing but relatively small subspecies of tatarian maple (A. tataricum) that grows to only about 20 feet tall and has brilliant red fall foliage. It is a good choice if you want a small tree with brilliant fall color that grows quickly. Few trees will show results faster than this species, but care must be taken not to allow the plentiful seeds to volunteer in native areas where they are unwanted. In parts of the Midwest, the use of this easy-to-grow tree is discouraged. It is naturally a multi-stemmed small tree or large shrub, but it can be easily pruned to favor a central leader that serves as a trunk.

    USDA Growing Zones: 2a–8a

    Color Varieties: Yellow-green flowers (non-showy)

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained

  • 17
    of 25

    The Spruce

    While most apple trees grown for their edible fruit are cultivars of Malus, flowering crabapples are a much more diverse group, with dozens of different species and hundreds of hybrids and cultivars. Most are relatively diminutive trees, rarely growing more than 30 feet tall, but there are many notable dwarf varieties you can choose from if you want a beautiful spring-flowering tree that takes up little space. For example, consider ‘Abaria’, a small 10-foot tree with beautiful creamy-white flowers; or ‘Cinderella, an 8-foot-tall tree with yellow fruits.

    USDA Growing Zones:  4–8

    Color Varieties: White, pink, red, purple

    Sun Exposure: Full sun

    Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

  • 18
    of 25

    Linda Raymond / Getty Images

    The many varieties of domestic apples are categorized according to size, from “very dwarfing” trees just 4- to 6 feet tall, to “very vigorous” varieties growing to 15 feet or more. The height of the trees is dictated by the type of rootstock used, so many types of apple trees are available in two or more sizes. For home gardens, some excellent tried-and-true varieties include ‘Honeycrisp’ (good for cooler climates), ‘Granny Smith’ (short chill time, ideal for warmer climates), and ‘Golden Delicious’ (works well in both cool and warm climates). Remember that different apple varieties require different chill periods—the number of days when temperatures reach between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to choose a variety that matches your region’s climate.

    USDA Growing Zones:  3–9 (varies by cultivar)

    Color Varieties:  White flowers; fruit colors include yellow, green, pink, and red

    Sun Exposure: Full sun

    Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-draining, slightly acidic

  • 19
    of 25

    Alexandr Penkov / Getty Images

    Many fruit trees are now available in small dwarf varieties, perfect for when you want a beautiful flowering tree that also produces plenty of edible fruit while taking up a small amount of space. No fruit tree fits that bill better than dwarf cultivars of sweet cherry (Prunus avium). These trees are best suited for temperate climates—the places where citrus trees are out of the question. In general, cherry trees are rather small specimens, rarely growing more than 25 or 30 feet tall, but if you have even tighter space restrictions, look for one of the dwarf cultivars, such as ‘Lapins’ (a 12-to 18-foot tree that produces an especially heavy crop of black fruits) or ‘Stella’ (8- to 10-foot tree that produces especially sweet cherries in early summer).

    USDA Growing Zones: 4-8 (varies by cultivar)

    Color Varieties:  White blossoms in spring

    Sun Exposure: Full sun 

    Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained

  • 20
    of 25

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) is a popular cultivar of the white spruce, bred to be a slow-growing specimen that reaches a mature height of only 10 to 13 feet. It is ideal for when you require a small evergreen that doesn’t overwhelm a landscape the way many pines can. Slow-growing (2 to 4 inches per year), it makes a good potted patio tree and is sometimes used as a living Christmas tree. But this tree is not well suited to warm climates and will struggle in zones 7 and above. The dense needles can be prone to fungal disease unless air circulation is good.

    USDA Growing Zones: 5b-7a

    Color Varieties: Non-flowering

    Sun Exposure:  Full sun

    Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained

  • 21
    of 25

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault 

    Because the native species can be quite a towering tree, it may surprise you to learn that there are several cultivars of cypress that are quite diminutive, making them perfect specimens where a small evergreen landscape tree is called for. Suitable for zones 5 to 8, C. obtusa is a native of Japan. It has a spreading growth habit with horizontal branches that dip at the ends. The foliage consists of flattened scale-like leaves rather than needles. Some excellent small cultivars include ‘Confucious’ (4 to 5 feet), ‘Fernspray Gold’ (10 feet with yellow branches), and ‘Tetragona Aurea’ (reaching just 10 feet in height after 10 years of growth). Further, Hinoki cypress is so slow growing that it can make an excellent potted tree or bonsai specimen, as repotting is needed rarely.

    USDA Growing Zones: 4a–8a

    Color Varieties: Non-flowering

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Acidic, well-drained

  • 22
    of 25

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), or crape myrtle, is a native Asian species of small flowering tree that has become iconic in southern U.S. gardens—and for good reason. Producing beautiful flowers in shades of pinkish red for a long bloom period from July to September, it continues the display with attractive yellow to red fall foliage and has exfoliating bark that makes for good winter appeal. Most cultivars are relatively small, growing to a maximum of 15 to 25 feet tall, but for an even smaller specimen, you can choose from several cultivars, including ‘ Enduring Summer White’, a 4 to 5-foot tall dwarf, and ‘Catawba’, a purple-flowered cultivar that grows to a maximum of 15 feet. Crepe myrtle will naturally assume a multi-stemmed growth habit, but if you prefer a single-trunked tree, it readily accepts pruning to this shape.

    USDA Growing Zones:  7b-9a

    Color Varieties: Rose red

    Sun Exposure: Full sun

    Soil Needs:  Medium moisture, well-drained

  • 23
    of 25

    Neme Jimenez / Getty Images

    In the landscape, dwarf orange trees are hardy only in zones 9 to 11, but as patio trees that can be moved into a shelter for the winter, they can be grown into zone 4. There are many small varieties of dwarf orange trees to choose from, but those from the mandarin group (Citrus reticulata) are both naturally small, and produce smaller, sweeter, and largely seedless fruits). Two recommended types from this group include:

    • ’Clementine’ (Citrus reticulata ‘Clementine’): This is precisely the same Clementine orange sold in grocery stores. It grows 8 to 10 feet tall with seedless, sweet fruit that ripens in midsummer.
    • ‘Tango’ (Citrus reticulata ‘Tango): This cultivar is 8 to 10 feet tall, producing fruit from January through spring when grown as a landscape tree.

    USDA Growing Zones:  9–11

    Color Varieties:  White flowers in spring

    Sun Exposure: Full sun

    Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained

  • 24
    of 25

    Vladimir1965 / Getty Images

    Even in species form, redbuds are all relatively small trees, with a maximum height of about 25 feet, but for a truly small landscape tree, choose one of the several dwarf varieties available, such as the natural variation Alba (12 feet), or the cultivar ‘Covey’ a weeping form that grows only 5 to 6 feet tall. This North American native does not do well in hot climates but is tolerant of any well-drained soil. Unpruned, it tends toward a multi-stemmed shrubby growth habit, but it is easily trained to be a beautiful small single-trunk tree. It blooms in very early spring before leaves appear.

    USDA Growing Zones: 4a to 9a

    Color Varieties: Pink to purple

    Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

    Soil Needs: Any well-drained soil

  • 25
    of 25

    Denis Tevekov / Getty Images

    This tree is a hybrid creation, a cross between a lemon and a Mandarine orange. Growing to a maximum of 10 feet, it is both beautiful (with glossy green leaves and white flowers) and productive (producing delicious fruit starting when it is about four years old). Its natural growth habit is as a multi-stemmed plant, but it can easily be pruned to take a more classic single-trunk form. It can also make an excellent container tree for a sunny patio.

    USDA Growing Zones: 9–11

    Color Varieties: White

    Sun Exposure: Full sun

    Soil Needs: Sandy, well-draining

Choosing Plants for a Small Garden

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Flowering Crabapple Trees. Colorado State University Extension

  2. Growing Apple Trees in a Home Garden. University of Maryland Extension

13 Best Small Trees for Patios

By

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.

Learn more about The Spruce’s
Editorial Process

Updated on 12/19/22

Reviewed by

Kathleen Miller

Reviewed by
Kathleen Miller

Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and horticulturist with over 30 years of experience in organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. She founded Gaia’s Farm and Gardens, a working sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column.

Learn more about The Spruce’s
Review Board

The Spruce / Tara Anand

Small trees on patios or decks can serve as natural focal points, add privacy, frame views, provide shade, and even bear fruit. Many of these trees can grow well in containers or raised beds. Some have special features, including flowers, attractive bark, and vivid fall colors. However, the features of certain trees might be too messy for your taste, dropping seeds, flowers, fruits, and more. So it’s important to know all of a tree’s traits, as well as whether it thrives in your climate, before committing. Here are 13 of the best small trees to grow around a patio or deck.

Tip

To find the right tree for your space, first consider its mature height and width. Also, note whether its roots tend to crack or lift up pavement, which wouldn’t be ideal right next to a patio. And if you plan to grow your tree in a container, make sure you’ll be able to repot it whenever the roots need more space.

25 Popular Small Trees for Landscaping

  • 01
    of 13

    The Spruce / K. Dave

    A chaste tree is a Mediterranean and Asian native with multiple trunks that can be trained to make a nice shade tree. Leaves of the chaste are aromatic, and it produces small, fragrant flowers on spikes during the summer and fall. Varieties ‘Silver Spire’ and ‘Alba’ have white blossoms while ‘Latifolia’ and ‘Rosea’ have pink flowers. This tree can also be pruned into a shrub. Annual pruning during the late winter is recommended to maintain its shape. Moreover, the tree is heat-tolerant and resistant to oak root fungus.

    • USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 9
    • Color Varieties: Lavender-blue, white, pink
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Loose, well-drained, medium moisture

  • 02
    of 13

    Kumquat (Citrus japonica)

    The Spruce / Kerry Michaels

    Kumquat trees can be grown in the ground or in pots. In the ground, they can grow to a mature size of 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide; container-grown trees are generally much smaller. Kumquats have beautiful dark green leaves and pretty orange flowers that turn into tangy edible fruit. Potted kumquats make great patio accents with their sweet-smelling blooms and bright orange fruits. They must be moved indoors for the winter in zones 8 and below. Moreover, it’s recommended to repot them every two to three years into a slightly larger container. Also, fertilize them throughout the growing season.

    • USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 10
    • Color Varieties: White
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Moist, sandy loam or clay

  • 03
    of 13

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    Japanese maple trees are naturally small (up to about 15 feet tall) and work well in the ground or in containers. Just be ready to repot your tree into a larger container every other year or so. The best varieties of Japanese maples for containers are the kinds with weeping branches and finely cut, threadlike leaves. This includes the ‘Dissectum’, ‘Red Dragon’, ‘Burgundy Lace’, ‘Crimson Queen’, ‘Butterfly’, and ‘Mikawa Yatsubusa’ varieties. Japanese maples require little pruning. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches as you spot them, and prune for shape if you wish.  

    • USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
    • Color Varieties: Red-purple
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Moist, rich, well-drained, slightly acidic

  • 04
    of 13

    The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

    Ficus trees can grow to heights of 50 feet or more in the wild, but in the home environment they are most commonly grown as houseplants. This small tree’s bright green leaves and twisty, arching branches make it an eye-catching feature in any location. Ficus benjamina, or weeping fig, makes a versatile patio plant that transitions easily from indoors to outdoors. It is hardy only to zone 10 but can be brought outside in cold-winter climates after the threat of spring frost has passed. Your ficus will benefit from monthly fertilization during the growing season, but then you can back off the fertilizer in the winter. 

    • USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12
    • Color Varieties: Insignificant bloom
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

  • 05
    of 13

    European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

    The striking silhouettes of palm trees are perfect for instantly adding a look of the tropics to your patio or deck. In addition to European fan palms, there are several other species suitable for small spaces, including the pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii), paradise palm (Howea forsteriana), lady palm (Rhapis excelsa), Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis), and windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei). Fertilize your palm throughout the growing season, and prune off dead or diseased portions as you spot them. Also, be sure not to overwater, as this can kill a palm.

    • USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
    • Color Varieties: Yellow
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

  • 06
    of 13

    Ornamental Crabapple (Malus)

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    Ornamental crabapple plants are admired more for their brief but lovely display of red, pink, or white flowers than for their edible fruits. The smallest varieties can be planted in containers while other types can be trained against a wall or fence as an espalier. Also known as flowering crabapple trees, the varieties suitable for large containers include ‘Centurion’, ‘Indian magic’, Japanese (M. floribunda), and Sargent (M. sargentii). Crabapple trees are somewhat drought tolerant once they’re mature, but don’t let their soil dry out. If there is a stretch without rain, especially during warmer months, water your tree. Also, they generally require little pruning outside of removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches.

    • USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
    • Color Varieties: Red, pink, white
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained

  • 07
    of 13

    Ornamental Cherry or Plum (Prunus)

    The Spruce / Loren Probish

    Small, flowering Prunus trees are variously called cherry or plum trees. They typically have dark purple foliage, as well as white, pink, or red flowers, depending on the variety. They are suitable for large containers or raised beds. Some of these trees are susceptible to insect issues and fungal diseases. So prune your tree to slightly thin the branches and improve air circulation, which can help to prevent these problems. 

    Small varieties of plums include the purple leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera), Krauter Vesuvius purple leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius’), and double pink flowering plum (Prunus x blireiana). Small flowering cherry trees include purple leaf sand cherry (Prunus x cistena), Yoshino cherry (Japanese flowering cherry; Prunus x yedoensis), ‘Albertii’ (Prunus padus), and ‘Okame’ (Prunus incisa x Prunus campanulata).

    • USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
    • Color Varieties: White, pink, red
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained

  • 08
    of 13

    Pine (Pinus)

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Because pines are evergreen, they give you something green to look at on your patio throughout the year. Plus, they maintain some shade and privacy year-round. With frequent pruning, you can keep a pine small if you wish. Several species are suitable for patios or decks, including lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana), evergreen Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra), and evergreen Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora). In large containers, consider growing evergreen Mugo pine (Pinus mugo) or evergreen Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergiana). Pine trees generally require little care. Water your tree during prolonged dry spells, and fertilize annually if your soil is poor.

    • USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 8
    • Color Varieties: Nonflowering
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Fertile, well-drained, medium moisture

    40 Species of Pine Trees You Can Grow

  • 09
    of 13

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    The smoke tree, also referred to as the smoke bush, is known for its stunning dark reddish-purple leaves and silky hairs that resemble puffs of smoke. It can be grown in a large container or near a deck or patio. The “smoke” effect is created by the fluffy hairs that follow the tree’s (insignificant) flowers in the spring. The hairs turn pink and then purple as summer progresses. Lightly prune the tree as needed in the early spring for the best blooming.

    • USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
    • Color Varieties: Yellow
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

  • 10
    of 13

    The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

    You will need at least two pear trees for optimal cross-pollination and fruit. Alternatively, choose Anjou or Bartlett if you have room for only one tree, as these varieties are able to pollinate themselves to some degree. Other suitable varieties for patio areas include: snow pear (Pyrus nivalis), Manchurian pear (Pyrus ussuriensis), edgedell pear (fl x P. betulaefolia), ‘Glen’s Form’ (Pyrus calleryana ‘Glen’s Form’), and ‘Jack’ flowering pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Jaczam’). Pear trees typically can tolerate wet soil, though you must ensure that your tree has good drainage. The trees are susceptible to a disease called fire blight, so it’s important to promptly prune off infected portions to help stop the spread. 

    • USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
    • Color Varieties: White
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Moist, humusy, well-drained

  • 11
    of 13

    The Spruce / Almar Creative

    Sweet bay is a small, slender evergreen with a conical form. Its foliage is dark green and highly aromatic. The leaves are the same bay leaves that are used in many types of cooking. A good choice for containers on decks or patios, it can be pruned into a topiary or hedge. Planted in the garden, it is drought-tolerant. But you should water it during prolonged dry spells. Also, while this plant likes a lot of light, protect your tree from hot afternoon sun during the warmest months of the year.

    • USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 10
    • Color Varieties: Yellow-green
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
    • Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained

  • 12
    of 13

    The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

    Crepe myrtle trees (or shrubs) are well known in the southern United States for their showy pinkish blooms, gorgeous bark, and beautiful fall foliage. You can grow full-size varieties in large containers; they will reach about 10 feet tall. There are also many smaller trees, such as ‘Acoma’, ‘Yuma’, ‘Zuni’, ‘Catawba’, ‘Comanche’, ‘Hopi’, ‘Centennial’, ‘Chica Pink’, ‘Chica Red’, ‘Glendora White’, ‘Peppermint Lace’, ‘Pink Velour’, ‘Seminole’, and ‘White Chocolate’ varieties. Avoid excessive fertilization, as this can promote leaf growth over blooming. Also, extensive pruning usually isn’t necessary, though you can prune for shape if you wish in the early spring.

    • USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 9
    • Color Varieties: White, pink
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained

  • 13
    of 13

    The Spruce / Loren Probish

    Besides being absolutely gorgeous, wisteria can be trained as a vine, shrub, or small tree. To train it as a tree, remove all but one stem, and secure that stem by tying it to a stake. When it reaches the desired height, prune or pinch the branch tips to force more branching. Wisteria can also be grown to cover an arbor or pergola. The two common species are Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (W. floribunda). Fertilizer usually isn’t necessary unless you have poor soil. But you can add a layer of compost to promote blooming and healthy growth.

    • USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
    • Color Varieties: White, pink, purple
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Moist, rich, well-drained

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Queen Palm Problems. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

  2. Disease and Insect Resistant Ornamental Plants. Cornell Cooperative Extension.

  3. Fire Blight of Ornamental Pear. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Research and Extension.

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    Landscape. Ways of depicting trees • Learn to draw

    On the following pages, you will learn about the different ways in which trees can be depicted: drawing, painting and printing. With any of these techniques, you will get even better results if you paint your trees larger.

    This oil painting of an olive grove by Vincent van Gogh was painted by the artist in 1889. With many short strokes, Van Gogh creates the shape and color of the trees and the sky.

    Oil Pastels

    1. With a dark brown oil pastel paint a curved tree trunk and some short branches.

    2. Using green oil pastel, apply many short diagonal strokes over the branch lines.

    3. Using lime pastel and light green pastel, draw many diagonal lines to represent the leaves.

    Instead of short lines, the crown of this tree is depicted with small spots.

    For autumn leaves you will need pastels in three colors: brown, orange and rust.

    Fountain pen and ink

    1. With brown ink, draw and color a very simple tree trunk with three thick branches.

    2. Using green ink, trace a wavy outline of the crown and fill it in, leaving a small amount of small voids.

    3. Use a felt tip pen or fountain pen to draw looped lines along the edges of the wood and around the gaps left.

    Watercolor

    1. Lightly touch the bristles of the brush to the paper, as if spraying paint, apply small spots of green and brown watercolor onto the paper.

    2. Allow the image to dry and then paint the trunk of the tree using different shades of brown watercolor.

    3. While the trunk is still wet, paint the branches of the tree, carefully painting them with the brush right on top of the leaves.

    Pastels

    1. Paint the trunk with yellowish-brown watercolor paint, then add some branches.

    2. Now with light green pastel crayons, draw lines to represent the leaves. And in some places add a few dark green touches.

    3. Use your fingertip to gently rub the applied lines to blend and blend the colors.

    Sponge leaves

    1. Take watercolor paint or ink and use the tip of the brush to draw the trunk and curving branches of the tree.

    2. Soak part of the sponge in water and dip it in red paint. Now carefully apply it with the painted side around the tops of the branches.

    It is best to use a natural sponge.

    3. Wash the sponge and wring it out as best you can. Then dip it in purple paint and apply it to the branches in the same way.

    This tree was painted using straw. Use this technique to depict winter trees.

    Dip the hard tip of the brush into the paint and run it over the still wet areas of the watercolor to represent the branches.

    The leaves on this tree were printed with an eraser and cut into different shapes.

    Draw a trunk with brown pastel crayons. Then quickly and casually depict the foliage. Blend it in several places.

    This stylized tree is drawn in pastel crayons, with the leaves first and then the trunk.

    The foliage was first painted with dark green acrylic paint and then overlaid with a lighter green tone.