Jump to:<\/strong><\/p> Growing them in containers is certainly one way of bringing a tree closer to your everyday world. Whether you have a small outdoor space or you can\u2019t grow plants in the ground \u2013 or you\u2019re renting<\/a> and want to take a tree with you \u2013 it\u2019s worth working out how and what to grow in a pot<\/a>.<\/p> You may also like:<\/strong><\/p> The first thing to consider is what the pot<\/a> is doing and how it is to be used. \u201cA pot elevates the canopy of a small tree up to your eyeline,\u201d explains Bunny Guinness<\/a>, landscape architect and podcaster. \u201cThis is really useful when you are trying to mask a building or introduce some co-ordination in an ill-matched group of buildings.\u201d A suite of co-ordinated or matching pots \u2013 or tying their colour in with window or But how do you start selecting which trees to grow? \u201cWhen I\u2019m thinking about trees to grow in pots,\u201d says designer Andy Sturgeon<\/a>, \u201cI look at a more Mediterranean<\/a> palette \u2013 such as olives, figs, Arbutus x andrachnoides<\/em> or Lagerstroemia indica<\/em> \u2013 as they tend to be adapted to the poor soil and lack of nutrients and water that occurs in containers. This approach also makes sure you are choosing trees that are more resilient to the increased temperatures associated with climate change.\u201d<\/p> Selecting trees with smaller leaves is another useful tip. Nick Dunn, woody plant expert and a director at tree nursery Frank P Matthews, says that trees with smaller leaves, such as Japanese maples or silver birches, can do well in pots \u2013 smaller leaves means there is less transpiration. He recommends some of the winter-flowering cherries (Prunus x subhirtella<\/em> \u2018Autumnalis\u2019), as well as more ornamental species such as Persian silk tree Albizia julibrissin<\/em> and Chinese redbud Cercis canadensis<\/em>.<\/p> But what about trees for fruit<\/a>? Garden designer Pollyanna Wilkinson loves to grow crab apples in pots. \u201cThey bring such brilliant seasonal interest to a garden,\u201d she says. \u201cMalus \u2018Evereste\u2019 is covered in clusters of fragrant, white and pink flowers; they provide a brilliant early nectar source to pollinators<\/a> and then come summer, orangey\/red crab apples develop that hang on until autumn.\u201d<\/p> Historically, many fruit trees have been grown in pots \u2013 think rows of summer<\/a>– loving citrus trees in terracotta pots outside an old orangery \u2013 but so too have more traditional crops. Nick Dunn says that apples and pears can be very happy in pots. \u201cBut don\u2019t assume you need a dwarfing rootstock, as the pot is doing the dwarfing by stressing the roots \u2013 so it\u2019s fine to choose a normal fruit tree,\u201d he says. Self-fertile apples such as Malus domestica<\/em> \u2018Red Windsor\u2019 or the pear<\/a> Pyrus communi<\/em>s \u2018Beth\u2019 (on a Quince C or A rootstock) are good selections.<\/p> Bunny Guinness is known for her \u2018baseless\u2019 pots. \u201cI have over 80 pots in my garden and the vast majority are baseless,\u201d she says. By taking the bottom out of pots, Bunny encourages the roots to find their way down to the soil to access moisture and nutrients. \u201cI find that any plant in a pot with a base needs constant potting on, feeding and watering \u2013 and even then, the plants don\u2019t realise their potential.\u201d<\/p> Dealing with the climate, and how the plant grows, is possibly the biggest challenge of container growing trees. Pots can dry out quickly; their size can limit root growth; water availability may be poor; and for larger specimens, pots may not give structural rigidity. So selecting tougher trees that can deal with wind, drought, waterlogging and reduced nutrients is all part of the challenge.<\/p> As a result, Nick Dunn recommends being strict with your feeding and watering regime, plus root pruning in winter every two to three years is advisable. \u201cIdeally, you want the plant to be potted up into the next size container every few years, to allow the roots to grow, but if you can\u2019t do that, then cutting a couple of inches off the rootball and then adding in fresh compost is a great way of ensuring the trees stay healthy.\u201d<\/p> Andy Sturgeon suggests planting a tree into an Air-Pot and then placing it into a larger ornamental pot to help it live longer \u2013 the only downside being the tree needs more water more frequently as the roots are partially exposed to air.<\/p> We all know that the planet needs more trees. Government targets of tree planting, and international understanding of the value of trees, means we are more aware of their benefits than ever before. Nurturing them in pots is something most of us can do, and with a bit of thought to species selection and care, we could be enjoying the benefits of our arboreal friends for many years to come.<\/p> Using a repeated type of tree in similar pots allows you to define and create spaces around buildings.<\/p> <\/blockquote> There are always risks of pests and diseases for different species, but any ill health or stress will make the plant more susceptible to them. Good hygiene, regular watering and feeding will help to give a container-planted tree the best chance of defence.<\/p> Buy the best quality pot you can afford.<\/strong> There is a huge variety of pot shapes and styles. Consider the proportion of the pot in relation to the height of the tree. If the container is going on a balcony or roof terrace, find a lightweight container that won\u2019t increase the overall weight.<\/p> Don\u2019t assume you need a dwarfing rootstock. The pot is doing the dwarfing by stressing the root<\/p> <\/blockquote> Lighter coloured pots (ideally terracotta) are preferable<\/strong> \u2013 dark pots retain heat, drying out the growing medium. Terracotta is still the best, as it is porous and doesn\u2019t get too hot.<\/p> Don\u2019t grow trees in a pot that is too big<\/strong> \u2013 either pot them on regularly or root- prune them every few years. This involves getting an old kitchen bread knife or hori hori to cut a couple of inches of the rootball away. Then replanting in the container with fresh compost. Wide pots are better than tall, thin ones, as roots like to spread outwards.<\/p> If you can\u2019t root prune your trees<\/strong> (maybe the tree is just too big or lifting it is impractical), consider removing the top few centimetres of growing medium. Scrape away to expose some roots and replace with fresh soil or compost. This can make a real difference to the health and strength of the plant; add in a balanced fertiliser (such as Growmore).<\/p> Feeding is vital<\/strong>, as container-grown plants often stay in their compost for many years. Use a feed with more nitrogen and phosphorus than potassium. Whether that\u2019s a granular, slow-release feed you dig into the soil, or a regular liquid feed that is mixed with water, ensure you give them feed regularly through the growing season.<\/p> Even tough species need watering, especially in drought. Don\u2019t rely on rain. Containers near a house often remain dry as rainwater gets deflected by the building.<\/p> Use a loam-based, peat-free compost. Go for the best quality you can afford, as the tree will be growing in it for many years. Do your research. Peat-free growing media are structurally different than peat- based formulations, especially in the way they retain moisture and unlock nutrients.<\/p> Wind rock can be a downside of trees in containers, so maintain pruning, not only to keep the tree\u2019s shape for the pot, but also to ensure it doesn\u2019t get too leggy. Wind also dries out the rootball and leaves, especially in summer, so continue to water in times of strong winds.<\/p> There are always risks of pests and diseases for different species<\/strong>, but any ill health or stress will make the plant more susceptible to them. Good hygiene, regular watering and feeding will help to give a container-planted tree the best chance of defence.<\/p> Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii<\/em><\/strong><\/p> For the large copper pots in this small garden, Butter Wakefield chose this deciduous tree with bark that turns brilliant white as it matures and ovate leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Yellow-brown male catkins appear in early spring. Eventual height and spread (after ten to 12 years): 12m x 8m. RHS H7, USDA 5a-6b\u2020.<\/p> Albizia julibrissin<\/strong><\/em><\/p> With mimosa-like leaves, this medium-sized deciduous tree is hardier than people think, but does enjoy a lot of sun; fluffy, pink-white flowers appear in summer. 8m x 4m. RHS H4, USDA 6a-9b.<\/p> Koelreuteria paniculata<\/em><\/strong><\/p> This tree originates from the dry valleys of China. It prefers a hot, sunny position where its large panicles of yellow flowers, which turn to bronze, lantern-like fruits, can be shown off. 12m x 8m. RHS H5, USDA 5a-9b.<\/p> Pinus sylvestris <\/em>\u2018Watereri\u2019<\/strong><\/p> A slow-growing cultivar of the Scots pine, which has attractive orange-brown bark. The blue-green needles are slightly twisted and they cradle candle-like cones. 4mx6m.RHSH7, Cercis chinensis<\/em> \u2018Avondale\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Pea-like magenta flowers form on the tree\u2019s wood in spring. Heart-shaped, glossy-green leaves follow, turning butter yellow in autumn. 3m x 2.5m. AGM*. RHS H5, USDA 6a-9b.<\/p> Lagerstroemia indica<\/em><\/strong><\/p> A great tree for its mottled, peeling bark and plentiful panicles of crinkled flowers; multi-stems can look especially good. Not fully hardy, so grow in a sheltered area and protect from frost. 8m x 8m. RHS H3, USDA 6a-9b.<\/p> Prunus x subhirtella<\/em> \u2018Autumnalis\u2019<\/strong><\/p> A choice winter-flowering cherry, with semi-double white flowers from November to March. Arbutus unedo<\/em><\/strong><\/p> A shrubby evergreen Mediterranean tree, known as the strawberry tree, this has shredding red-brown bark and leathery small leaves. White flowers and red fruits appear in autumn.8mx8m. Hippophae rhamnoides<\/em><\/strong><\/p> A deciduous small tree, sea buckthorn is a tough plant that tolerates the vagaries of pot life well. Has thin silvery leaves, yellow flowers then bright-orange small berries in autumn. 6m x 6m. RHS H7, Prunus persica<\/em> \u2018Bonanza\u2019<\/strong><\/p> With a naturally compact habit, this is a great peach tree for container growing. Pretty pink flowers in spring lead to juicy fruit in late summer. Overwinter in a greenhouse and protect fromfrost.1.8mx 1.5m. RHS H4, USDA 6a-9b.<\/p> Ficus carica<\/em><\/strong><\/p> Figs enjoy having their roots contained so will grow well in a pot. Good cultivars include popular \u2018Brown Turkey\u2019, and \u2018Ice Crystal\u2019 with its deeply divided and dramatic foliage. 4m x 4m. \u2018Prunifolia\u2019<\/em><\/strong><\/p> A lovely ornamental hawthorn with dense, dark-green foliage that turns orange- yellow-red in autumn. Bright-red fruits that stay on until winter are a real bonus. 5m x 4m. AGM. RHS H7.<\/p> Malus \u2018Evereste\u2019<\/strong><\/p> A medium-sized crab apple that works well as a multi-stem tree and offers interesting fruit, leaf colour and flower colour \u2013 there\u2019s something for each season. Good for pollinators too. 6m x 6m. RHS H6, USDA 4a-8b.<\/p> Here’s our guide to growing crab apples<\/a><\/p> Chris Young is a landscape designer and garden consultant.<\/em><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n No space for a tree in your garden? Think again. We asked experts to recommend the best trees to grow in containers. 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Think again. We asked experts to recommend the best trees to grow in containers. Words: Chris Young, Photos: Jason Ingram & Eleanor Walpole","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/42710"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42711"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42710"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42710"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Best trees to grow in pots for fruit<\/h3>
![\"Pinus](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/11\/RBD070717-336__preview-edited-scaled.jpg\")
How to feed trees in pots<\/h3>
How to water trees in pots<\/h3>
![\"fruit](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/11\/1266490_preview-edited-scaled.jpg\")
How to grow trees in pots<\/h2>
![\"Berries](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/11\/JI_191011_OrchardDeneOctober-023_preview-edited-scaled.jpg\")
Which pots are best to grow trees in<\/h3>
![\"Fruit](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/11\/2KDJHC0_preview-edited-scaled.jpg\")
How to feed trees in pots<\/h3>
Best compost for trees in pots<\/h3>
Problems with trees in pots<\/h3>
The best trees in pots<\/h2>
![\"Trees](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/11\/trees-for-pots-edited.jpg\")
![\"Koelreuteria](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/11\/JI_020620_EmilyErlam_010_2_preview-edited-scaled.jpg\")
![\"Pink](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/11\/JI_110520_BluebellNursery_045_preview-edited-scaled.jpg\")
![\"Pink](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/11\/1472190_preview-edited-scaled.jpg\")
![\"White](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/11\/0136281_preview-edited.jpg\")
![\"Berries](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/11\/BET8W7_preview-edited-scaled.jpg\")
![\"Ficus](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/11\/AM7KCM_preview-1-scaled.jpg\")
![\"Crab](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/09\/MG_8730-Malus-Evereste_preview-edited-1-scaled.jpg\")
Where to buy trees in pots<\/h3>
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