Planting trees is a rewarding experience, as they provide us with numerous benefits, such as shade and cleaner air. Unfortunately, some of us don’t have the space to plant trees where we live, but there are types of trees that do well when planted in containers. Here are a few trees you can grow in containers.
10 Trees You Can Grow In Containers
1. Dwarf citrus
Citrus trees themselves do okay in containers, but there are varieties of dwarf citrus trees that handle container planting much better. These trees will usually stay low to the ground and enjoy full sun. They grow well in zones 9 to 11.
2. Some conifers
Junipers, pines, fir, and cypress trees all do well when kept in a container, though they prefer well-draining soil. These trees will thrive in full sun. Depending on the conifer you’re looking for, they can handle zones 3 to 8.
3. Japanese Maples
There are an incredible variety of Japanese maple trees in existence, like coral bark and ‘crimson queen’ maples. Their fall foliage is stunning and, growing only to about 20 feet tall, handles containers well. Pruning easily keeps these trees from getting excessively large. They grow slowly, which makes managing them easier. These trees are hardy to zones 5 to 8.
4. Fig Trees
Fig trees are another fruiting tree that does well when kept in a container, although their growth will certainly be stunted. They are hardy to zones 7 through 9, though some might do well in zone 6. Try to find fig trees that are already growing in your region for the hardiest possible trees.
5. Palo Verde
Palo verde is the tree for you if you live in a more arid environment but still want to grow a container tree on your porch or patio. It flowers from April to June and will grow to be 15 to 30 feet tall. If you need the tree to be smaller than that, it handles pruning well. They grow well in zones 9 and 10.
6. Bay Tree
Not only are bay trees beautiful flowering trees, but if you’re a fan of soups, the bay tree’s leaf is often one of the ingredients. Unlike many of the trees on this list, bay trees can handle partial shade. They do like warmer weather, however. They thrive in zones 8 to 11.
7. Olive Trees
Olive trees are able to handle being kept in a container, but they prefer a very large container over a small one. They can grow to be 30 feet tall, enjoy full sun and need occasional watering, and grow well in zones 8 – 10.
8. Southern Magnolia
Magnolia trees also enjoy exceptionally large pots, so it’s another to not confine to a pot too small. They can become massive, up to 80 feet tall, but a container will stunt them, and further pruning will maintain an appropriate size. They enjoy full to partial sun and grow well in zones 7 to 9.
9. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel like their pots large and their sun full. The fragrance of the witch hazel flower is incredibly enjoyable. The trees are fairly small, growing to about 20 feet tall tops. They live well in zones 5 to 8.
10. Privet Tree
Finally, the privet tree. These trees grow well in a number of different climates, thriving in zones 5 to 7. They can handle partial shade as well. Privet trees also need very little water once they’re established. They grow to about 10 feet tall. But be warned, privets are considered invasive in some parts of the United States.
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