Consider a tree-less garden? Rethink that thought - these 13 tree variety recommendations from experts are perfect for growing in pots
Bringing the Beauty of Trees to Your Balcony: A Guide to Container-Grown Trees
In today's urban landscapes, space is often at a premium. However, this doesn't mean you have to miss out on the beauty and benefits of trees. By growing trees in containers, you can bring the magic of nature closer to your everyday world, even if you have a small outdoor space, can't grow plants in the ground, or are a renter looking to add a touch of greenery without long-term commitment.
Choosing the Right Trees for Containers
When it comes to selecting trees for containers, several species thrive in the Mediterranean climate and are resilient to climate change. Italian lemon trees, such as the Genoa variety, are adaptable and prefer full sun, making them ideal for containers. Dwarf fig trees, like Ficus carica 'Fignomenal', produce fruit reliably in containers with full sun and benefit from overwintering in a cool but protected spot in colder months. Dwarf mulberry trees (Morus nigra) are another practical choice, remaining manageable in size and benefiting from container growing to protect their fruit from birds.
These Mediterranean species are drought-tolerant, with deep roots and foliage adaptations that reduce evaporation. As such, they can be considered sustainable in increasingly dry and warm conditions with minimal extra watering once established.
Caring for Container-Grown Trees
Proper care is essential for the health and longevity of container-grown trees. In times of strong winds, it's important to continue watering trees in containers to prevent the rootball and leaves from drying out. Regular watering and feeding will help give a container-planted tree the best chance of defence against pests and diseases.
When it comes to choosing a pot, buy the best quality you can afford. Consider the proportion of the pot in relation to the height of the tree, and if the container is going on a balcony or roof terrace, find a lightweight container that won't increase the overall weight. Wide pots are better than tall, thin ones, as roots like to spread outwards. Light coloured pots (ideally terracotta) are preferable for growing trees in pots, as they are porous and don't get too hot.
Specific Tree Recommendations
- Cercis chinensis 'Avondale': This tree boasts pea-like magenta flowers and heart-shaped, glossy-green leaves that turn butter yellow in autumn.
- Koelreuteria paniculata: Originating from the dry valleys of China, this tree prefers a hot, sunny position and has large panicles of yellow flowers that turn to bronze and lantern-like fruits.
- Albizia julibrissin: Known for its mimosa-like leaves and fluffy, pink-white flowers, this tree is hardier than people think and enjoys a lot of sun.
- Prunus persica 'Bonanza': This peach tree has pretty pink flowers in spring and juicy fruit in late summer. It should be overwintered in a greenhouse and protected from frost.
- Lagerstroemia indica: This tree has mottled, peeling bark and plentiful panicles of crinkled flowers. It is not fully hardy, so it should be grown in a sheltered area and protected from frost.
- Prunus persica: This species offers a great variety of peach trees suitable for container growing.
- Apples and pears: Self-fertile apples such as Malus domestica 'Red Windsor' and the pear Pyrus communis 'Beth' (on a Quince C or A rootstock) are good selections for container growing.
- Hippophae rhamnoides: This deciduous small tree tolerates the vagaries of pot life well and offers thin silvery leaves, yellow flowers, and bright-orange small berries in autumn.
- Betula utilis subsp. jacquemontii: This tree is suitable for large copper pots in small gardens and offers white bark that matures and ovate leaves that turn yellow in autumn.
- Pinus sylvestris 'Watereri': This slow-growing cultivar of the Scots pine has attractive orange-brown bark and blue-green needles that are slightly twisted.
- Nick Dunn's Recommendations: For trees that do well in pots, consider selecting trees with smaller leaves, such as Japanese maples or silver birches.
Additional Tips
- Bunny Guinness recommends removing the bottom of pots to encourage the roots to find their way down to the soil to access moisture and nutrients.
- Don't use any pots that are too big for the tree, as it can lead to overwatering and root rot.
- If you can't root prune your trees, consider removing the top few centimetres of growing medium, exposing some roots, and replacing with fresh soil or compost.
- Wind rock can be a downside of trees in containers, so regular pruning is necessary to maintain the tree's shape and prevent it from getting too leggy.
The Benefits of Trees in Containers
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, trees in containers provide numerous ecological and environmental benefits. They attract wildlife, provide flowers and fruit, and help to cool buildings and pavements in summer. Moreover, a pot elevates the canopy of a small tree up to one's eyeline, which can be useful for masking buildings or introducing coordination in an ill-matched group of buildings.
In conclusion, by choosing the right trees and providing proper care, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of trees in containers, even in small outdoor spaces or urban environments.
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