There’s something about an ornamental tree that just sets off a garden. Whether it’s the colour, the shape, or that you can admire it all year round, a tree just adds so much interest and excitement. And if you choose to grow your tree in a pot or container you can enjoy your tree, or trees, no matter if you have acre upon acre or simply a balcony.

No matter how much space you have, or rather don’t have, growing ornamental trees in pots is a fantastic and enjoyable way to garden. On this page the best way to grow ornamental trees in pots, including tips on choosing the right container, the soil, and a bit on choosing the tree itself. We’ll also touch on planting and maintenance advice so your trees can provide colour and interest throughout the year.

What is an ornamental tree?

Before we get too carried away with growing trees in pots, I think it’s probably a good idea to define exactly what we mean by an ornamental tree. They are smaller than woodland trees, but that doesn’t mean to say they couldn’t grow big but the larger growing varieties are pruned to keep them manageable for smaller spaces. You can of course also find specially cultivated dwarf ornamental trees. 

And, as you would expect. ornamental trees are chosen for their colour, attractiveness, and foliage. They can also bear fruit so a fruit tree is perfectly entitled to be called an ornamental tree.

Gardeners, designers, and landscapers use ornamental trees alike to provide shade, colour, and structure to a garden. As such they come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colours, and can be either deciduous or evergreen.

The benefits of growing ornamental trees in pots

Why should you grow your tree or even ornamental grass in a pot rather than in the border or ground? Firstly, as we’ve already mentioned you can grow your trees in small or limited spaces, such as a patio or balcony.

But you also have more control over the growing conditions of the trees, such as soil type, watering, and the nutrients you feed the tree. This is a major plus point if you have poor-quality soil or drainage in your garden.

Something else to consider is that because the tree is in a pot it can be moved around the garden. If it isn’t doing well in one spot simply move it to another place. Think the tree would look better framing the front door rather than sitting on the patio. Just move it.

Finally, growing ornamental trees in pots is a low-maintenance option, as the tree will need less pruning and upkeep than trees planted in the ground.

Choosing the right pot

We are so lucky in that we have a huge variety of pots and containers to choose from when we plant a tree. Visit any garden centre and you’ll have hundreds of attractive pots to choose from and there are so many other items in the garden we can use as containers including old wheelbarrows, chimney stacks, and buckets.

You do need to make sure you get the right size pot for the tree, taking into account its growth rate and eventual height. A general rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the tree's root ball.

You might also want to think about the material the pot is made from. Terracotta pots are a popular choice for ornamental trees, as they provide good drainage and allow the soil to breathe. However, they can be heavy and can break easily. They can also crack in cold temperatures.

By contrast plastic pots are lightweight and can be surprisingly robust, but they may not be as aesthetically pleasing.

Don’t forget the pot should have plenty of drainage holes to reduce the chance of waterlogging and root rot.

A word about soil

Choosing the right soil mix will help your tree’s growth and keep it healthy. The soil should be well-draining, yet able to retain moisture, and should have a balanced pH level. You can use a high-quality potting mix, specifically formulated for container plants. Avoid using garden soil or heavy clay soil, as it won’t drain very well.

Choosing your tree

You’re spoilt for choice. You can see all the ornamental trees we have in our nursery here. But when choosing your tree consider its growth habits, size at planting (I always like to choose an established plant), and light preferences.

Some of the best ornamental trees for growing in pots in the UK include Japanese maple, magnolia, flowering cherry, and olive trees. These trees have a slow to moderate growth rate, and can thrive in containers. They are also colourful, attractive, and will provide a great focal point for the garden.

Planting and maintenance

Planting your tree is quite straightforward and won’t take long. Fill the pot with soil taking care to leave enough room for the tree's root ball. Gently remove the tree from its original container, and loosen any tangled or circling roots. Give the root ball a good watering. Place the tree in the pot, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the top of the soil. Backfill the pot with soil, firming it gently around the tree. Water the tree thoroughly again. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree. This helps to retain moisture. Position the pot making sure it is in a sheltered but sunny spot.

Omce planted taking care of your tree and making sure it is as healthy as possible needn’t take up too much time. Remember to water your tree regularly especially in the immediate post-planting stage. But do take care not to overwater. A useful tip is to check the soil moisture level with your finger, and water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.

If you choose too, you can fertilise your tree once a year. You can buy slow-release fertiliser specially formulated for trees in containers.

Prune your tree as needed, to maintain its shape and size. Most ornamental trees require minimal pruning, but you can remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.

Check for pests and diseases regularly. You’ll want to watch out for aphids, scale insects, powdery mildew, and root rot. If you spot a problem, you can find pest solutions including fast-acting sprays in any garden centre and most supermarkets.

Let’s recap

Ornamental trees add so much to any garden and growing them in pots is a great way to make maximum use of any space you may have. Even if you are restricted in how much space you have for plants, even a single ornamental tree on a balcony will add so much interest and look fantastic.

If you have a slightly bigger space, you can create a stunning display of colour and texture in your garden, even if the soil is poor or your garden is paved.

In short, anyone can enjoy an ornamental tree in a pot.