Bask in the beauty of trees that complete your garden’s allure! Trees come in all shapes and sizes, perfect even for small gardens. Let me guide you with information to choose the tree that fits your space. In this article, I’ve categorized them as:

  • Columnar trees
  • Evergreens
  • Multi-stemmed wonders
  • Spherical beauties
  • Fruit trees

A tree is defined as a “perennial plant with (or more) woody stems and a crown.” From the tiny bonsai, reaching just a few centimeters, to the famous giant sequoia, towering 83 meters with a 7.7-meter diameter, trees can live up to a staggering 1000 years, with exceptions lasting over 5000 years.

When selecting your tree, consider its placement and the soil type. Now, let’s explore some delightful options for your small garden:

Acer Palmatum

Columnar Trees for Small Gardens

  1. Amelanchier Lamarckii – The Serviceberry Blooms with delicate white flowers in April, followed by oval leaves that transition into mesmerizing autumn hues of yellow, red, and brown. Come late summer, enjoy edible blue/black berries, while its fine greyish bark shines in winter.
  2. Cercis Siliquastrum – The Judas Tree A vibrant pink bloomer in May, flaunting a Mediterranean allure, originating from the Mediterranean basin. The tree bears its pod fruits throughout winter.
  3. Acer Palmatum – The Japanese Maple With over 1000 varieties, the Japanese Maple boasts unique green foliage, showcasing remarkable hand-shaped leaves and striking autumn colors. It can grow both in height and width, and numerous dwarf variants are available.
  4. Fraxinus Ornus ‘Meczek’ – The Manna Ash Named after the Hungarian mountains, this variety features a smooth grey bark, darkening to a deep grey. In autumn, its leaves turn yellow to purple-brown.

Evergreens for Small Gardens

  1. Rhododendron – Consider ‘English Roseum,’ a broad and upward-reaching tree displaying warm pink flowers. This winter-hardy evergreen enhances your garden’s appeal, perfect as a solitary centerpiece.
  2. Prunus Lusitanica Angustifolia – The Portuguese Laurel Boasting a dense branching structure, it forms a round, compact shape. Its dark green, glossy leaves are smaller than those of other Prunus varieties. It’s highly winter-hardy and resistant to strong winds.
  3. Photinia Red Robin – Also known as Photinia x Fraseri ‘Red Robin,’ this tree showcases a bushy crown. Young leaves are reddish-brown in spring, transitioning to dark green. In spring, the tree blooms with large white flower clusters, followed by red turning to black berries.
  4. Tsuga Canadensis ‘Pendula’ – Weeping Hemlock This unique evergreen requires careful training to develop a straight stem, ensuring it doesn’t spread like a creeper. Its shiny green needles provide a refreshing touch to your garden, while inconspicuous blooms develop into hanging cones.

Euonymus Alatus

Multi-Stemmed Trees for Small Gardens

Discover the captivating beauty of multi-stemmed trees that add an artistic touch to your small garden! Let these stunning options showcase their unique charms:

  1. Cornus Controversa ‘Variegata’ – The Variegated Dogwood Adorn your garden with this multi-stemmed Dogwood boasting an irregular rosy-green leaf with a silvery edge. In May and June, it blooms with charming cluster-like tufts.
  2. Lagerstroemia Indica – The Crape Myrtle An attention-grabbing flowering tree, also available in multi-stemmed forms. Its flaky bark exhibits a decorative pattern with various brown and pinkish-brown shades. From July to September, enjoy its blooms in white, pink, or reddish-purple.
  3. Euonymus Alatus – The Burning Bush The Burning Bush earns its name with a striking red autumn color that stands out. Even the young twigs, with their corky wings, add to its allure. The leaves shine bright green during summer, and the tree is known for its unique “capsule-like” fruits.
  4. Magnolia Stellata – The Star Magnolia Delight in the exquisite white star-shaped flowers, exuding a captivating fragrance. This slow-blooming beauty is highly winter-hardy and boasts glossy green foliage.

Spherical Beauties for Small Gardens

  1. Catalpa Bignoides ‘Nana’ – The Dwarf Indian Bean Tree This slow-growing, spherical tree flaunts large, fresh green heart-shaped leaves. In autumn, the foliage transforms into a lovely yellow before falling relatively early. A popular choice for garden landscapes.
  2. Morus Alba ‘Nana’ – The Dwarf Mulberry Embrace the charm of this compact, round-shaped mulberry tree with its slightly tangled yet dense branching. Young twigs showcase a fresher shade of green, adding a splash of color variation.
  3. Quercus Palustris ‘Green Dwarf’ – The Green Dwarf Pin Oak This densely branched spherical tree boasts green leaves that transform into shades of red and reddish-brown during autumn. It adapts well to diverse environments and isn’t fussy about its location or soil type.
  4. Robinia Umbraculifera – The Globe Locust Also known as the “False Acacia,” this deciduous tree features a rough grey-brown bark. Its fine leaves add a decorative touch, and the flowers attract bees with their unique fragrance. In May and June, clusters of flowers bloom in purple, pink, and white.

Fruit Trees for Small Gardens

Fruit Trees for Small Gardens

  1. Malus Domestica ‘Reine de Reinettes’ – The King of the Pippins Apple Tree This oval-crowned apple tree graces your garden with white to light pink blooms during spring. Enjoy its delicious sweet-tart apples, perfect for harvesting from late September to early October.
  2. Pyrus Communis ‘Triomphe de Vienne’ – The Triumph of Vienna Pear Tree Decorative with its characterful branches and trunks, this tree offers fresh green leaves, followed by a striking yellow to orange autumn color. Admire its luscious fruits, providing both beauty and taste. Perfect for planting in borders or against your home’s facade.
  3. Prunus Armeniaca ‘Tros Oranje’ – The Orange Cluster Apricot Tree Featuring yellow fruits with a red blush, this apricot tree blooms with light pink flowers in spring. Savour the delightful apricots that ripen towards the end of summer.
  4. Vitis Vinifera – The Grapevine While requiring some patience to grow into a tree-like form, the effort is rewarding. In fall, you’ll be treated to large green or blue grapes, perfect for enjoying during the season. This vine thrives in sunny, sheltered spots.

Discover the joy of adding these charming trees to your small garden, creating a paradise of nature’s wonders! 🌳🌿