Small trees to grow in pots

Eucalyptus cinerea 'Silver Dollar', commonly known as the Silver Dollar Gum, is a striking evergreen tree or large shrub prized for its round, silvery-blue juvenile leaves that grow in opposite pairs along its stems. These aromatic leaves are highly decorative, often used in floral arrangements and valued for their year-round color and texture. In the garden, it brings a soft, silvery contrast to green foliage and is ideal for Mediterranean-style, contemporary, or drought-tolerant landscapes.

'Silver Dollar' grows relatively fast and can reach heights of 4–10 metres if left unpruned, though it can be kept smaller with regular pruning, which also encourages attractive juvenile foliage. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat, wind, and some drought once established. Due to its strong vertical growth and distinctive foliage, it makes an excellent specimen plant, screening tree, or background feature. It's best planted in a spacious, open position with plenty of light.

Eucalyptus gunnii Azura is a new French selection of Eucalyptus tree. It’s an evergreen shrub or small tree with naturally compact and bushy habit and flaking bark. The juvenile foliage is rounded and silvery blue, while the adult leaves are long, lanceolate, azure blue-green with silvery hues and intense fragrance. Small, fluffy, white flowers bloom in summer and autumn, and are followed by rounded, olive-green fruit.

Eucalyptus gunnii Azura is extremely hardy and very suitable for British gardens. It thrives in any type of garden soil, as long as it is well-drained, but prefers average to moderately fertile, slightly acidic, dry to moist soils. It requires full sun and needs to be sheltered form harsh winds.

Eucalyptus gunnii Azura, with its mesmerizing, aromatic, silvery, azure blue-green leaves, is a perfect plant for small cottage and urban gardens. Great for shrub and wall-side borders, mixed beds and borders, or hedges and screens. Suitable for growing in containers.

Euonymous alatus is a large, dense, spreading deciduous shrub with oval, green leaves, that turn spectacularly scarlet-red in autumn. Tiny, inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in spring and summer, and are followed by highly ornamental purple and red fruits in autumn and throughout the winter. Bare winter branches are attractive because of their “corky” wings.

Euonymous alatus can grow in a wide range of soils, but thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. It prefers full sun and the best leaf colour is achieved in full sun, but tolerates partial shade and generally, pest-free. Attractive to birds.

It can withstand severe pruning, and has a tendency to be invasive. Euonymous alatus is a stunning shrub with beautiful fiery red autumn foliage, hence the name Burning Bush. It is perfect as a specimen plant, great for informal hedges and screens, wall-side borders, and shrub borders. Best-looking when planted against evergreens.

Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus', commonly referred to as Japanese spindle or microphyllus boxleaf euonymus, is a compact and versatile evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, small-leaved foliage and robust growth habit. This variety is particularly noted for its diminutive leaf size, which adds a fine texture to garden compositions. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and deep green, typically measuring about 1-2 cm in length. They are tightly packed along the stems, creating a lush, bushy appearance that is ideal for formal gardens or as a foundation planting.

Originating from East Asia, Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus' is widely appreciated for its adaptability and ease of maintenance. It thrives in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained, fertile soil. This shrub is also tolerant of salt, making it a suitable choice for coastal areas. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and can withstand moderate drought conditions once established.

The plant’s growth habit is upright and dense, typically reaching heights of about 2-3 feet, with a similar spread. This controlled growth makes it an excellent candidate for topiary or hedging. It can be easily shaped into various forms and is often used in borders or as a low, formal hedge.

Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus' is relatively pest and disease resistant, though it can be susceptible to scale insects and fungal diseases if conditions are poor. Regular monitoring and preventive maintenance can help ensure the plant remains healthy and attractive.

Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus', commonly referred to as Japanese spindle or microphyllus boxleaf euonymus, is a compact and versatile evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, small-leaved foliage and robust growth habit. This variety is particularly noted for its diminutive leaf size, which adds a fine texture to garden compositions. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and deep green, typically measuring about 1-2 cm in length. They are tightly packed along the stems, creating a lush, bushy appearance that is ideal for formal gardens or as a foundation planting.

Originating from East Asia, Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus' is widely appreciated for its adaptability and ease of maintenance. It thrives in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained, fertile soil. This shrub is also tolerant of salt, making it a suitable choice for coastal areas. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and can withstand moderate drought conditions once established.

The plant’s growth habit is upright and dense, typically reaching heights of about 2-3 feet, with a similar spread. This controlled growth makes it an excellent candidate for topiary or hedging. It can be easily shaped into various forms and is often used in borders or as a low, formal hedge.

Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus' is relatively pest and disease resistant, though it can be susceptible to scale insects and fungal diseases if conditions are poor. Regular monitoring and preventive maintenance can help ensure the plant remains healthy and attractive.

Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus', commonly referred to as Japanese spindle or microphyllus boxleaf euonymus, is a compact and versatile evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, small-leaved foliage and robust growth habit. This variety is particularly noted for its diminutive leaf size, which adds a fine texture to garden compositions. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and deep green, typically measuring about 1-2 cm in length. They are tightly packed along the stems, creating a lush, bushy appearance that is ideal for formal gardens or as a foundation planting.

Originating from East Asia, Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus' is widely appreciated for its adaptability and ease of maintenance. It thrives in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained, fertile soil. This shrub is also tolerant of salt, making it a suitable choice for coastal areas. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and can withstand moderate drought conditions once established.

The plant’s growth habit is upright and dense, typically reaching heights of about 2-3 feet, with a similar spread. This controlled growth makes it an excellent candidate for topiary or hedging. It can be easily shaped into various forms and is often used in borders or as a low, formal hedge.

Euonymus japonicus 'Microphyllus' is relatively pest and disease resistant, though it can be susceptible to scale insects and fungal diseases if conditions are poor. Regular monitoring and preventive maintenance can help ensure the plant remains healthy and attractive.

Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia) is a medium-sized, exotic-looking, evergreen shrub with huge, palmate, deeply-lobed, glossy, bright green leaves. Clusters of bright to cremy-white flowers bloom in autumn and are followed by small, round, shiny, black ornamental berries.

Fatsia japonica can grow in any type of soil, but prefers compost-rich, slightly acidic, moist and well-drained soils. It is very adaptable and can grow in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. It’s a tropical plant that likes warm temperatures, but too strong sun, as well as strong winds, can damage the leaves. It needs annual pruning.

Fatsia japonica (Japanese aralia) brings an exciting tropical look to the landscape, especially when combined with bamboos and grasses. Perfect for informal, cottage, coastal, or urban gardens. Great as a focal point in shaded areas, as a foundation plant, near pools and water gardens, or in outdoor containers. Suitable for growing as a houseplant.

Frangula alnus, commonly known as alder buckthorn, is a versatile and ecologically valuable plant that can be an excellent addition to a wide range of garden styles. Its natural adaptability allows it to thrive in moist, well-drained soils and it tolerates both full sun and partial shade, making it suitable for various garden positions including borders, woodland edges, or wildlife-focused spaces.

As a deciduous shrub or small tree, it brings multi-season interest to the garden: its glossy green leaves emerge in spring, followed by clusters of small, star-shaped pale greenish-yellow flowers in early summer. These are later replaced by red berries that ripen to black in autumn, providing a rich food source for birds and other wildlife.

Frangula alnus is especially valued in environmentally conscious gardens as it supports biodiversity. It attracts bees, other pollinators, and is the larval food plant for the brimstone butterfly. Additionally, it has a non-invasive root system, requires minimal maintenance once established, and is generally pest- and disease-resistant. Its subtle beauty, wildlife benefits, and resilience make it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to combine ecological value with low-maintenance charm.

Garrya elliptica 'James Roof' is an excellent choice for gardens seeking year-round structure and winter interest. This evergreen shrub is particularly valued for its striking, long, silvery-grey catkins, which appear in late winter to early spring and can reach up to 30 cm in length. These catkins create a dramatic display during the colder months when few other plants are flowering.

Well-suited to a variety of garden settings, 'James Roof' thrives in coastal and sheltered inland locations. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of poor soils, provided they are well-drained. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it ideal for low-maintenance and water-wise gardens.

In terms of habit, Garrya 'James Roof' is a bushy, upright shrub, typically reaching 2.5–4 metres in height and spread. It can be grown as a free-standing specimen, used as an informal hedge, or trained against a wall where its catkins can be better displayed. Its tough, leathery leaves and robust nature also make it useful as a windbreak in exposed areas. Overall, it is a reliable and decorative addition to many garden styles.

Acer palmatum 'Bi Hoo' is a striking Japanese maple cultivar admired for its vibrant, textured bark and dynamic seasonal foliage. During winter, this deciduous tree showcases a stunning yellow-orange to coral bark, providing significant winter interest, contrasting the bleak surroundings. This bark coloration becomes a prominent feature as the tree matures and older bark peels away.

In the spring, 'Bi Hoo' produces small, inconspicuous flowers complemented by delicate, light green leaves which transform into a lush, deeper green in the summer. These palmate leaves are characterized by their serrated edges, typical of the Acer palmatum species, creating intricate patterns in the canopy.

Come autumn, the foliage transcends into a brilliant display of yellow, orange, and sometimes red, adding a spectacular finale to its seasonal performance. The diversity in color and texture throughout the year makes 'Bi Hoo' an enchanting focal point in gardens and landscapes.

Reaching around 15 feet at maturity, it is a relatively small tree, making it an ideal choice for smaller landscapes or confined spaces. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils and protection from harsh winds and extreme sun, ensuring optimal growth and health. The unique characteristics of 'Bi Hoo' offer year-round aesthetic appeal.

Laburnum anagyroides 'Yellow Rocket' is a compact, upright deciduous tree renowned for its striking display of golden-yellow, pea-like flowers that cascade in pendulous racemes during May and early June. Reaching approximately 4 meters in height and 1.5 meters in spread over 10–20 years, its narrow, columnar habit makes it ideal for smaller gardens or as a vertical accent in larger landscapes.

The tree's trifoliate, light green leaves provide a lush backdrop to its vibrant blooms, which are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity. 'Yellow Rocket' thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils, tolerating a range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand.

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', commonly known as Japanese Forest Grass, is a graceful, clump-forming ornamental grass that brings movement, texture, and vibrant color to shady garden spaces. Its arching, bamboo-like leaves are boldly striped in golden yellow with green margins, creating a luminous effect, especially in low light. In cooler months, the foliage may take on pink or reddish hues, adding seasonal interest.

This compact perennial typically reaches 30–45 cm in height and spreads slowly to form mounded drifts that soften edges and complement neighboring plants. It thrives in part shade to full shade, making it perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or underplanting shrubs and trees. It prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, though it is tolerant of a range of conditions once established, as long as it’s not too dry or exposed to harsh sun.

‘Aureola’ is particularly effective when planted in groups or used as a foliage contrast alongside hostas, ferns, or heucheras. Its low maintenance, non-invasive nature, and year-round appeal make it a reliable and stylish choice for both modern and traditional garden designs.

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', commonly known as Japanese Forest Grass, is a graceful, clump-forming ornamental grass that brings movement, texture, and vibrant color to shady garden spaces. Its arching, bamboo-like leaves are boldly striped in golden yellow with green margins, creating a luminous effect, especially in low light. In cooler months, the foliage may take on pink or reddish hues, adding seasonal interest.

This compact perennial typically reaches 30–45 cm in height and spreads slowly to form mounded drifts that soften edges and complement neighboring plants. It thrives in part shade to full shade, making it perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or underplanting shrubs and trees. It prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, though it is tolerant of a range of conditions once established, as long as it’s not too dry or exposed to harsh sun.

‘Aureola’ is particularly effective when planted in groups or used as a foliage contrast alongside hostas, ferns, or heucheras. Its low maintenance, non-invasive nature, and year-round appeal make it a reliable and stylish choice for both modern and traditional garden designs.