Small trees to grow in pots

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 'White Spire' is a small, compact, narrow, variegated, evergreen shrub with upright branches, densely covered with lance-shaped, leathery, glossy, oval, grey-green leaves with irregular creamy-white margins. Small, inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by dark berries in autumn.

Euonymus japonicus 'White Spire' is tolerant of a wide range of soils and soil conditions, but prefers slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It can grow in any location, from full sun to deep shade. Once established, drought-tolerant. Very resistant to frost, but still needs to be protected from harsh, winter winds. Not suitable for outdoor pots in colder areas. Relatively, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Spindle 'White Spire', with its variegated evergreen leaves, is a wonderful, resilient and adaptive shrub, perfect for informal, cottage, coastal, and urban gardens. Excellent for hedges and screens, shrub and wall-side borders, and garden edging. Suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Euonymus japonicus 'White Spire' is a small, compact, narrow, variegated, evergreen shrub with upright branches, densely covered with lance-shaped, leathery, glossy, oval, grey-green leaves with irregular creamy-white margins. Small, inconspicuous, greenish flowers bloom in spring and are followed by dark berries in autumn.

Euonymus japonicus 'White Spire' is tolerant of a wide range of soils and soil conditions, but prefers slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. It can grow in any location, from full sun to deep shade. Once established, drought-tolerant. Very resistant to frost, but still needs to be protected from harsh, winter winds. Not suitable for outdoor pots in colder areas. Relatively, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance plant, doesn’t require pruning. Spindle 'White Spire', with its variegated evergreen leaves, is a wonderful, resilient and adaptive shrub, perfect for informal, cottage, coastal, and urban gardens. Excellent for hedges and screens, shrub and wall-side borders, and garden edging. Suitable for growing in pots and containers.

Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web' is a small, bushy, exotic-looking, evergreen shrub with palmate, deeply-lobed, glossy, variegated leaves - dark green with white splashes, especially at the edges, but the variegation changes with seasons and as the plant matures. Clusters of bright white flowers bloom in autumn and are followed by small, round, shiny, black ornamental berries in autumn and winter.

Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web' tolerates various types 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.

Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web' brings tropical look to the landscape, especially when combined with bamboos and grasses. Great as a focal point in shaded areas, as a foundation plant, near pools and water gardens, or in outdoor containers.

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.

Feijoa (acca) sellowiana, or Pineapple Guava, is an attractive, evergreen shrub or small tree, with oblong, silvery green leaves, white-felted underneath. Unusual flowers with four red petals, white on the outside, and red stamens with yellow tips, appear singly or in clusters. They are edible and taste like marshmallows. Flowers are followed by edible, tough-skinned, red-flushed, green fruit with pineapple-spearmint flavour.

Pineapple Guava loves full sun, and prefers light, moist, well-drained soils. The consistent soil moisture is very important for the production of fruits. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and partial shade. It is moderately tolerant of salt and drought, therefore, suitable for coastal areas. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Low maintenance, doesn’t require much pruning. Feijoa (acca) sellowiana is a unique, ornamental shrub, ideal for urban, coastal, and Mediterranean gardens. Perfect as a specimen or accent plant, great for wall-side borders, hedges and screens, or for growing in containers.

A Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) trained into an umbrella shape is an elegant and highly suitable feature for a garden, combining structure, shade, and ornamental interest. In this form, the plant is pruned with a clear single or multi-stem trunk and a broad, spreading canopy that creates a graceful, rounded “parasol” effect. The dense evergreen foliage, dark green above and silvery beneath, provides year-round texture and light dappled shade beneath the canopy, making it ideal for seating areas, pathways, or as a focal point in courtyards.

The umbrella shape highlights the plant’s natural branching habit while allowing good air circulation and light penetration, which encourages healthy growth and fruit production. In spring, striking red and white flowers appear across the canopy, followed by fragrant, oval fruits in autumn. Feijoa is tolerant of wind, coastal conditions, drought once established, and moderate frost, making it adaptable to many climates. This trained form suits both formal and contemporary garden designs, offering a refined architectural presence with the added benefit of edible harvests.

A Feijoa (Acca sellowiana), commonly known as Pineapple Guava, trimmed into a neat ball shape makes an excellent and attractive feature for a garden. This evergreen shrub or small tree has dense, glossy, oval leaves with silvery undersides, creating a rich green, textured sphere when formally pruned.

In a ball form, it works beautifully as a specimen plant, low hedge element, or in symmetrical plantings along paths and driveways. It is well suited to Mediterranean, coastal, and temperate gardens, being tolerant of wind, drought once established, and light frost.

Beyond its sculptural shape, the plant offers seasonal interest with striking red and white edible flowers in spring, followed by fragrant, oval green fruits in autumn. The compact, rounded form provides year-round structure while still allowing for fruit production, making it both ornamental and productive.

Overall, a ball-shaped Pineapple Guava is a hardy, low-maintenance, and visually refined choice that suits formal and contemporary gardens as well as relaxed, edible landscapes.

Ficus carica ‘Noire de Caromb’ is a distinctive and rewarding fig variety well-suited to many home gardens, especially those in warm, temperate regions. Renowned for its elongated, dark purple to nearly black fruits, this cultivar offers a rich, honeyed flavour and a pleasingly firm texture. It typically produces a reliable main crop in late summer, making it a desirable addition for gardeners seeking high-quality dessert figs.

This variety grows with moderate vigour, forming an attractive tree that fits comfortably in medium-sized gardens. It performs best in full sun, where warmth enhances both fruit sweetness and yield. Well-draining soil is essential, and once established, ‘Noire de Caromb’ shows good drought tolerance, allowing it to thrive with relatively low maintenance.

Although not the hardiest fig, it can still succeed in cooler climates with proper protection, such as planting against a south-facing wall or providing winter insulation. It is self-fertile, simplifying placement and eliminating the need for a pollinating partner.

Overall, ‘Noire de Caromb’ combines ornamental appeal, manageable growth, and exceptional fruit quality. Its distinctive flavour and attractive appearance make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a standout fig variety.

Ficus carica 'Panache', trained on a frame, is an eye-catching and highly ornamental fig variety prized for its unusual striped fruits and attractive architectural form. The deeply lobed green foliage creates a lush, Mediterranean feel, while the carefully trained framework keeps growth neat, structured, and space-efficient. This makes it an excellent choice for sunny walls, fences, patios, courtyards, or smaller gardens where productive plants with decorative appeal are desired.

Its distinctive fruits are green and yellow striped on the outside, opening to reveal richly coloured sweet red flesh with a delicious flavour. Harvested in warm summers, they are ideal for eating fresh, adding to desserts, or enjoying straight from the tree. Position in a sheltered, sunny spot with fertile, free-draining soil for the best crops and healthiest growth.

Frame-trained plants are easier to maintain, prune, and harvest than free-growing specimens, while also making an attractive living feature against a wall or support. Hardy in many UK gardens when sheltered, Ficus carica 'Panache' offers both beauty and bounty, combining decorative foliage, unusual fruits, and reliable productivity in one elegant plant.

Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' is a vigorous, spreading deciduous shrub or small tree with large, deeply lobed, green leaves and purplish-brown fruits, green when they emerge, with pink flesh, sweet, delicious and rich in flavour. It is ready for harvesting in late summer or autumn. It crops abundantly and another small crop may appear in spring.

Ficus carica 'Brown Turkey' is very easy to grow and grows best in organically rich, neutral, moist, well-drained soils. It prefers sunny positions, but can tolerate some shade. The best crop is achieved in full sun. It is resistant to frost but needs to be protected from harsh, winter winds. If grown in containers, it needs to be brought inside in cold winter climates. It is self-fertile, doesn’t need pollinators. Generally, pest-free and disease-free. Fig 'Brown Turkey' is an attractive, ornamental tree, bearing large crops of excellent, delicious fruit that can be eaten fresh, dried, or for culinary purposes.

Ficus carica ‘Dauphine’ is a highly suitable choice for many home gardens due to its vigor, productivity, and adaptability. This fig cultivar is known for producing large, sweet, purple-brown fruits that appear early in the season, often followed by a second, lighter crop later in the year. Its relatively compact growth habit makes it manageable for smaller spaces, while still providing a generous yield.

‘Dauphine’ thrives in warm, temperate climates and benefits from full sun exposure, which enhances fruit flavor and ripening. It prefers well-draining soil and shows moderate tolerance to drought once established, making it a resilient option for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance fruit tree. Protection from harsh winter winds can help maintain plant health in cooler regions.

Because it is partially self-fertile, ‘Dauphine’ does not require another fig variety for pollination, simplifying placement and design considerations within the garden. With proper pruning and seasonal care, this fig tree develops an attractive structure and provides both ornamental appeal and dependable harvests, making it an excellent addition to edible landscapes. Its versatility ensures reliable performance across diverse garden settings.