Small trees to grow in pots

Actinidia deliciosa ‘Jenny’ is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a compact, productive kiwi plant suitable for a range of garden sizes and climates. Unlike many kiwi varieties that require separate male and female plants for pollination, ‘Jenny’ is self-fertile, making it ideal for small gardens or for those who prefer low-maintenance fruiting plants. It thrives best in full sun and appreciates a sheltered, warm spot—such as against a south-facing wall—where it can receive protection from strong winds and frosts, especially when young.

This vigorous climber benefits from being trained on a sturdy pergola, trellis, or fence, as it can grow several metres over time. Well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture encourages strong growth and reliable fruiting. Once established, ‘Jenny’ is relatively hardy and copes well with typical temperate conditions, though extremely cold regions may limit fruit production.

In summer, the plant produces attractive, fragrant white blossoms that develop into smooth-skinned kiwis, ripening in late autumn. Pruning helps maintain shape and encourages fruiting wood. Overall, Actinidia deliciosa ‘Jenny’ is a rewarding, decorative, and space-efficient option for gardeners looking to enjoy home-grown kiwis with minimal complication.

Adiantum aleuticum 'Imbricatum' is a compact and attractive cultivar of the species Adiantum aleuticum, commonly known as the western or Aleutian maidenhair fern. It is valued in ornamental horticulture for its delicate appearance, tidy growth habit and refined texture, making it especially suitable for woodland gardens, shaded borders and container planting.

This deciduous fern forms neat clumps of arching fronds that typically reach around 20–35 cm in height and spread. The fronds are borne on slender, wiry stems that are dark purplish-black to nearly black, a characteristic feature of maidenhair ferns. These glossy stems contrast beautifully with the bright green leaflets, giving the plant a light and elegant appearance.

The cultivar name “Imbricatum” refers to the distinctive arrangement of the leaflets. The small fan-shaped segments are closely set and slightly overlapping, creating a layered or shingled effect along the fronds. This gives the plant a denser and more structured look than many other maidenhair ferns, which tend to have more widely spaced leaflets. The fine texture of the foliage moves gently in the slightest breeze and contributes to a soft, graceful presence in shaded planting schemes.

Like its parent species, this fern prefers cool, moist conditions and thrives in partial to full shade. It grows best in humus-rich, well-drained soil that remains consistently damp but not waterlogged. In garden settings it is often planted beneath trees, along shaded paths, or in rock gardens where moisture is reliable and direct sun is limited.

In spring, fresh fronds emerge as tightly coiled fiddleheads that gradually unfurl into their characteristic fan-shaped form. The foliage remains attractive through the growing season before dying back in autumn. Although delicate in appearance, the plant is reasonably hardy and can tolerate cold winter conditions when grown in suitable soil and shelter.

Agapanthus Black Jack, better known as African Lily, is an attractive evergreen perennial with strap-like, glossy green leaves, and deep purple trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in summer or early autumn on stiff, upright stalks. The florets open from black buds. The foliage is beautiful even when the plant is not in bloom.  African Lily prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soil. In hot climates, it needs partial shade. It is very easy to grow, pest-free and disease-free. As it leans towards the sun, south-facing location would be the best. In winter, it should be protected with a layer of dry, sand-and-straw mulch. Agapanthus Black Jack is perfect for flower beds and borders in combination with other colourful perennials, or as a specimen plant in a container. Suitable for city gardens and coastal areas as it can withstand air pollution and is resistant to windy and salty air.

Agapanthus Midnight Sky, better known as African Lily, is an attractive evergreen perennial with strap-like, glossy green leaves, and deep blue trumpet-shaped flowers that appear in summer or early autumn on stiff, upright short stalks. The foliage is beautiful even when the plant is not in bloom.  African Lily prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soil. In hot climates, it needs partial shade. It is very easy to grow, pest-free and disease-free. As it leans towards the sun, south-facing location would be the best. In winter, it should be protected with a layer of dry, sand-and-straw mulch. Agapanthus Midnight Sky is perfect for flower beds and borders in combination with other colourful perennials, or as a specimen plant in a container. Suitable for city gardens and coastal areas as it can withstand air pollution and is resistant to windy and salty air.

Agapanthus Poppin Star, better known as African Lily, is an attractive evergreen perennial with strap-like, glossy green leaves, and trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of mauve with dark purple stripes that appear in summer or early autumn on stiff, upright stalks. . The foliage is beautiful even when the plant is not in bloom.  African Lily prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soil. In hot climates, it needs partial shade. It is very easy to grow, pest-free and disease-free. As it leans towards the sun, south-facing location would be the best. In winter, it should be protected with a layer of dry, sand-and-straw mulch. Agapanthus Poppin Star is perfect for flower beds and borders in combination with other colourful perennials, or as a specimen plant in a container. Suitable for city gardens and coastal areas as it can withstand air pollution and is resistant to windy and salty air.

Agapanthus Firework, better known as African Lily, is an attractive evergreen perennial with strap-like, glossy green leaves, and larger than average trumpet-shaped flowers form in impressive clusters, each of which can last for up to 12 weeks from midsummer. Their distinctive purple-blue and white colouring makes them particularly eye-catching - and they will also last well after being cut for the vase. A sun-loving perennial, it will flourish in pots that can be moved to a sheltered spot in winter . The foliage is beautiful even when the plant is not in bloom.  African Lily prefers fertile, moist and well-drained soil. In hot climates, it needs partial shade. It is very easy to grow, pest-free and disease-free. As it leans towards the sun, south-facing location would be the best. In winter, it should be protected with a layer of dry, sand-and-straw mulch. Agapanthus Fireworks is perfect for flower beds and borders in combination with other colourful perennials, or as a specimen plant in a container. Suitable for city gardens and coastal areas as it can withstand air pollution and is resistant to windy and salty air.

Agapanthus 'Midnight Moon' is a dramatic perennial prized for its unusual colour contrast and elegant architectural form. It produces strong, upright stems rising above clumps of strap-shaped, mid-green foliage. From mid to late summer, rounded buds emerge in a deep, near-black violet tone, creating a bold visual effect even before flowering begins. As the buds open, they reveal paler, soft violet-blue to silvery blooms, producing a striking two-tone display that adds depth and interest to sunny planting schemes.

The rounded flower heads are held well above the foliage, giving a clean, structured appearance that works beautifully in contemporary gardens, Mediterranean-style borders, and gravel plantings. Its long flowering period provides weeks of colour, while spent flower heads often continue to offer ornamental interest if left standing.

Agapanthus ‘Midnight Moon’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, performing particularly well in sheltered, warm locations. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant and low maintenance, requiring only a simple cutback of spent stems and old foliage in early spring. It also performs well in containers, where its striking flowers can be appreciated up close.

Agapanthus mixed colours are highly valued for their bold, architectural presence and long-lasting summer display, making them a versatile choice for a wide range of garden styles. With flower shades ranging from deep blue and violet to pure white and soft bicolours, they create vibrant contrast when planted in groups or mixed with complementary perennials. Their strap-like evergreen or semi-evergreen foliage forms attractive clumps that provide structure even when not in flower.

These plants are particularly well suited to sunny, sheltered gardens where they can thrive in well-drained soil. They are ideal for contemporary borders, Mediterranean-style planting schemes, gravel gardens, and coastal landscapes due to their tolerance of drought once established. They also perform exceptionally well in containers, where their upright flower stems can be appreciated at close range and used to frame patios, entrances, or seating areas.

Agapanthus work beautifully when planted en masse for impact or combined with grasses and other sun-loving perennials for a softer, more naturalistic effect. Low maintenance and reliable, they require only minimal care, typically a spring tidy and occasional feeding. Their strong vertical form and extended flowering season make them a dependable and eye-catching feature in both formal and informal garden designs.

Agapanthus umbellatus ovatus is a striking perennial valued for its bold, architectural foliage and dramatic summer flower heads. Forming clumps of broad, strap-shaped green leaves, it produces tall, sturdy stems topped with rounded umbels of rich blue, trumpet-shaped flowers from mid to late summer. These long-lasting blooms rise well above the foliage, making the plant an excellent focal point in borders and a strong vertical accent in mixed plantings.

It is well suited to sunny, sheltered gardens and thrives in well-drained soil, particularly in coastal and Mediterranean-style settings. Once established, it is tolerant of drought and salt-laden winds, making it ideal for seaside gardens and urban courtyards. In colder areas, some winter protection may be beneficial, or plants can be grown in containers and moved to a frost-free position.

Agapanthus umbellatus ovatus works beautifully in groups, along pathways, or in large pots on patios, where its bold leaves and vivid flowers provide structure, colour, and a long season of ornamental interest with minimal maintenance.

Agave spectabilis 'Mediospicta Alba' is a dramatic variegated succulent valued for its bold architectural form and striking foliage. Closely related to species within the genus Agave, this ornamental plant originates from arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico, where agaves have evolved to thrive in harsh, dry environments. Because of its sculptural appearance and distinctive colouring, it is widely grown in decorative planting schemes and container displays.

The most notable feature of Agave spectabilis ‘Mediospicta Alba’ is its beautifully variegated leaves. The plant forms a symmetrical rosette composed of thick, fleshy leaves that radiate from a central crown. Each leaf displays a broad creamy-white stripe running along the middle, while the outer margins are a soft bluish-green. This central band of pale colour gives the plant its name: “mediospicta” meaning marked in the middle, and “alba” referring to the white variegation. The leaves are rigid, slightly arching, and edged with small sharp teeth, finishing with a strong terminal spine.

This agave typically grows to around 60–120 cm in height and can spread to approximately 1–1.5 metres across, making it a medium to large specimen for gardens or containers. Compared with some agaves, it grows relatively slowly but develops into a highly ornamental focal plant over time.

Like many agaves, Agave spectabilis ‘Mediospicta Alba’ is monocarpic, meaning it flowers once at the end of its life cycle. After many years of growth, a tall flower spike may emerge from the centre of the rosette, producing clusters of pale yellow flowers attractive to pollinating insects. The main plant gradually declines after flowering but often leaves offsets, or “pups”, around its base.

The plant thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Its excellent drought tolerance makes it suitable for dry gardens, gravel landscapes, and Mediterranean-style planting. In cooler climates it is frequently grown in large containers so it can be protected from excessive winter moisture and severe frost.

Akebia quinata, commonly known as the chocolate vine, is a vigorous and ornamental climber ideal for covering walls, fences, arches, or pergolas. Its twining stems quickly establish to create dense foliage, making it useful for privacy screening or softening structures.

This semi-evergreen plant features attractive, five-lobed leaves that stay green in mild winters, and it produces fragrant, chocolate-scented purple flowers in spring, sometimes followed by unusual sausage-shaped fruits in hot summers.

It thrives best in a sunny to partially shaded position, though flowering is more prolific in full sun. Akebia quinata prefers moist, well-drained soil and is tolerant of various soil types, including loam, clay, or sand, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It is hardy and generally low-maintenance, though regular pruning can help control its rapid growth. Ideal for informal gardens, wildlife-friendly spaces, or cottage-style designs, it brings both beauty and versatility to the garden.

The Albizia julibrissin  commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa, is an attractive deciduous tree known for its delicate, fern-like leaves and striking, silky, pink flowers. Originating from Asia, this tree brings an exotic feel to gardens and landscapes, particularly appreciated for its light, airy appearance and graceful form. 

Reaching a mature height of around 5–6 metres, the Albizia julibrissin offers a relatively modest growth habit compared to other trees, yet it spreads out widely, creating a dappled shade beneath its crown. Its leaves are bipinnate, folding in the evening or during cloudy weather, which adds an element of movement and interest to its appearance. In summer, the tree is adorned with fluffy, pom-pom-like flowers in shades of pink and white, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. These blossoms create a lovely contrast against the soft, green foliage.

In autumn, the leaves turn yellow before falling, allowing the tree to reveal its architectural form during the winter months. This variety is reasonably hardy, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -10°C, making it suitable for much of the UK climate. It thrives best in full sun and well-drained soils, showing some drought tolerance once established.

The Albizia julibrissin Ombrella is often used as a specimen tree, valued for its beauty, elegant shape, and pollinator-friendly attributes. It is a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal pruning and care, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an ornamental tree that adds a touch of exoticism and charm to their outdoor spaces.

The Albizia julibrissin Ombrella, commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa, is an attractive deciduous tree known for its delicate, fern-like leaves and striking, silky, pink flowers. Originating from Asia, this tree brings an exotic feel to gardens and landscapes, particularly appreciated for its light, airy appearance and graceful form. The 'Ombrella' variety is a popular choice, prized for its compact, umbrella-shaped canopy, which makes it an ideal focal point in smaller gardens or urban settings.

Reaching a mature height of around 5–6 metres, the Albizia julibrissin Ombrella offers a relatively modest growth habit compared to other trees, yet it spreads out widely, creating a dappled shade beneath its crown. Its leaves are bipinnate, folding in the evening or during cloudy weather, which adds an element of movement and interest to its appearance. In summer, the tree is adorned with fluffy, pom-pom-like flowers in shades of pink and white, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. These blossoms create a lovely contrast against the soft, green foliage.

In autumn, the leaves turn yellow before falling, allowing the tree to reveal its architectural form during the winter months. This variety is reasonably hardy, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -10°C, making it suitable for much of the UK climate. It thrives best in full sun and well-drained soils, showing some drought tolerance once established.

The Albizia julibrissin Ombrella is often used as a specimen tree, valued for its beauty, elegant shape, and pollinator-friendly attributes. It is a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal pruning and care, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an ornamental tree that adds a touch of exoticism and charm to their outdoor spaces.

Albizia julibrissin Evey's Pride, commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa, is an ornamental tree prized for its feathery foliage and striking flowers. A cultivar of the Albizia julibrissin species, Evey's Pride stands out with its unique growth habit and aesthetic appeal.

This deciduous tree can reach heights of up to 5–6 metres, making it ideal for smaller gardens and landscapes. It has a spreading, umbrella-like canopy that creates a soft, dappled shade beneath. The delicate, fern-like leaves are a deep bronze to purple in colour, offering a striking contrast to the vibrant flowers.

The tree blooms from late summer to early autumn, producing clusters of fluffy, pink and white, fragrant flowers that resemble powder puffs. These flowers not only add beauty but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.

One of the key features of Evey's Pride is its adaptability. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils, and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Additionally, it is fairly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for warmer climates or areas prone to dry spells.

In terms of maintenance, the tree requires minimal care. Occasional pruning can help shape the canopy and remove any deadwood, though it generally maintains a pleasing form naturally.

Overall, Albizia julibrissin Evey's Pride is an elegant choice for gardeners seeking a distinctive tree with year-round interest. Its combination of vibrant foliage, eye-catching flowers, and ease of care make it a popular choice for both urban and rural settings. Its compact size makes it especially suitable for smaller gardens or as a feature in larger landscapes.

Albizia julibrissin Evey's Pride, commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa, is an ornamental tree prized for its feathery foliage and striking flowers. A cultivar of the Albizia julibrissin species, Evey's Pride stands out with its unique growth habit and aesthetic appeal.

This deciduous tree can reach heights of up to 5–6 metres, making it ideal for smaller gardens and landscapes. It has a spreading, umbrella-like canopy that creates a soft, dappled shade beneath. The delicate, fern-like leaves are a deep bronze to purple in colour, offering a striking contrast to the vibrant flowers.

The tree blooms from late summer to early autumn, producing clusters of fluffy, pink and white, fragrant flowers that resemble powder puffs. These flowers not only add beauty but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.

One of the key features of Evey's Pride is its adaptability. It is tolerant of a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils, and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. Additionally, it is fairly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for warmer climates or areas prone to dry spells.

In terms of maintenance, the tree requires minimal care. Occasional pruning can help shape the canopy and remove any deadwood, though it generally maintains a pleasing form naturally.

Overall, Albizia julibrissin Evey's Pride is an elegant choice for gardeners seeking a distinctive tree with year-round interest. Its combination of vibrant foliage, eye-catching flowers, and ease of care make it a popular choice for both urban and rural settings. Its compact size makes it especially suitable for smaller gardens or as a feature in larger landscapes.

The Albizia julibrissin Ombrella, commonly known as the Persian silk tree or mimosa, is an attractive deciduous tree known for its delicate, fern-like leaves and striking, silky, pink flowers. Originating from Asia, this tree brings an exotic feel to gardens and landscapes, particularly appreciated for its light, airy appearance and graceful form. The 'Ombrella' variety is a popular choice, prized for its compact, umbrella-shaped canopy, which makes it an ideal focal point in smaller gardens or urban settings.

Reaching a mature height of around 5–6 metres, the Albizia julibrissin Ombrella offers a relatively modest growth habit compared to other trees, yet it spreads out widely, creating a dappled shade beneath its crown. Its leaves are bipinnate, folding in the evening or during cloudy weather, which adds an element of movement and interest to its appearance. In summer, the tree is adorned with fluffy, pom-pom-like flowers in shades of pink and white, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. These blossoms create a lovely contrast against the soft, green foliage.

In autumn, the leaves turn yellow before falling, allowing the tree to reveal its architectural form during the winter months. This variety is reasonably hardy, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -10°C, making it suitable for much of the UK climate. It thrives best in full sun and well-drained soils, showing some drought tolerance once established.

The Albizia julibrissin Ombrella is often used as a specimen tree, valued for its beauty, elegant shape, and pollinator-friendly attributes. It is a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal pruning and care, making it a perfect choice for those seeking an ornamental tree that adds a touch of exoticism and charm to their outdoor spaces.