Myth Buster One : I can’t grow trees in my garden, I don’t have space.
100% not true!
You can grow trees on your balcony, at your front porch and in pots – it’s all about selecting the right tree for the space – and your taste of course.
Upright trees like Malus Laura are also great for smaller gardens
We’re exploring 5 small tree heroes which will bring character to your outdoor space and not take over whilst still thriving in your “small” space. No space is too small to make a difference and we have the perfect trees that all add their own something to a space.
Small Tree For Spring/Summer Foliage
There are so many trees that fall into this category but the one that is really standing out for us at the moment is Cercis ‘Heart of Gold’. It brings so much to your garden and for a tree that will reach 3m x 3m over 10 years, the impact on your garden is huge!
During Spring the Cercis boasts purple-red, pea like flowers on bare branches which is simply stunning , it’s then the turn of the heart shaped foliage which emerges orange-red, then turns from translucent yellow to a yellow-green in Summer. Then once Summer has finished and we transition into Autumn, the leaves turn to gorgeous shades of golden yellow.
Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’® | Eastern Redbud | Frank P Matthews
Small Ornamental Tree
The Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ is an outstanding little tree with an upright compact shape renowned for its clusters of persistent, round, creamy yellow fruit, becoming orange-yellow as they ripen. The leaves turn shades of red, orange and purple in the autumn. Something for all the seasons and perfect for the birds.
Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ | Rowan Tree | Ornamental Trees | Frank P Matthews
Small Fruit Tree – Delicious!
Ruby ‘Columnar TM’ is a variety of the Mirabelle family and differs from others in the group due to its upright habit, which is what makes it so perfect for small gardens. Ruby is the largest fruit of the Mirabelle’s recorded. The fruit has exceptionally sweet taste with peach-like flavours and dark red flesh, perfect for simply eating or cooking – try making jam or baking into a crumble, you won’t regret it we promise.
Small Trees For Attractive Bark
We talk a lot about flowers, and leaves and berries but an attractive bark can bring so much to your space and that is exactly what the Betula utilis ‘Moonbeam’ does. It is a fine birch that is considerably smaller than other forms making it perfect for the small garden or space. This birch creates an attractive range of features including bright white, peeling bark which takes centre stage throughout the whole year.
Betula utilis ‘Moonbeam’ | Himalayan Birch | Ornamental Trees | Frank P Matthews
Small Trees With Spectacular Flowers
Amelanchier is certainly a front-runner in this category and ‘Snowflakes’ is a stunning all-rounder. It produces large, hanging, single white flowers that appear in April as a lovely contrast to the emerging hairless, copper foliage. This gorgeous display is then followed by edible blackish fruits which arrive just before the rich bronze-red autumn leaf colours. It makes the perfect feature tree in any space it grows.
Amelanchier laevis ‘Snowflakes’ | Smooth Serviceberry | Frank P Matthews
When planning your garden, don’t discount trees through fear of not having enough space. Embrace the trees that can bring so much life to your space no matter what the size. Grow in pots, add to your lawn, incorporate into your borders but most of all enjoy them.
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