You may assume that you don’t have enough space for a tree in your garden, however there is a solution that means you can plant a tree in your green space even when you don’t have a large garden.
Container gardening – through trees in containers and shrubs in containers – is perfect for people with limited space or who live in places with poor soil. It gives them opportunities to grow plants despite circumstances. However, you must also consider the plant you’ll be growing, such as if it can be grown in containers. In this blog, you’ll find the perfect shrubs for containers so you can start gardening this month.
What are the Best Shrubs for Containers?
Shrubs, while they may sometimes be small, can make a huge aesthetic impact in whatever garden they’re in. There are a number of different shrubs for containers to choose from to enhance your space.
Ilex aquifolium (Argentea Marginata)
Also known as the ‘silver-margined holly’, the stunning Ilex aquifolium (Argentea Marginata) evergreen adds year-round interest to your home thanks to its silver-edged leaves. Its silver edges beautifully contrast with its glossy, dark green leaves. By autumn, it produces bright red berries that attract birds, adding vibrancy to your abode.
Key features:
- Berries last throughout the winter, offering food for birds and attracting them.
- Tolerates various soil conditions and thrives in sunny or shady places.
- Lower leaves are armed with prickles, which can act as deterrents for some grazing animals.
Note: Leaves are prickly. Handle with care, especially when pruning.
Ligustrum ovalifolium (Aureum)
The Ligustrum ovalifolium (Aureum), or Golden Privet, is a versatile shrub that lends lustre to any garden or room. Its golden-yellow foliage complements well with darker green plants, which you can take advantage of for a contrasting arrangement. At summer’s call, it produces fragrant, white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
Key features:
- Grows quickly and can fill gaps in spaces right away.
- Thrives in a wide range of soil conditions.
- Fragrant, sweet-scented.
Note: This plant needs consistently moist soil to thrive. Water frequently.
Viburnum tinus
The Laurustinus, also known as the Viburnum tinus, is a hardy yet pretty evergreen shrub that greatly contributes to a winter garden. It has glossy, dark green leaves that provide year-round interest, while its fragrant white flowers bloom throughout the winter and spring. During spring, it produces black berries that are highly favoured by birds.
Key features:
- Produces blackberries, which can attract birds and other wildlife.
- Adaptable, as it can thrive in various soil conditions.
- Produces clusters of fragrant white flowers, which may attract bees and other pollinators.
Note: This plant needs consistently moist soil to thrive. Water frequently.
What are the Best Trees for Containers?
If you’re looking to grow trees but don’t have a large amount of green space, there are options for you to grow trees in confined spaces. You can grow the following trees in containers, from small to medium ones.
Norway Spruce
The Norway Spruce is a beautiful evergreen conifer that lends elegance to wherever it is. Its blue-green needles come together for high visual impact, especially when there’s snow on top. This spruce is also hardy, as it can bear harsh winters, perfect for gardens in colder climates.
Key features:
- Has a blue-green foliage, which exudes sophistication.
- Grows into a large, impressive tree.
- Withstands extremely low temperatures.
Note: Must be regularly pruned to keep it healthy and attractive.
Nordmann Fir
The Nordmann Fir, also known as the Silver Fir, has been popular as a Christmas tree for a long time. It has soft, needle-like leaves and a symmetrical shape, making it popular for indoor and outdoor decoration.
Key features:
- Gentle on the touch, making it a good choice for Christmas trees.
- Has a symmetrical shape.
- It has a pleasant pine scent.
Note: Needs rainwater or soft water. Do not use alkaline or “hard” water.
Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)
The Wild Cherry tree is a beautiful deciduous tree, offering the best of both worlds in beauty and utility. It displays stunning pink blossoms in spring, and during summer, it produces delicious and juicy berries.
Key features:
- Tolerates various soil conditions and climates.
- Produces sweet cherries.
- Displays beautiful blossoms during springtime.
Choose a Container Tree or Shrub from Shrubgarden
For people with green fingers and who love plants, it can be disappointing when space is limited. But with the shrubs and trees in containers from, you can now take your first step in container gardening. Whether you’re looking for shrubs, ferns, or trees, you can always find what you’re looking for with Shrubgarden.
