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29 Small Trees for a Stunning Garden: Beauty in Small Packages

Are you looking to add some visual interest to your garden but need more space to work with? No problem! Small garden trees are an excellent option for adding year-round beauty to your landscape. These trees may not grow very tall, but they pack a big punch when it comes to adding character and charm to your yard.

When choosing small trees, it’s essential to do your research. Ensure you know the tree’s final height and how long it takes to reach that height.

This way, you can make sure the tree will fit in your small garden now and in the future. Many species are slow-growing and may initially fit in a small garden very well, but over time they can grow.

Another great option is growing miniature trees in pots. This way, you can enjoy the beauty of a tree even if you have a paved porch or another small outdoor area.

So, whether you’re looking for a tree to add height, shape, or landscaping use to your garden, there’s a small tree out there that’s perfect for your project.

1- Olive Trees

A beautifully placed olive tree can make you feel like you’re in ancient Greece, where Socrates and his students used to sit under its branches.

These trees have a rich history, hailing from ancient Mesopotamia and Persia, and are a common sight in warm regions around the Mediterranean Sea.

Lucky for us, they also thrive in our climate! Just make sure they have well-draining soil with a bit of gravel, and they’ll be good to go. And get ready to be impressed – these trees can grow up to 20-30 feet tall!

2- Amelanchier lamarckii (Juneberry)

The Amelanchier lamarckii, also known as the Juneberry, is a stunning North American tree that will add beauty to your garden all year round.

In the spring, it produces delicate white flowers; in the summer, its pink leafy shoots add a pop of color. One of the best things about this tree is that it’s not picky – it can grow in any soil and adapts well to different lighting conditions, whether in full sun or shade.

Plus, it attracts bees to your garden, which is great for pollination. Imagine a tree that can reach up to 33 feet tall and is beautiful all year round!

3- Magnolia

The Magnolia grandiflora is a popular choice among landscapers, and for a good reason – it offers year-round interest with its big, glossy leaves and huge, show-stopping flowers that give off an exotic summer vibe.

This tree is versatile and can tolerate various soil types but prefers moist, well-drained soil. Remember that these trees grow slowly, so opt for a larger specimen to see more significant results sooner.

They can grow up to an average of 20 feet tall and will definitely be a focal point in your garden.

4- Japanese Maple

The Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) is an excellent choice to add color to your garden. During different seasons, the leaves change from yellow and orange to lime green, adding a dynamic touch to your landscape.

The bark is a unique bright green color, and small red flowers appear in spring, although they aren’t particularly striking.

These small garden trees prefer semi-shaded areas and will not do well in full sun, which is why they typically only grow up to 10 feet tall. This is a great option if you’re looking for a small, colorful tree to add to your garden.

5- Ornamental Cherry Tree

The ornamental Cherry Tree may not reach great heights but it makes up for it by spreading wide.

The light green new leaves stand out beautifully against the tree’s delicate, unique pale pink flowers in the spring.

These flowers act as a magnet for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, adding to the overall charm of this tree.

These trees prefer moist, well-drained soil and love to be in a sheltered spot with full sun.

Keep in mind that there are several different varieties of cherry trees, some can grow as tall as 25 feet, and some, like the ornamental cherry tree, can reach up to 100 feet tall, so make sure to know which one you’re getting before you plant it.

6- Cornus hongkongensis (Evergreen Dogwood)

The Cornish is a deciduous tree from China, Laos, and Vietnam. It has a thick, bushy appearance, and its green leaves have yellow edges that change to stunning shades of red and purple.

One of the most striking features of this tree is its large, white bracts that turn to a light pink color as they age.

To grow these small garden trees, make sure to plant them in a sunny spot but also protected from the wind.

The Hong Kong Cornice can grow up to 16.4 feet tall. Imagine a small garden tree that will add vibrant colors to your landscape all year round! This is the tree for you.

7- Bay Laurel

The Laurus nobilis (Bay Laurel) is one of the oldest cultivated trees, dating back to 1650. It’s an essential plant for herb gardens, as its leaves are used in various recipes.

Imagine having your fresh bay leaves for your cooking! To grow your own Bay Laurel, plant it in fertile, well-drained soil in a location that gets full sun, and if you live in a cold region, make sure it’s protected from the south wind.

These trees can reach up to 40 feet tall, making them a great addition to any garden. So why start your herb garden and add a Bay Laurel tree?

8- Common Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

There are many types of myrtle, but they all share common characteristics- white, sweet-scented flowers and glossy dark green leaves.

Choose a spot with plenty of sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil to grow your myrtle.

In Brazil, myrtle is often used as a living fence, but it can also make a great small tree in your garden. These trees usually reach up to 16 feet in height, adding a touch of beauty to any garden.

9- White fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)

These small trees bloom heavily during the summer, creating a fragrant cloud-like appearance because of their long, drooping flower petals.

As the leaves wither, they fall and cover the ground in white. These trees love full sun or semi-shaded areas and adapt well to moist and fertile soils.

However, they do not tolerate prolonged drought. They can grow up to 12 feet in height, with an average growth rate of 3 feet per year.

10- Golden Rain Tree

The Golden Rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) is truly a sight to behold with its explosion of yellow flowers, you’ll love having these trees in your garden if you’re a flower lover.

You can grow them as small individual trees or train on a pergola, archway, or walkway, where their drooping flower clusters can be fully appreciated.

These trees are native to southern and central Europe, growing in scrub and hillsides.

So, they prefer well-drained soil and full sun in the garden, but they can grow in partial shade, but it will not produce as many flowers. On average, these trees can grow from 13 feet to 26 feet tall.

11- Mountain Camellia (Stewartia ovata)

The Mountain Camellia is a small tree native to the Piedmont and North Carolina mountains. It has large, white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.

This tree is a bit picky regarding sunlight; it prefers to be in the shade for half of the day and can’t handle the intense summer sun from the west.

But it’s not just sunlight that’s important for this tree; it also prefers fertile soil rich in humus.

Here’s the catch, it could be better at retaining water, which makes it vulnerable to dryness during the summer, especially in dry areas.

So, if you’re considering planting this tree, keep an eye on the soil’s moisture level. These small garden trees can reach up to 10-15 feet tall, making them a great addition to any garden.

12- Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

The Vitex, also known as Agnocasto, is not only a beautiful small tree but it’s also known for its medicinal properties.

It’s rich in flavonoids, essential oils, diterpenes, and glycosides, which affect female hormones. In addition to its medicinal benefits, it also produces beautiful flowers.

These trees prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil. They can grow up to 20 feet tall.  But the best part, it’s not just a tree; it’s also a medicine cabinet in your backyard!

13- Red Powder Puff

The Red Powder Puff (Calliandra haematocephala) is a stunning plant known for its shocking red flower clusters that look like fuzzy pompoms.

These plants love full sun, and once they are established in a spot, they are drought resistant. They can grow up to 8-13 feet tall, making them the perfect addition to any garden that needs a touch of color and charm.

14- Barbados Cherry

Imagine having a small tree in your backyard that produces delicious fruit, perfect for refreshing juice on hot summer days.

Sounds like a dream come true. Well, that’s precisely what the Barbados Cherry tree is all about! These fruit trees love full sun, rich soil, and well-drained, moist soil rich in organic matter.

They require maintenance, like constant pruning, and they can make a bit of a mess with all the fruit falling on the ground.

But, come on, who cares about a little mess when you can have a delicious juice rich in vitamin C! There are many varieties of this tree, but the average height is between 6-13 feet tall.

15- Common Hawthorn

Meet the Crataegus monogyna, also known as the Common Hawthorn, a small tree native to the UK and Europe that’s often used in hedgerows.

And once a year, it develops small white flowers that will make you smile. These trees are not picky when it comes to lighting; they can grow in full sun and shade.

But they prefer soil; they like well-drained soils that are slightly sandy with lots of organic matter. And don’t worry about it taking over your garden; it’s a small tree that rarely exceeds 13 feet in height.

16- Mulberries (Morus)

Another fruit tree to add to your list, with Mulberries, you can make all the mulberry jam your heart desires!

To ensure you have plenty of Mulberries on your small garden tree, plant it in full sun, in fertile, deep, well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter, and watered regularly.

The tree’s height can vary depending on how much pruning you do. Mulberries can grow anywhere from 12-40 feet tall, so make sure to prune them according to your needs and enjoy all the delicious Mulberries you have at your disposal.

17- Japanese euonymus (Euonymus japonicus)

Meet the patriotic beauty of the garden! This bushy plant may not be a traditional tree, but it’s sure to add some shine to your landscape.

With glossy, waxy foliage and a woody, ornamental structure, it’s the perfect addition to any full sun spot in your yard.

And don’t let the small, greenish-white flowers fool you – this shrub can reach up to 8 feet tall!

Plus, it’s easy to grow and requires no specific soil conditions. So, show off your love for your country with this stunning shrub.

18- Senna spectabilis

Get ready to add some sunshine to your garden with the Senna spectabilis! This native tree is a landscaping favorite, thanks to its vibrant yellow flowers.

But don’t let its good looks fool you; this tree is tough and can handle full sun and well-draining but moist soil.

So give it a spot in your garden where it can shine and grow to its full potential. And don’t worry about it taking over your garden; it will only grow up to 30 feet tall with a broad crown. It’s a win-win situation!

19- Royal poinciana

Introducing the Flamboyant, the little tree that packs a big punch of color! These small garden trees will add a pop of bright red to your landscape with their beautiful flowers that grow on long, irregular branches.

And the best part? They’re super easy to care for – all they need is full sun and no closed shade.

And don’t let their small size fool you, these trees can reach up to 49 feet tall, but it’s more common for them to grow sideways. The Flamboyant is a hardy, colorful tree that I’ve never seen over 33 feet tall.

20- Yellow bells (Tecoma stans)

This tough little plant may be considered almost a weed in its native Mexico, but it packs a punch of color and strength in your garden.

It’s a rustic and hardy plant that can thrive in full sun and fertile soil rich in organic matter. Make sure to give it a little extra water during the drier periods.

And don’t let its small size fool you; it can reach up to 13 to 20 feet tall. So, if you’re looking for a little slice of Mexican beauty in your garden, the Yellow Bells is perfect.

21- Jabuticaba

Are you ready to add some delicious fruit to your garden? Meet the Jabuticaba tree! This small tree is perfect for gardens and bears fruit that you can enjoy right off the tree.

To ensure your Jabuticaba tree is full of fruit, plant it in a sunny spot where the soil is soft, rich in organic matter, and preferably humid.

With about 40 species of Jabuticaba trees, you can find one that fits your garden perfectly. Some are small fruit trees for gardens, growing up to 6.5 feet tall, while others can reach 30 feet tall.

So, whether you have a small or large garden, the Jabuticaba tree is an excellent addition to any fruit lover’s garden.

22- Red frangipani

Introducing the Red Frangipani, a tree that exudes elegance and beauty! With large, veined leaves and jasmine-like flowers, this tree will add a touch of class to any garden.

To ensure that your Red Frangipani thrives, plant it in full sun, fertile, sandy, light, and well-drained soil.

Remember that this tree doesn’t provide shade, so it’s perfect for adding visual interest to your garden without blocking the sun.

With a maximum height ranging from 15 to 20 feet, this garden tree is the perfect size for any space. 

23- Tibouchina mutabilis

Introducing the beautiful, low-maintenance native tree that’s perfect for your urban garden!

This tree is famous for landscaping because its roots are not aggressive, and its dark foliage and violet flowers make it an attractive addition to any garden.

To get the best growth, give it plenty of sunlight and plant it in soil rich in organic matter, similar to the soil in its native Atlantic Rainforest.

It’s a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 39 feet tall but with a slow growth rate, so its height can be easily controlled with pruning.

So, if you want to add a touch of nature to your urban garden without worrying about aggressive roots, this tree is a perfect choice.

24- Erythrina variegata

Introducing the perfect tree option for your lawn area, the beautiful tree with a full canopy! It adds much to your landscape, whether you plant it alone or in groups.

Remember that this tree is not a fan of cold weather, so it’s best to grow it in warmer regions of Brazil.

Give it plenty of suns, and plant it in fertile, well-drained soil. It’s one of the small garden trees that can reach an average of 26 to 39 feet in height. 

25- Chinese golden raintree (Koelreuteria paniculata)

Meet the tree with foliage similar to the Neem tree but with its unique charm! This tree hails from the Asian continent, just like the Neem tree.

One of the most exciting things about this tree is its yellow flowers and salmon-colored fruits, which create a beautiful contrast against the foliage.

This tree is perfect for small gardens; it can reach an average height of 26.2 to 42.6 feet.

So, if you’re looking for a tree with attractive foliage and colorful flowers and fruits, this tree is an excellent choice for your garden.

26- Crepe-myrtle

Introducing the Crepe-myrtle, a tree that’s perfect for small gardens! With a moderate growth rate, it won’t take over your garden, and its roots won’t damage your sidewalks.

Plus, it’s a tree that will add a burst of color to your landscape with its beautiful flowers that can vary from white to pink.

They prefer to be planted in full sun, but they can tolerate half shade; however, keep in mind that they might have fewer flowers.

These trees are small enough to fit in any garden and can reach an average height of 10 to 16 feet tall. 

27- Weeping willow

Oh boy, let me tell you, this tree is an absolute stunner! The way the leaves change color and the branches gracefully sway in the breeze will bring peace to even the busiest minds.

Trust me; you need this little beauty in your garden ASAP.

And the best part? It’s a total pro in the sun and thrives in soil packed with organic goodness. Plus, it’s not picky about humidity, so this tree is perfect for you if you live near a lake or river.

Standing at an impressive 20-33 feet tall, it’s the perfect addition to any landscape.

28- Hazelnut

If you’re looking for a tree that can handle the sunshine and keep cool, the hazelnut tree is the one for you!

Not to mention, it’s a real soil snob and only thrives in well-drained, light, and slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “But wait, does this tree have any aesthetic value?” And the answer is not really.

But if you’re looking for a tree that can provide a nice shaded area, then a full hazelnut tree crown is perfect.

But, the real star of the show here is the hazelnut itself. These little nuts are treasured by chefs and foodies alike. And, with a height of up to 23 feet, this tree will produce plenty of them.

29- Brazilian Orchid Tree (Bauhinia forficata)

Listen up, folks! This tree is not only a beauty to look at, but it’s also a medicine cabinet on legs. Its large leaves make it easy to gather when sweeping the yard, and the purple and white flowers are gorgeous.

Another perk of this small native tree is that it easily adapts to our climate all year round. Plus, it’s a breeze to take care of – give it full sun and well-drained soil, and it’ll thrive.

Reaching an average height of 13-33 feet, it’s the perfect addition to any backyard.

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