9 Trees You Can Successfully Grow In Pots – Even On A Balcony

Yeah…I know, I know…that’s probably the strangest thing you’ve heard all day. Like trees in pots? How is that even real?

Well, thankfully for us, they’re not the gigantic trees we all know and love. They’re smaller…mini ones as a matter of fact. 

In today’s article, let’s go over a specially curated list of trees you can grow in pots, even on a balcony. Trust me, this is going to be very fun! 

What Makes A Great Container Tree? It’s Easy!

When it comes to container trees, you want to opt for varieties that can tolerate lots of pruning and the discomfort of pot life. 

To plant these, you want to use a high-quality potting soil mix and feed your trees with a balanced fertilizer regularly.

Pot size and its drainage matter a lot too. The pot can be big, but only big enough to accommodate some decent height while still restricting root spread to limit abnormally large growth. 

Trees You Can Grow Well In Pots

1: Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum)

The Japanese maple has many solid dwarf cultivars for you to work with. These prefer a cooler climate for the best growth and can reach heights of up to 6-10 feet in pots. Plant them in partial shade to achieve vibrant foliage color that just fills your balcony with enchanting beauty. 

Care Tip: Always plant Japanese maple in part shade, regardless of season. 

And if you’re building a layered look on your balcony, these compact climbers pair beautifully with container-grown trees to add height and texture.

2: Dwarf Crab Apple (Malus Spp.)

Dwarf crab apple trees grow 8-10 feet tall and are ideal for pot planting. They thrive in full sun, produce delicious edible fruit, and are inviting for birds at the same time. 

Care Tip: Prune your dwarf crab apple trees frequently during the fruiting season to maintain size and shape. 

3: Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis)

In medium-sized pots, eastern redbuds can reach up to 8 feet tall, provided that they’re given sufficient shade during hot hours. They produce colorful flowers in the springtime that can bring this vibe of great beauty and delight to your balcony. 

Care Tip: Plant eastern redbuds in small to medium sized pots to limit root space and keep them compact.

4: Kousa Dogwood (Cornus Kousa)

Kousa dogwood grows up to 12 feet in pots and is perfectly suitable for small patios and balconies. This dwarf tree doesn’t necessarily need lots of shade and can actually do quite well in the sun. It produces lush foliage and a very unique textured bark.

Care Tip: Because kousa dogwood thrives in sunny conditions, it needs plenty of moisture to not run dry. That said, good drainage is just as important. 

5: Dwarf Citrus (Meyer Lemon Or Kishu Mikan)

Dwarf citrus tree varieties typically only grow 4-8 feet tall, but they’re known for being incredibly productive. Give them full sun and move them indoors when it starts to get too cold outside; that’s pretty much all the love and care they require. 

Care Tip: Feed your dwarf citrus trees with a specialized citrus fertilizer if you’re serious about growing them well. These fertilizers may be a hassle to find, but they’re definitely worth it.  

You should also take a look at this guide to fruit trees that grow well in pots, dwarf citrus is just the beginning!

6: Rose Of Sharon (Hibiscus Syriacus)

Rose of sharon produce vibrant hibiscus-like flowers, and the trees can grow 8-12 feet tall. These thrive in full sun conditions and often bloom in the midst of summer. 

Care Tip: Prune your rose of sharon around early spring to maintain shape and encourage fuller, denser growth. 

7: Dwarf Conifer (Like Juniper & Cypress) 

Dwarf conifers will likely grow much slower and only reach 4-8 feet tall in pots. However, they can withstand various lighting conditions with ease, be it partial shade or bright, direct sunlight. 

Care tip: Plant your dwarf conifers in acidic soil and prune them lightly from time to time to maintain shape and tidiness. 

8: Chinese Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia)

Chinese elms are surprisingly resilient and can tolerate a vast variety of climate and soil conditions. They do require full sun exposure on a daily basis and will grow up to 8-12 feet tall in pots. 

Care tip: Instead of pruning your Chinese elms more often than necessary, do it just once a year to maintain size and shape. 

To complement the height of your elm, try pairing it with long-blooming flowers for pots and planter boxes for season-long color beneath the canopy.

9: Small Leaved Linden (Tilia Cordata)

Small leaved linden dwarf trees are ideal for patio/balcony planting. They offer a very unique lime-like fragrance and can reach up to 10 feet in height. However, you must give them 4-6 hours of sun exposure daily, with some shade during the hotter hours of the day. 

Care tip: You might have to container-train your small-leaved lindens. Also, they’re super sensitive to dry conditions, so frequent watering is a must. 

How To Care For Container Trees?

Well, caring for container trees is pretty much like caring for any other plant/tree, only with some exceptions. 

Since pots tend to dry up faster, you will need to water your container trees more often than if you were growing them in the ground.

Feeding with a high-quality, balanced fertilizer during the growing season is a must to get the ball rolling. However, it may be a good idea to switch to a slow-release blend soon afterwards. 

Also, consider repotting the dwarf tree once every 2-3 years. It can help protect against stagnation, rot, and spreading diseases. 

And if you’re planning on building a pollinator-friendly patio, take a look at these container flowers that attract butterflies.

Before You Leave… Here Are Some Common Pitfalls To Avoid

Let’s Conclude

Today, we discuss some very productive but lesser-known dwarf trees that can be grown in pots. If you have any experience with growing dwarf trees or know some tips and tricks worth trying out, drop them in the comment box below. I’m sure our community would love them!