15

Thrive

Trees and Shrubs That 

in Containers

The ficus tree features a leafy crown of glossy, dark leaves that will complement any decor.

1. Ficus (Ficus benjamina)

Dwarf peach trees love a sunny spot on the patio or terrace.

2. Dwarf Peach  (Prunus persica)

If you’re looking for an aromatic tree, look no further than sweet bay, whose dark green leaves are savory culinary herbs.

3. Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis)

Crape myrtles are some of the showiest shrubs around and they will add a welcome splash of color to a patio or deck, blooming from summer until mid-fall.

4. Crape Myrtle  (Lagerstroemia)

One of the easiest shrubs to grow in a container, boxwoods will provide your patio with years of beautiful foliage, and will maintain their leaves even over winter.

5. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

The dwarf Meyer lemon tree reaches an average of 6 feet in height and will produce a bushel of bright lemon fruits preceded by heavenly scented white blossoms.

6. Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree (Citrus x limon ‘Meyer’ )

Hardy in Zones 5 to 9, the showy Hydrangea macrophylla thrives in large containers that will hold 6 to 8 gallons of growing mix.

7. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)

These container fruit trees prefer well-draining soil and should be transplanted to a slightly larger pot every 2 or 3 years to give its roots a bit of room to grow.

8. Kumquat (Citrus japonica)

Opt for dwarf varieties such as Velvet Viking, Red Dragon, or some Rhode Island Red types, which reach a mature height of about 7 feet, making them the perfect accent in  a courtyard.

9. Japanese Maple  (Acer palmatum)

It will add texture and interest to any patio, but it’s especially prized in Southwestern-themed yards.

10. Golden Sword (Yucca filamentosa ‘Golden Sword’)

Sweet olive and other types of osmanthus shrubs do fine in unclipped hedges, producing unobtrusive white blooms that  are fragrant.

11. Olive (Olea europaea)

Daphnes are slow-growing shrubs prized for their intoxicating fragrance.

12. Daphne (Daphne spp.)

Plant it in a large container—at least 5 gallons—and place the container in a full- to part-sun location.

13. Cherry Laurel  (Prunus laurocerasus)

The plant is drought-tolerant when established, and favors soil that is equal parts clay, sand, and silt.

14. Bougainvillea  (Bougainvillea spp.)

Beloved for its medicinal properties, witch hazel is a slow grower and will remain content in its pot for many years.

15. Witch Hazel  (Hamamelis virginiana)

More on

The Best Winter Plants for Year-Round Curb Appeal

Get the Newsletter

10 Outdoor Plants You Can Propagate From Cuttings

Sign up to receive the best tips and tricks, the latest news and giveaways, and the most inspiring home improvement ideas from Bob Vila, America's Handyman since 1979.

Subscribe Now