Trees for Planters and Pots

Patio trees are compact, ornamental or fruiting trees that are well-suited to growing in pots or planters. They provide structure, greenery, and seasonal interest in smaller outdoor spaces such as patios, balconies, and courtyards.

Yes, as long as the container is large enough and the tree is given fresh compost, water, and feed regularly. Many patio trees will happily live in pots for decades with the right care.

Popular choices include olive trees, bay trees, Japanese maples, citrus trees (like lemon or lime), and compact fruit trees such as apple, pear, or cherry on dwarf rootstocks. These varieties thrive in containers while remaining a manageable size.

Most hardy varieties, such as maples and bay, can be left outside year-round. More tender trees, like citrus, should be moved into a greenhouse or sheltered spot during frosts. Wrapping the planter with fleece or hessian can also help protect roots.

Choose a deep planter at least 40–50cm wide - it's important that the planter has good drainage, but all of Woven Wood's planters come with this. As the tree matures, you may need to repot into a larger container every few years to allow the roots space to grow, however this is not always necessary if you select a naturally small variety or one with a dwarf rootstock, or are happy to restrict the size.

To reach their full growth most trees will eventually need repotting to a larger planter or be placed in the earth. However, dwarf and slow-growing varieties are bred to remain compact and can thrive in the same pot for many years.

Absolutely – dwarf apple, pear, plum, and cherry trees are excellent for pots. They’re grafted onto smaller rootstocks, making them perfect for patios while still providing a rewarding harvest. Citrus tree are also great for planters, and a very popular patio feature.

This depends on the variety, rootstock, soil type, sunlight hours and watering frequency. Please check the product descriptions on the individual pages for more details on the first two factors and our blogs for how best to care for your tree to maximise yield.