The 9 Best Trees That Thrive in Pots and Containers, According to Plant Experts

Japanese Maple

Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Shaina’) is a gorgeous ornamental tree.

“It features stunningly beautiful foliage and has long been a part of the Japanese gardening tradition,” says Anastasia Borisevich, plant expert at Plantum. “The leaves aren't just colorful—and they truly are, especially in fall—but they have five to nine palmate lobes, which explains the density of the crown, and its outstanding appearance.” 

Container-grown Japanese maples need repotting every two to three years, either in April or September, advises Borisevich. Prune its roots while repotting to control growth.

• Growing Zones: 5 through 9
• Size: 4 to 6 feet tall
• Growing conditions: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun; thrives best in moist, organic, well-drained soil; needs consistent water the first two years to establish healthy roots.

Common Olive

Olive trees (Olea europaea), which originally hail from the Mediterranean, can be grown in containers and will produce delicious fruits.

“[They're] a stylish choice for sunny patios, offering silvery-green foliage,” says Anna Ohler, owner of Bright Lane Gardens. “Use well-draining soil, provide full sun, and let the top inch of soil dry between waterings to avoid root rot.”

• Growing Zones: 8 through 10
• Size: 5 to 6 feet tall 
• Growing conditions: Requires full sun for best production; prefers loamy, sandy, or chalky soil that is well drained; while an olive tree in the ground is drought resistant, a potted tree will need more consistent monitoring.
  

Hinoki Cypress

Hinoki cypress  (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’) is a compact, slow-growing evergreen with a sculptural form.

“Consistently dark green foliage makes it attractive on patios or entryways year-round,” says Ohler. “Avoid letting it fully dry out, and repot it every few years to prevent root binding.”

• Growing Zones: 4 through 8
• Size: 3 to 6 feet tall
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, fertile soil; water regularly, especially the first year, to establish.
  

Blue Arrow Juniper

Blue arrow juniper (Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue Arrow’) is a narrow, upright evergreen that’s perfect for tight urban spaces or creating privacy on decks and patios.

“We recommend adding a layer of mulch in the pots to help regulate soil temperature and retain moisture,” says White. “Containers should be large enough to accommodate roots and provide adequate drainage.”

• Growing Zones: 4 through 9
• Size: 12 to 15 feet tall
• Growing conditions: Requires at least six hours of full sun; grows well in any type of well-drained soil; needs adequate moisture for at least the first three years to establish.

Little Giant Dwarf Arborvitae

“The little giant is a compact arborvitae with year-round greenery and a tidy habit,” says White. “It's great for flanking doorways or softening vertical walls.” Its small, globe-like shape makes it an elegant, sculptural statement—one that will complement a garden, patio, or porch area.

• Growing Zones: 3 through 8
• Size: Up to 4 feet tall
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun and moist, loamy, well-drained soil; water deeply and regularly the first year to establish.
  

Chinese Windmill Palm

The Chinese windmill (Trachycarpus fortunei) is a hardy evergreen from the palm family.

“[These] trees need repotting every two to three years,” Borisevich says. “Move the palm to a bigger planter once it outgrows the current one, and always use heavy pots to prevent the tree from falling over.”

If you want the tree to produce purple fruit in mid-autumn, then she recommends adding at least two specimens to your space: one female and one male. 

• Growing Zones: 7 through 11
• Size: 8 to 10 feet tall
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade, and rich, well-drained soils; water deeply yet not too frequently once established.
  

Mountain Pine

The mountain pine (Pinus mugo) is a slow-growing evergreen conifer that can be found in elevated areas—it's widely used in landscaping as a compact shrub.

“The plant owes its distinct, fresh aroma to the essential oils produced by its needles,” says Borisevich. “The mountain pine produces strobili—coniferous equivalents of flowers—that look like small, lightly-colored pine cones bunched up on the branch tips.”

Borisevich says a container-grown mountain pine can inhabit the same planter for years. “Replant it either to refresh its soil or to provide it with a bigger container,” she says, “but be sure to replant it around springtime.”

• Growing Zones: 3 through 7
• Size: 3 to 4 feet high
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil of all types; water deeply once the top layer of soil feels dry.
  

Magnolia Susan

“The magnolia Susan belongs to the ‘Little Girl’ series, with varieties like Ann, Betty, Jane, Judy, Pinkie, Randi, and Ricki,” says White. “They produce stunning spring flowers and stay compact, making them a beautiful feature for courtyards or front steps.”

Its red-purple blooms are fragrant and beautiful to behold, adding a pop of color to any area of your garden.

• Growing Zones: 3 through 8
• Size: 8 to 12 feet tall 
• Growing conditions: Thrives in full or partial sun; prefers moist but well-drained soil that’s loamy, sandy, or clay; needs regular watering for the first year after planting.
  

Crape Myrtle

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is beloved for its striking pink flowers, which can put on a show even when grown in pots or containers.

White recommends the Pink Velour, Sioux, Acoma, Country Red, or Catawba varieties for long-lasting summer blooms in containers. “These add bold seasonal color and work especially well in outdoor entertaining areas,” she says.

• Growing Zones: 6 through 9
• Size: 6 to 12 feet tall 
• Growing conditions: Prefers full sun; performs well in well-drained chalky, sandy, loamy or clay soils that stay moist; is tolerant of drought, but a potted tree will need a bit more than average water