60 Popular Types of Small Trees for Your Landscape

Small trees come in a delightful array of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them perfect choices for landscaping. These nature’s artisans not only add aesthetic charm but also bring life to your landscape. In this article, we will explore a diverse gallery of 60 small trees that can elevate your garden, deck, or patio. From dwarf varieties to small flowering trees, each of these specimens possesses a unique personality, adding bursts of colors and textures to your surroundings.

Imagine strolling through your garden, surrounded by the hues of fall color. Small trees, with their compact yet vibrant presence, can turn this dream into reality. From the elegant grace of Crabapple and the ethereal charm of Royal Star Magnolia to the hardy nature of Dwarf Cherry trees, these beauties offer a burst of colors, ranging from rosy pinks to golden yellows. Their lush foliage and exquisite flowers make them ideal choices for landscaping enthusiasts.

Small trees come in various types, such as the classic Redbud, the fragrant Japanese Snowbell, and the sturdy Dwarf Chestnut Oak. Each type has a distinct personality, from the Redbud’s heart-shaped leaves to the Snowbell’s pendulous, bell-shaped flowers. The large shrub-like appearance of some, like the Flowering Dogwood, makes them versatile additions. As they mature, their stature exudes an aura of grandeur, transforming your landscape into a natural masterpiece.

These small trees have diverse origins, hailing from different parts of the world. Some, like the Pagoda Dogwood, thrive in North America, while others, such as the Japanese Maple, have their roots in Asia. Understanding their native locations can help you curate a garden that harmonizes with your local ecosystem. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these trees offer a plethora of uses. From providing shade and shelter to attracting birds and pollinators, they contribute to your garden’s biodiversity, creating a vibrant, thriving environment.

Cultivating these trees requires a delicate balance of care and patience. While some, like the Chaste Tree, bloom effortlessly, others, like the Dwarf Lemon tree, need meticulous attention. Understanding the specific needs of each tree, from their water requirements to their preferred sunlight exposure, is essential. Pruning, shaping, and understanding the best time for the tree’s fruits to blossom are the skills that transform your garden into a living work of art. These trees are not just plants; they are companions in your gardening journey, offering endless opportunities for creativity and natural beauty.

So, as you plan your garden, consider these 60 popular types of small trees as your companions in this green adventure:

Crabapple (Malus species)

• Height: Varies (typically 6-30 feet)
• Spread: Varies (typically 6-30 feet)
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of yellow, orange, or red in fall)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering
• Maintenance: Prune for shape; clean fallen fruits to prevent pests
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Crabapple trees, belonging to the Malus genus, are cherished for their ornamental value. They boast stunning spring blossoms, ranging from white to deep pink, and produce small apple-like fruits that attract birds. Crabapples are versatile and find use in gardens, parks, and urban landscapes.

Redbud (Cercis species)

• Height: 20-30 feet
• Spread: 25-35 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring (before leaves emerge)
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; mulching helps retain moisture
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape and structure
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
• Hardiness Zone: Typically 4 to 9 (USDA)

Redbud trees, known for their lavender-pink flowers, create a picturesque display in early spring. Heart-shaped leaves and adaptability to various soils make them a favorite choice for gardens. They provide aesthetic appeal and attract pollinators.

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

• Height: 3-20 feet
• Spread: 3-20 feet
• Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of red, orange, or yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape and size in late winter or early spring
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Crape Myrtle trees are renowned for their vibrant, long-lasting blooms in various colors, such as pink, red, purple, and white. Their peeling bark adds winter interest, and they are drought-resistant once established. These trees are popular for their stunning floral displays in the summer months.

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

• Height: 15-30 feet
• Spread: 15-30 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of red in fall)
• Sun: Partial shade to full sun
• Water: Regular watering; mulching to conserve moisture
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased wood
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Flowering Dogwoods are native to North America and are famous for their four-petaled, showy flowers in spring. Their bright red fruits attract birds, and their striking fall foliage adds to their appeal. These trees prefer cool, moist, and well-drained soil.

Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)

• Height: 15-30 feet
• Spread: 15-30 feet
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of red or purple in fall)
• Sun: Partial shade to full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning to remove dead or crowded branches
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Kousa Dogwoods are admired for their unique, star-shaped flowers and strawberry-like fruits. They bloom later in the season than the Flowering Dogwood and are more disease-resistant. Count on Kousa dogwood to put on a terrific spring show with its attractive pink or white blooms. These trees have a graceful appearance and are excellent choices for landscaping.

Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana)

• Height: 20-25 feet
• Spread: 20-25 feet
• Bloom Time: Early spring, before leaves appear
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow-brown in fall)
• Flower: Pink, white, or purple flowers
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; mulch to retain moisture
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape after flowering
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Saucer Magnolias are prized for their large, saucer-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. These deciduous trees create a spectacular early spring display, often before their leaves unfurl. They add a touch of elegance to gardens and landscapes.

Fringe Tree (Chionanthus species)

• Height: 12-20 feet
• Spread: 12-20 feet
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to light shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning to shape; remove dead or weak branches
• Growth Rate: Slow

Fringe Trees are known for their feathery, fragrant white flowers that resemble fringe, appearing in late spring. These small trees are native to North America and are valued for their ornamental beauty and adaptability to different soil types.

Golden Chain Tree (Laburnum anagyroides)

• Height: 15-25 feet
• Spread: 15-25 feet
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green (compound leaves)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Moderate watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning to remove dead wood; seed pods are toxic
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Golden Chain Trees are known for their pendulous clusters of bright yellow flowers, resembling golden chains. They bloom in late spring and add a splash of color to gardens. However, caution must be taken as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

Carolina Silverbell (Halesia species)

• Height: 20-30 feet
• Spread: 20-30 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Partial shade to full sun
• Water: Regular watering; prefers moist soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or crossing branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Carolina Silverbells are prized for their bell-shaped, white or pale pink flowers that dangle gracefully from the branches in spring. These native trees are excellent choices for woodland gardens and moist landscapes, adding a touch of charm with their elegant blossoms.

Hawthorn (Crataegus species)

• Height: Varies (typically 15-30 feet)
• Spread: Varies (typically 15-30 feet)
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of red or orange in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning to remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Hawthorns are deciduous trees or shrubs known for their small, fragrant flowers and colorful berries. They are often used for hedging or as ornamental trees. Hawthorns provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, making them valuable additions to gardens.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

• Height: Varies (typically 6-25 feet)
• Spread: Varies (typically 6-25 feet)
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (varies with cultivars, including red, purple, and gold)
• Sun: Partial shade to full sun (depending on cultivar)
• Water: Regular watering; mulching to retain moisture
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or crowded branches
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Japanese Maples are beloved for their delicate, palmate leaves and graceful, spreading canopy. They come in a variety of forms and colors, making them prized ornamental trees. Japanese Maples are ideal for smaller gardens or as focal points due to their stunning foliage.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier species)

• Height: Varies (typically 15-25 feet)
• Spread: Varies (typically 10-15 feet)
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of yellow, orange, or red in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove suckers
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Serviceberry trees, also known as Juneberries or Shadbush, produce clusters of white, star-shaped flowers in spring, followed by edible berries loved by birds and humans alike. They offer multi-season interest with colorful foliage in fall, making them valuable additions to gardens.

Mountain Stewartia (Stewartia ovata)

• Height: 15-30 feet
• Spread: 10-15 feet
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of red, orange, or purple in fall)
• Sun: Partial shade to full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained, acidic soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or damaged wood
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Mountain Stewartias are elegant, broadleaf, evergreen trees valued for their camellia-like flowers and attractive peeling bark. They thrive in woodland gardens and provide year-round interest with their blooms, fall foliage, and unique bark texture.

Snowbell (Styrax species)

• Height: Varies (typically 10-30 feet)
• Spread: Varies (typically 10-20 feet)
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased wood
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Snowbell trees are named for their pendulous, bell-shaped white flowers that adorn the branches in spring. These ornamental trees add a touch of grace to gardens and are often used as specimen trees due to their charming appearance.

Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)

• Height: 15-25 feet
• Spread: 20-35 feet
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of red or purple in fall)
• Sun: Partial shade to full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or damaged wood
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Pagoda Dogwoods are characterized by their distinctive horizontal branches that give them a layered, pagoda-like appearance. They produce clusters of creamy white flowers in spring, followed by bluish-black berries, attracting birds. Their unique branching structure adds architectural interest to landscapes.

Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)

• Height: 20-30 feet
• Spread: 15-25 feet
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or crowded branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Japanese Tree Lilacs are small to medium-sized trees known for their showy, creamy white flower clusters. They are highly fragrant and attract butterflies and pollinators. These lilacs are excellent choices for urban gardens due to their tolerance to pollution and compact size.

Chaste Tree (Vitex species)

• Height: 10-20 feet
• Spread: 10-15 feet
• Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape in late winter or early spring
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Chaste Trees, also known as Vitex or Lilac Chaste Trees, produce spikes of lavender, blue, or white flowers. They are drought-tolerant once established and are valued for their ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The toothed, dark-green foliage is attractive from spring to fall, providing the perfect backdrop to help the flowers stand out. These trees are often used as focal points in gardens.

Powder Puff (Calliandra species)

• Height: Varies (typically 6-15 feet)
• Spread: Varies (typically 6-15 feet)
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning to shape; remove dead or crossing branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Powder Puff trees, named for their fluffy, powder puff-like flowers, are native to tropical and subtropical regions. They are ornamental trees with unique spherical blooms in shades of pink or red. Powder Puffs are often cultivated for their decorative value in gardens and landscapes.

Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticillata)

• Height: 30-50 feet
• Spread: 20-30 feet
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering (coniferous tree)
• Leaf Color: Dark green, needle-like leaves arranged in whorls
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Minimal; prune for shaping if necessary
• Growth Rate: Slow

Umbrella Pines are unique coniferous trees with a distinctive whorled arrangement of needle-like leaves resembling the spokes of an umbrella. These evergreen trees are native to Japan and are highly prized for their architectural foliage, making them stand out in any garden.

Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)

• Height: 20-30 feet
• Spread: 15-25 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of red or orange in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; mulching to retain moisture
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or crowded branches
• Growth Rate: Slow

Paperbark Maples are known for their peeling, cinnamon-colored bark, which provides visual interest year-round. In addition to their attractive bark, they display vibrant fall foliage. These maples are popular as specimen trees and add a touch of rustic charm to landscapes.

Winter King Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis‘Winter King’)

• Height: 20-25 feet
• Spread: 20-25 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of red or purple in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Winter King Hawthorns are notable for their vibrant fall foliage and bright red berries, providing year-round interest. This cultivar is prized for its winter persistence of the berries, adding color to the landscape even during the colder months. They are excellent choices for ornamental hedges or standalone trees.

Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium)

• Height: 12-15 feet
• Spread: 6-12 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of red or purple in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or crowded branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Blackhaw Viburnum is a native deciduous shrub or small tree valued for its white, flat-topped flower clusters in spring and dark blue-black berries in late summer, attracting birds. It’s a versatile plant suitable for naturalizing, hedging, or as a specimen tree in gardens and landscapes.

American Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)

• Height: 20-40 feet
• Spread: 20-40 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Minimal; prune for shaping if necessary
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

American Hophornbeam, also known as Ironwood, is a tough, durable tree with distinctive grayish bark and hop-like fruits. It is valued for its resistance to diseases and pests. This tree is excellent for naturalized landscapes and provides essential habitat for various wildlife.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis species)

• Height: 10-25 feet
• Spread: 10-15 feet
• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring (varies by species)
• Leaf Color: Green, often turning yellow, orange, or red in fall
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove suckers
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Witch Hazels are deciduous shrubs or small trees known for their spidery, fragrant flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring, even before leaves emerge. They add a burst of color to the late winter landscape, making them highly prized ornamental plants.

Cherry Blossom (Prunus serrulata)

• Height: 15-25 feet
• Spread: 15-25 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow or red in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Cherry Blossom trees, celebrated for their exquisite pink or white flowers in spring, symbolize renewal and the fleeting beauty of life. These trees are popular worldwide, especially in Japan, where the annual blooming of cherry blossoms, known as Hanami, is a cherished cultural event.

Hedge Maple (Acer campestre)

• Height: 25-35 feet
• Spread: 25-35 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow or red in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Hedge Maples are versatile deciduous trees, often used for hedging and screening due to their dense foliage and tolerance of pruning. They are valued for their compact size, making them ideal for urban gardens or as street trees.

Rose-of-Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)

• Height: 8-12 feet
• Spread: 6-10 feet
• Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or damaged branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Rose-of-Sharon, a member of the hibiscus family, is known for its large, colorful, funnel-shaped flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. These deciduous shrubs or small treesbloom in a variety of shades, adding a touch of tropical beauty to gardens during the late summer months.

Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)

• Height: 50-60 feet
• Spread: 20-30 feet
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering (coniferous tree)
• Leaf Color: Green (evergreen)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Fast

Japanese Cedars, also known as Sugi, are evergreen coniferous trees native to Japan and are widely cultivated as ornamental trees. They have a graceful, pyramidal form with soft, feathery foliage, making them popular choices for ornamental landscaping and as windbreaks.

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox)

• Height: 6-10 feet
• Spread: 6-10 feet
• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or crowded branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Wintersweet is prized for its fragrant, spidery yellow flowers that bloom on bare branches in the heart of winter. The delightful scent and winter bloom make it a valuable addition to gardens, especially during the dreary winter months, bringing both color and fragrance to the landscape.

Harlequin Gloryblower (Clerodendrum trichotomum)

• Height: 10-20 feet
• Spread: 6-12 feet
• Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
• Leaf Color: Green (turns purplish-red in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or damaged branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Harlequin Gloryblower, also known as Peanut Butter Shrub, is named for its unique, fragrant flowers and attractive foliage. The blooms are a combination of white and bright pink, encased in magenta calyxes, creating a striking contrast against the green leaves. It’s a delightful addition to gardens, attracting bees and butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers.

Franklin Tree (Franklinia alatamaha)

• Height: 10-20 feet
• Spread: 6-12 feet
• Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
• Leaf Color: Dark green (turns shades of red, orange, or purple in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Franklin Trees are a rare and endangered species native to the southeastern United States. They bear large, fragrant, cup-shaped white flowers in late summer and early fall. Franklin Trees are valuable for their historical significance, being named after Benjamin Franklin, and are cherished by enthusiasts seeking unique and uncommon ornamental trees.

Hardy Orange (Citrus trifoliata)

• Height: 8-20 feet
• Spread: 6-15 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; thorns management
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Hardy Orange, also known as Trifoliate Orange, is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its trifoliate leaves and fragrant white flowers. It produces small, bitter oranges that are not typically consumed but add ornamental value. HardyOranges are valued for their cold tolerance and are used in horticulture for their unique appearance.

Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

• Height: 70-100 feet
• Spread: 25-35 feet
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering (coniferous tree)
• Leaf Color: Bright green (turns orange-brown in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Minimal; remove dead branches
• Growth Rate: Fast

Dawn Redwoods are ancient conifers often referred to as “living fossils.” They have unique feathery, deciduous foliage that turns stunning shades of orange and brown in the fall. These trees provide excellent shade and are popular in landscapes and parks due to their graceful, pyramidal shape.

Yellowhorn (Xanthoceras sorbifolium)

• Height: 15-25 feet
• Spread: 15-25 feet
• Bloom Time: Late spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or crowded branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Yellowhorn is a deciduous small tree known for its attractive, fragrant white flowers and distinctive, palmate leaves. It produces unique, large seeds resembling chestnuts, which are utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. Yellowhorn trees are excellent choices for gardens, offering both ornamental beauty and ecological benefits.

Mountain Witch Alder (Fothergilla latifolia)

• Height: 3-5 feet
• Spread: 3-5 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Slow

Mountain Witch Alder is a compact, deciduous shrub with fragrant, bottlebrush-like white flowers in spring. Its outstanding fall foliage, featuring vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red, adds seasonal interest to gardens. These shrubs are prized for their low maintenance and suitability in smaller landscapes.

Dwarf Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinoides)

• Height: 3-8 feet
• Spread: 6-12 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green (turns yellow or red in fall)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Moderate watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Slow

Dwarf Chestnut Oak, a diminutive member of the oak family, is prized for its glossy, toothed leaves and compact form. This slow-growing tree offers excellent shade and fits well into smaller gardens, making it a favorite choice among landscape enthusiasts.

Dragon Lady Holly (Ilex × aquipernyi‘Meschick’)

• Height: 12-15 feet
• Spread: 6-8 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring (female plants produce inconspicuous flowers)
• Leaf Color: Dark green (evergreen)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or damaged branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Dragon Lady Holly, a cultivated variety of holly, is known for its glossy, spiky leaves and red berries on female plants. This evergreen tree is popular for adding year-round interest to gardens and landscapes. It’s often used as a privacy hedge or as a specimen plant.

Spanish Fir (Abies pinsapo)

• Height: 30-50 feet
• Spread: 10-20 feet
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering (coniferous tree)
• Leaf Color: Dark green to silvery-blue (evergreen)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Minimal; remove dead branches
• Growth Rate: Slow

Spanish Fir is a rare and distinctive evergreen conifer with a slender, spire-like form and silvery-blue needles. Native to the mountains of southern Spain, this tree is well-suited for ornamental plantings in gardens and parks, where its unique appearance can be appreciated.

Dwarf Mandarin Orange Tree (Citrus reticulata)

• Height: 6-10 feet
• Spread: 6-8 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Dark green (evergreen)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Dwarf Mandarin Orange Trees are cherished for their fragrant white blossoms and small, sweet, and tangy fruits. These compact citrus trees are ideal for gardeners with limited space, allowing them to enjoy the pleasure of growing citrus even in smaller yards or as potted specimens.

Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca‘Conica’)

• Height: 6-8 feet
• Spread: 3-4 feet
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering (coniferous tree)
• Leaf Color: Green (evergreen)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or damaged branches
• Growth Rate: Slow

Dwarf Alberta Spruce is a charming evergreen conifer with a dense, conical shape and soft, needle-like foliage. Its compact size and elegant form make it a favorite choice for formal gardens, rock gardens, or as a focal point in landscapes.

Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa)

• Height: 30-50 feet
• Spread: 15-20 feet
• Bloom Time: Non-flowering (coniferous tree)
• Leaf Color: Green (evergreen)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Slow

Hinoki Cypress, a graceful and aromatic conifer, boasts flattened sprays of bright green foliage. Its elegant appearance, along with its pleasant scent, makes it a popular choice for Japanese gardens, formal landscapes, or as a specimen plant.

Dwarf Flowering Crabapple (Malus species)

• Height: 6-12 feet
• Spread: 6-12 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of red, orange, or yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Dwarf Flowering Crabapple trees are renowned for their abundant, colorful blossoms in spring and ornamental fruit in fall. These trees are highly valued for their small size and are often planted in gardens and landscapes to attract birds and pollinators.

Dwarf Cherry (Prunus aviumcultivars)

• Height: 6-10 feet
• Spread: 4-6 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow or red in fall)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Dwarf Cherry trees are compact versions of the beloved cherry tree, offering beautiful spring blooms and edible fruit in a smaller package. These trees are perfect for urban gardens or smaller landscapes, providing both ornamental value and the joy of homegrown cherries.

Dwarf Lemon (Citrus x limon‘Meyer’)

• Height: 6-10 feet
• Spread: 4-6 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (evergreen)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Dwarf Lemon trees, particularly the ‘Meyer’ variety, are popular for their fragrant blooms, glossy leaves, and small, flavorful lemons. These evergreen trees can be grown in containers and placed on patios or balconies, allowing citrus enthusiasts to enjoy fresh lemons even in limited spaces.

Flowering Almond (Prunus dulcis)

• Height: 8-10 feet
• Spread: 5-6 feet
• Bloom Time: Early spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Flowering Almond trees are celebrated for their stunning, pink or white blossoms that cover the branches in early spring. These ornamental trees bring a touch of elegance to gardens and are often used as focal points or along walkways to showcase their beautiful spring display.

Elderberry (Sambucus species)

• Height: 6-12 feet
• Spread: 6-12 feet
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Fast

Elderberry trees are deciduous shrubs or small trees known for their clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers and clusters of dark purple or black berries. These trees are valuable for their culinary uses, wildlife appeal, and naturalistic beauty in garden landscapes.

Purpleleaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera)

• Height: 15-25 feet
• Spread: 15-25 feet
• Bloom Time: Early spring
• Leaf Color: Purple (turns red or bronze in fall)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Fast

Purpleleaf Plum trees are admired for their striking purple foliage and early spring blossoms. These trees add vibrant color to landscapes, especially when planted in groups. They are often used as ornamental trees and are particularly valuable for their ability to thrive in various soil types.

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry (Prunus × cistena)

• Height: 6-10 feet
• Spread: 6-10 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Purple (turns red-orange in fall)
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry, with its deep purple leaves and delicate pink flowers in spring, is a charming addition to gardens. This tree adds ornamental value, and its colorful foliage provides a dramatic contrast to green-leaved plants, making it a popular choice in landscape designs.

Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

• Height: 10-20 feet
• Spread: 10-20 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Red Buckeye trees are known for their striking red or orange tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. These deciduous trees thrive in moist environments and are excellent choices for naturalistic gardens, where their vibrant spring blooms create a captivating display.

Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria)

• Height: 10-15 feet
• Spread: 10-15 feet
• Bloom Time: Summer
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of orange, red, or purple in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Smoke Trees, prized for their airy, smoky plumes of flowers, add a touch of mystery to gardens. Their unique, cloud-like blooms and colorful foliage make them eye-catching specimens. They are often used as focal points or in mixed shrub borders for added visual interest.

Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus)

• Height: 12-20 feet
• Spread: 12-20 feet
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Partial shade to full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Japanese Snowbell trees are known for their pendulous, bell-shaped white flowers that dangle gracefully from the branches. Their elegant appearance and pleasant fragrance make them popular choices for gardens and landscapes, especially in areas where their delicate blooms can be appreciated up close.

Sargent Crabapple Tree (Malus sargentii)

• Height: 8-15 feet
• Spread: 10-15 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow or orange in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Sargent Crabapple Trees are compact, deciduous trees celebrated for their profusion of fragrant white or pink blossoms in spring, followed by small, colorful fruit in fall. These trees attract birds and pollinators, making them valuable additions to wildlife gardens and urban landscapes.

Seven Son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides)

• Height: 15-20 feet
• Spread: 10-15 feet
• Bloom Time:Late summer to fall
• Leaf Color: Green (turns shades of yellow in fall)
• Sun:Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Seven Son Flower is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers that appear in late summer. As an ornamental tree, it provides late-season interest when many other plants have finished blooming, making it a valuable asset in gardens and landscapes.

Variegated Dappled Willow (Salix integra‘Hakuro-nishiki’)

• Height: 4-6 feet
• Spread: 4-6 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Variegated (pink, white, and green); vibrant coral in winter
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Fast

Variegated Dappled Willow is a small, deciduous shrub prized for its colorful foliage. Its leaves feature an enchanting blend of pink, white, and green, adding a splash of color to garden landscapes. This low-maintenance plant is often used for hedging or as an accent plant in gardens.

Bottlebrush Tree (Callistemon species)

• Height: 6-15 feet
• Spread: 6-15 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring to summer
• Leaf Color: Green
• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Bottlebrush Trees are evergreen shrubs or small trees known for their unique, brush-like flowers that resemble bottle brushes. These plants are native to Australia and are cultivated for their ornamental appeal. They are often used as decorative elements in gardens, providing a touch of exotic beauty.

Weeping Birch (Betula pendula)

• Height: 30-40 feet
• Spread: 15-25 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns golden yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Fast

Weeping Birch trees are elegant, deciduous trees with gracefully drooping branches. Their slender, pendulous leaves and silvery bark add a touch of sophistication to gardens. These trees are often planted as focal points or along water features, where their cascading branches create a mesmerizing effect.

Camellia (Camellia species)

• Height: 6-20 feet (depending on species)
• Spread: 6-20 feet (depending on species)
• Bloom Time: Fall to spring (depending on species)
• Leaf Color: Green (evergreen)
• Sun: Partial shade to full shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Camellias are evergreen shrubs or small trees renowned for their elegant, waxy flowers in shades of white, pink, or red. These plants are highly valued for their ornamental blooms and glossy, dark green leaves. Camellias are often used as foundation plants or in shaded gardens, where their blossoms bring color to the cooler months.

Royal Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)

• Height: 10-15 feet
• Spread: 10-15 feet
• Bloom Time: Early spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Royal Star Magnolia trees are small deciduous trees appreciated for their large, fragrant, star-shaped flowers in early spring. These trees are often planted as specimen trees or in mixed borders, where their early blooms herald the arrival of spring. They are also suitable for container gardening, adding beauty to patios and decks.

Dwarf Japanese Cherry Tree (Prunus serrulata‘Kojo-no-mai’)

• Height: 4-6 feet
• Spread: 4-6 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Dwarf Japanese Cherry Trees, such as ‘Kojo-no-mai,’ are compact ornamental trees cherished for their profusion of pink or white blossoms in spring. These trees are excellent choices for small gardens or tight spaces, where their charming flowers create a picturesque scene. They are often planted as focal points or in Japanese-style gardens for their aesthetic appeal.

Dwarf Korean Lilac Tree (Syringa meyeri‘Palibin’)

• Height: 4-6 feet
• Spread: 4-6 feet
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Leaf Color: Green (turns yellow in fall)
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Regular watering; well-drained soil
• Maintenance: Pruning for shape; remove dead or diseased branches
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Dwarf Korean Lilac Trees, such as ‘Palibin,’ are small deciduous trees celebrated for their fragrant, lavender-pink flowers in spring. These trees are prized for their compact size and delightful blooms, making them popular choices for gardens and landscapes. They are often used as border plants or in group plantings, where their charming blossoms create a lovely atmosphere.

 

Other Tree Guides from Planet Natural:

20 Most Popular Types of Palm Trees for Homeowners

Fir Tree Guide: Description, Types, Growing and Care Tips

 

This originally appeared on Planet Natural.