Choosingdecorative trees for a small gardenpay attention to their aesthetic qualities, such as: interesting habit, colors and shapes of flowers and leaves. The size of the trees is also very important, as they should not be too large and spread out so that they do not overwhelm and darken the garden. Which species meet these requirements? Suitable plants can be found both among deciduous trees and conifers. Here are the7 gorgeous trees to decorate your little garden!
Japanese willow 'Hakuro nishiki'
Fig. Wouter Hagens, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons
1. Japanese whole-leaved willow (Salix integra) 'Hakuro Nishiki'
Japanese willow 'Hakuro Nishiki' in a stem form (grafted on a trunk) is an excellent ornamental tree for a small garden. It hasinteresting habit (spherical crown) and interesting colorStems are brown-red. The leaves turn white-pink in spring with green elements, and then turn white-green. The plant looks best against the background of greenery. Japanese willow requires pruning and crown formation. It grows well when it has access to the sun and space. It is sensitive to the lack of water and nutrients in the soil. This miniature willow grafted on a trunk is commercially available on rootstocks from 0.5 to 1.7 m. The height of the rootstock regulates the height of the entire tree, so here we can choose how tall we want the plant to be.
2. Common yew (Taxus baccata)
Common yew occurs in the form of a short tree or shrub. It grows very slowly and tolerates pruning well, so it is a perfect tree for a small gardenAs a conifer, evergreen plant, it is also a garden decoration during winter, when other plants are dormant. Red, round fruits additionally decorate the branches and look beautiful against the background of snow. The yew likes moist, fertile soil. It grows well both in sunny and shady positions.
Slowly growing European yew is a great ornamental tree for a small garden
Fig. © Katarzyna Żywot-Górecka
3. Winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus)
The decoration of this plant are original red fruit with orange arils that ripen in autumn (September, October), red leaves and cork shoots. The flowering period is in May and June.In autumn, a beautiful, red-stained shrub or a small tree will decorate and enliven any garden Winged euonymus reaches 2-3 m in height, is resistant to air pollution, frost and drought, which makes it suitable for cultivation in municipal home gardens. Prefers airy, not too dry soil. It likes sunny positions, but tolerates shade or partial shade relatively well. When exposed to the sun, the leaves color more nicely.
Winged euonymus occurs in the form of a bush or a small tree
Fig. Chris Barton, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
4. Mountain ash, mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia)
Rowanberry is a very popular, typical element of the Polish landscape, therefore it should also be present in our gardens. Rowan bears fruit from July to late autumn. Decorative, round fruits are red, orange or yellow in color. Rowan is frost-resistant, has low soil requirements, and prefers bright, sunny locations. As trees for a small garden, it is worth recommending the rowan varieties: 'Fastigiata' and 'Pendula'The first of them creates narrow columnar crowns, not taking up much space, while the second has nicely hanging shoots and a height of only up to 3 m.
Mountain ash. Photo pixabay.com
5. Lilac lilac, lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Blooming in blue, purple, purple, white or yellow, the beautifully fragrant lilac was eagerly and still is grown in gardens. The plant reaches 2-3 m in height and is usually spread out, butmay find a place in a small garden, for example, next to a fenceIt blooms in May, creating decorative, panicle-shaped inflorescences. Flowering is abundant. The plant prefers fertile, alkaline, moist soil. It can grow in shade, but thrives and blooms better in sunny places.
Common lilac. Photo © Joanna Białowąs
6. Pea cypress (Chamoecyparis pisifera) 'Boulevard'
This decorative evergreen conifer is small in size(up to 2.5 m) and has a very slow growth rate. Therefore, it will fit in any small garden. The 'Boulevard' pea cypress is also perfect for molding. The needles are silvery blue in color, with a green tinge in winter. Requires a sheltered, sunny or semi-shaded location. Likes moist, fertile and acidic soil. The plant is not resistant to frost and drought, so it is worth ensuring its sheltered position.
Pea cypress 'Boulevard'
7. Magnolia (Magnolia)
The greatest ornaments of magnolia are sumptuous, beautiful flowers in the following colors: pink (various shades), white, cream and even yellow. The trees grow to 2 to 5 meters in height, making them suitable for small gardensThe plant blooms mostly from April to May or early June. Some varieties of magnolia bloom in March. Magnolia likes quiet, sunny positions (in the shade the plant limits flowering). Prefers fertile, humus, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The plant is sensitive to lack of nutrients and drought. Young plants are sensitive to frost, but older plants are frost-resistant.
Magnolia. Photo © Katarzyna Żywot-Górecka
MSc Eng. Katarzyna Żywot-Górecka
