The Best Ornamental Trees for Small Spaces

1. Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)

Japanese Maples are renowned for their exquisite, finely cut foliage and compact growth habit. Varieties such as ‘Bloodgood’ and ‘Osakazuki’ are perfect for small spaces, offering vibrant red and orange leaves that provide year-round interest. These trees thrive in partial shade, making them ideal for smaller gardens where taller buildings or trees might block some sunlight.

2. Malus (Crabapple)

Crabapples are fantastic small trees that offer beautiful blossoms in spring and colourful fruit in the fall. Varieties like Malus ‘Evereste’ and Malus ‘Madonna’ are particularly suited for small gardens. They are not only ornamental but also attract wildlife, adding biodiversity to your garden.

3. Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ (Lombardy Cherry)

The Lombardy Cherry is a columnar tree that grows upright rather than spreading out, making it perfect for narrow spaces. Its delicate pink blossoms in spring are a delightful sight, and its foliage turns a lovely bronze in autumn. This tree is ideal for planting along pathways or against fences where space is limited.

4. Amelanchier lamarckii (Juneberry)

Juneberry is a versatile small tree that offers a changing palette of colours throughout the year. It starts with white star-shaped flowers in spring, followed by edible berries in summer, and ends with stunning red and orange leaves in autumn. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller gardens, and it thrives in both sun and partial shade.

5. Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)

Eastern Redbud is a small tree known for its heart-shaped leaves and striking pink flowers that appear on bare branches in early spring. Varieties like ‘Forest Pansy’ provide beautiful foliage that changes colour throughout the season, making it a dynamic addition to any small garden.

6. Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood)

Kousa Dogwood is a compact tree that offers spectacular white bracts in late spring and red berries in the fall. It has an elegant, vase-shaped growth habit and provides year-round interest with its attractive bark and autumn foliage. This tree is perfect for adding structure and beauty to small garden spaces.

7. Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck’ (Columnar Beech)

The Columnar Beech is a narrow, upright tree ideal for small spaces. ‘Dawyck’ varieties grow tall but not wide, making them excellent for tight spots where vertical growth is needed without taking up much horizontal space. Their dense foliage provides excellent privacy and wind protection.

9. Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan or Mountain Ash)

Rowan trees are suitable for small gardens due to their moderate size and ornamental features. Varieties like ‘Autumn Spire’ have a narrow, upright growth habit and produce clusters of white flowers followed by bright red berries, providing seasonal interest and supporting local wildlife.

10. Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’

This charming dwarf cherry tree is perfect for small gardens and containers. It produces delicate, blush-pink flowers in early spring, followed by small green leaves that turn brilliant shades of red and orange in autumn. Its compact size and graceful form make it an excellent choice for limited spaces.

Frank P Matthews Patio Tree Range

At Frank P Matthews, we understand that not all gardens have expansive lawns or open spaces. That’s why we have curated a special range of patio trees perfect for container planting and small spaces. These trees are selected for their compact growth, stunning ornamental features, and ease of care, making them ideal for patios, balconies, and small urban gardens.

Ornamental Patio Trees

For those looking to add beauty and structure to their patios, our ornamental patio trees are an excellent choice. These include varieties like Acer palmatum ‘Katsura’, known for its stunning foliage, and the delicate Prunus ‘Little Pink Perfection’, a dwarf cherry tree with beautiful spring blossoms. These trees are selected for their year-round interest and ability to thrive in containers.