Most people think of architectural trees as being large specimens that need to grow in the ground for maximum impact, but this isn’t always true. There are actually several architectural trees that do well in pots, and will still able to provide a dramatic focal point for your garden.
The Queensland Bottle Tree
If you’re looking for something elegant and sculptural, the Queensland Bottle Tree won’t disappoint. Its curved trunk forms the shape of a smooth bottle, giving the tree its name. Even once the tree drops its leaves in the spring, the trunk never fails to be an attention-grabber.
The Queensland Bottle Tree is extremely adaptable, meaning that it does well in a container. Many also bonsai this tree for an even more unique, twisted appeal, making it possible to grow this one indoors too.
The Olive Tree
Being quite a slow-growing tree that takes well to pruning and shaping, the Olive Tree makes a great potted plant. It can even be clipped into a topiary, meaning that only your creativity is the limit when it comes to the potential shape and form that your tree could take on.
One thing to keep in mind if you want your Olive Tree to be as productive as possible is that it will need more water and feed than a tree grown in the ground. The lack of this is why many pot-grown trees produce less fruit and have a shorter lifespan, but paying attention to water and nutrients from the start will allow your tree to really flourish.
The Glauca Grass Tree
Being a slow-growing tree that doesn’t require much water, the Glauca Grass Tree is well-suited to container-growing. Its thick, blackened trunk looks impressive when rising out of a pot, especially if you opt for a multi-headed specimen.
Since the Glauca Grass Tree needs plenty of drainage, you will need to add some gravel or sand to your potting mix. Pots should also be slightly raised up off the ground so that excess water can easily drain away.
The Dragon Tree
Many don’t realise that the prehistoric-looking Dragon Tree can be grown in a pot, but it actually does surprisingly well when planted in one. This tree adds an instant tropical appeal to a garden, especially if you place multiple potted Dragon Trees together in a cluster.
Although a Dragon Tree grown in the ground requires very little maintenance, you will need to feed a container-grown specimen about twice a year. Re-potting every couple of years is vital too – this prevents the tree from becoming too top-heavy, which could cause the pot to blow over in strong winds.
Whether you simply don’t have the space or are perhaps planning on moving at some point in the future, architectural trees don’t always have to be grown in the ground. However, picking the right type of tree, along with choosing a suitably-sized specimen for your container, is important if you want your new tree to thrive.