I’ve been using evergreens in container gardens since the very beginning. The approach is practical, saves money over time, and offers multiple seasons of enjoyment. I can’t imagine a DIY-er or client who wouldn’t LOVE getting these benefits from their container gardens.
Miniature evergreen trees are darling additions to container gardens. Their compact size makes them ideal for pots, window boxes and planters. Dwarf evergreens provide structure and greenery through all four seasons.
When shopping for mini evergreens, it can be tricky to select the right plants and care for them properly in containers. This guide will walk you through choosing, designing with, and caring for tiny evergreen trees perfectly suited for pots.
Benefits of Mini Evergreen Trees for Containers
There are many advantages to using dwarf evergreens in pots
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Stay green year-round for multi-season interest
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Provide height structure. and focal points
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Give permanence so pots only need replanting once a year
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Offer texture and color contrasts against flowers
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Attractive shapes like spheres, cones, and spirals
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Slow, compact growth fits small spaces
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Many varieties only reach 1-3 feet tall at maturity
5 Top Mini Evergreen Trees for Container Gardens
Here are some excellent miniature evergreen trees to try in pots:
1. Dwarf Alberta Spruce
This pygmy evergreen has a classic conical Christmas tree shape. New growth is lime green against darker needles. Grows 1-2 inches per year to reach 4-6 feet tall at maturity. Hardy in zones 2-8.
2. Dwarf Hinoki Cypress
‘Nana Gracilis’ is a mounding evergreen with soft, flat, lacy green foliage. Grows very slowly to just 3 feet tall and wide. Prefers full sun. Hardy in zones 4-9.
3. Dwarf Mugo Pine
‘Mitsch Mini’ has a puffy, domed shape and thick, short needles. Incredibly slow growing, only reaching 1 foot tall in 10 years. Thrives in zones 3-7.
4. Dwarf Arborvitae
‘Mr. Bowling Ball’ keeps a perfect round shape. Soft, ferny foliage forms a textured green globe. Stays under 3 feet tall. Hardy in zones 3-7.
5. Creeping Juniper
‘Pancake’ has layered sprawling stems with silver-blue needles. Grows just 3 inches tall, ideal for cascading over pot edges. Tolerates zones 3-9.
Designing with Mini Evergreens in Containers
Miniature evergreens can be used in containers in many ways:
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Feature one specimen solo as a simple statement.
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Use as a thriller for height in a mixed arrangement.
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Include as a filler around the base of taller plants.
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Allow to spill over the edges of pots.
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Cluster 3-5 together for a mini grove.
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Combine varieties with different textures and colors.
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Mix evergreen shapes like spheres, spikes, and mounds.
Caring for Evergreen Trees in Pots
Growing evergreens in containers requires some special care:
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Use a potting mix instead of garden soil for drainage.
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Water 1-2 times per week, year round.
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Apply fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
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Prune back wayward branches to maintain desired shape.
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Protect from harsh winter winds and frost.
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Replant every 2-3 years before becoming rootbound.
Overwintering Evergreen Container Trees
Evergreens in pots need protection during cold winters. Follow these tips to help them survive:
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Choose species rated for zones colder than your region.
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Keep soil slightly moist even when dormant.
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Shelter pots from winter sun and wind exposure.
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Insulate pots by wrapping with bubble wrap or burlap.
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Add mulch around pots for insulation from freezing temps.
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Ifgrown in a greenhouse, harden off plants before winter.
Where to Buy Miniature Evergreen Trees
You can find a nice selection of dwarf evergreens at:
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Local independent garden centers and nurseries.
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Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s.
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Online retailers like Nature Hills Nursery and Brighter Blooms.
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Specialty mail-order conifer nurseries.
Search for terms like “dwarf,” “miniature,” “compact,” or “slow growing” to find varieties suitable for containers.
When buying, inspect plants for good green color and healthy, pliable needles. Avoid specimens with brown fronds or excessive needle loss.
Mini Evergreen Tree Species to Try in Containers
Beyond the recommendations above, here are more fabulous miniature evergreen trees ideal for pots:
Needleleaf Evergreens
- Dwarf blue spruce
- Dwarf Serbian spruce
- Dwarf Scots pine
- Mini Swiss stone pine
- globe arborvitae
- Sea Urchin juniper
Broadleaf Evergreens
- Dwarf yaupon holly
- Dwarf Burford holly
- Mini boxwood
- Dwarf crape myrtle
- Compact camellia
- Dwarf magnolia
Conifers with Color
- Golden Hinoki cypress
- Golden Irish yew
- Yellow tipped arborvitae
- Blue carpet juniper
- Red Cushion spruce
The Joys of Miniature Evergreens in Pots
From evergreen spheres to creeping groundcovers, dwarf conifers and broadleafs are a delightful addition to container gardens. They provide year-round structure and greenery.
With their slow growth and compact size, mini evergreens are tailor-made for pots. Browse the options to find delightful dwarf specimens that will thrive in your containers for years to come.
CONIFERS IN SPRING POTS
Faux forsythia stems bring spring color up into these Blue Point Juniper
Broadleaf evergreens have flatter green leaves that stay on the tree or shrub year-round. My favorites are Green Velvet Boxwood (mounded ball shape), Green Mountain Boxwood (pyramidal), and Teddy Bear Magnolia. Hardy English Ivy and Kewensis Euonymous are charming broadleaved spillers.
When to Plant Evergreens in Containers
In warmer Zones 7 and up, you can plant an evergreen almost any time of the year. However, I like to plant them in containers in the spring or fall, just like I would if I were planting them in the ground. This gives the roots time to feel at home before it gets too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. I think spring and fall are the best times to shop for evergreens because stores have the most varieties. These are also the best times to find the right plants for your pots.
If you live in a cooler climate, Zone 6 or lower, do some research before putting evergreens in winter containers. Read the plant tags and ask a pro at your local garden center for tips on winterizing. In the coldest places, they might tell you to wrap your pots in burlap to keep the snow and wind out even more. It really depends greatly from region to region, and from plant to plant. To avoid costly mistakes, read up and ask questions before you start.
Planting 5 Gorgeous Evergreens (That Stay Small)! // Garden Answer
FAQ
What evergreen grows well in a container?
What is the smallest evergreen tree?
Can potted evergreens survive winter?
Can evergreen trees grow in pots?
What size pot does a dwarf evergreen tree need?
Dwarf evergreen trees usually require container sizes that can accommodate the root ball, but no more than a 20 gallon pot for any one dwarf evergreen tree. There are a wide variety of dwarf evergreen trees available for potted planting.
What is the best tree to grow in pots?
Varieties like ‘Red Dragon’ and ‘Elizabeth’ have a compact stature that fits well in pots.These trees can go many years without repotting if you start with a large enough container.Pruning can help maintain
Are there dwarf evergreens for pots?
There are dwarf evergreens for pots that give you the look you’re after without taking over the space. Here are a few suggestions: Dwarf mugo pine – For a round-shaped green gem, seek out this evergreen that maintains its form without requiring pruning.
Which dwarf evergreens are best for planters?
Here are just some of the many great dwarf evergreens that are especially perfect for planters: Dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca): This dwarf evergreen is often sold as a mini-Christmas tree because of its perfect pyramidal shape—which it keeps without effort. New spring growth is light lime green.