Container Shade Trees

• The crabapple is often used as a container shade tree. C Squared Studios/Photodisc/Getty Images

  A wide variety of trees can be planted in containers, which is convenient if you live in an apartment or do not have space in your yard for a full-sized tree. Shade trees can help you add height to your container garden. They also provide shade to other plants and patio areas.

Compact Maple

• The compact maple (Acer ginnala) is native to parts of Asia. It is a small, deciduous tree that usually grows up to 20 feet tall when planted, and around 10 feet tall in containers. The tree flowers in early spring with small, yellow, fragrant flowers and prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soils. The leaves of the compact maple turn bright red to yellow in the fall. It is commonly used as a patio tree, container tree or grown in small groups.

Crabapple

• Crabapple (malus) is an ornamental, deciduous tree. The tree can grow to 25 feet tall. The flowers of the crabapple tree bloom in April and May. The blooms may be red, white or pink. The tree produces a 2-inch-diameter apple that is commonly used in jelly and preserves. The fruit is usually not eaten raw because it can be very bitter. The tree prefers full to partial sun and moist, well-drained, acidic soils.

Contorted Mulberry

• Contorted mulberry (morus alba) is a medium sized, deciduous tree that is native to China. It can grow up to 50 feet in height. The flowers bloom from June to July and are small and yellow. The fruit is similar in size and shape to a blackberry. It attracts a wide variety of birds and insects. When grown in a container, the shade tree will grow up to 20 feet tall. It prefers full sunlight and moist, fertile well-drained soil.

Weeping Pussy Willow

• Weeping pussy willow (Salix caprea) is also referred to as the goat willow. It is a small, deciduous tree that is native to Europe and Northeast Asia. It grows up to 25 feet tall. In a container it usually reaches heights up to 15 feet tall. The flowers are small and white and bloom in early spring. It is a fast-growing shade tree that prefers full sunlight and moist soils. It is not drought tolerant and is usually found growing in wet, open areas.