21 Best Narrow Trees for Containers & Small Gardens In 2024

 Creating a beautiful and functional small garden or container garden often requires choosing the right plants, particularly those that are narrow and compact. Here are 21 of the best narrow trees for containers and small gardens:

 1. Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)

- Description: Tall, narrow evergreen with a columnar shape.

- Benefit: Adds height and structure, perfect for Mediterranean-style gardens.

 2. Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil')

- Description: Slender, upright growth with dark green foliage.

- Benefit: Great for small spaces and can be used as a vertical accent or privacy screen.

 3. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)

- Description: Small, deciduous tree with stunning foliage.

- Benefit: Available in various shapes and sizes, perfect for containers and small gardens.

 4. Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica')

- Description: Dense, cone-shaped evergreen with bright green needles.

- Benefit: Ideal for year-round interest and fits well in containers.

 5. Amelanchier (Serviceberry)

- Description: Small deciduous tree with attractive flowers, berries, and fall color.

- Benefit: Provides seasonal interest and wildlife benefits.

 6. Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Emerald')

- Description: Narrow, pyramidal evergreen with bright green foliage.

- Benefit: Perfect for hedges or as a vertical accent in small gardens.

 7. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)

- Description: Evergreen tree with aromatic leaves.

- Benefit: Great for culinary use and can be pruned to maintain a compact shape.

 8. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

- Description: Small deciduous tree with beautiful summer flowers.

- Benefit: Adds vibrant color and works well in containers.

 9. Columnar Apple Trees (Malus domestica)

- Description: Narrow, upright growth habit suitable for small spaces.

- Benefit: Produces fruit while taking up minimal space.

 10. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

- Description: Small tree with heart-shaped leaves and spring flowers.

- Benefit: Lovely ornamental tree with seasonal interest.

 11. European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata')

- Description: Tall, narrow deciduous tree with a columnar shape.

- Benefit: Excellent for small gardens and formal landscapes.

 12. Japanese Blueberry Tree (Elaeocarpus decipiens)

- Description: Evergreen tree with glossy leaves and white flowers.

- Benefit: Attractive and low-maintenance.

 13. Italian Buckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus)

- Description: Narrow evergreen shrub or small tree.

- Benefit: Versatile and drought-tolerant, great for hedging.

 14. Sweet Olive (Osmanthus fragrans)

- Description: Evergreen tree with fragrant flowers.

- Benefit: Ideal for sensory gardens due to its delightful fragrance.

 15. Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis var. jacquemontii)

- Description: Slender, deciduous tree with striking white bark.

- Benefit: Adds visual interest, especially in winter.

 16. Narrow Leaf Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius)

- Description: Evergreen with narrow, leathery leaves.

- Benefit: Tolerates poor soil and drought, ideal for small gardens.

 17. Purpleleaf Sand Cherry (Prunus x cistena)

- Description: Small tree with purple foliage and spring flowers.

- Benefit: Adds color and contrast to small spaces.

 18. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

- Description: Deciduous tree with a narrow, upright form.

- Benefit: Good for formal gardens and can be pruned to shape.

 19. Olive Tree (Olea europaea)

- Description: Evergreen tree with silvery-green leaves.

- Benefit: Suitable for Mediterranean climates and container growing.

 20. Pencil Pine (Cupressus sempervirens 'Glauca')

- Description: Narrow, upright conifer with blue-green foliage.

- Benefit: Adds height and structure to small gardens.

 21. Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

- Description: Small deciduous tree with beautiful spring flowers.

- Benefit: Offers multi-seasonal interest with flowers, foliage, and berries.

These narrow trees are excellent choices for adding vertical interest, privacy, and beauty to small gardens and container settings. They are well-suited to urban environments and can thrive in limited space with proper care.