Whether you live in an apartment with limited outdoor space or have a shady corner in your yard that needs some greenery, potted trees that grow in shade can be a great solution. They not only make your space more interesting and beautiful to look at, but they can also help clean the air and make it feel more peaceful.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best potted trees that do well in shade and will add beauty and peace to your space.
12 Potted trees that grow in shade
1. Japanese maple
Zone: 5 to 8
Japanese maple is a small deciduous tree native to Japan, Korea, and parts of China. It’s a popular ornamental tree that’s often grown for its beautiful leaves, which can be green, red, purple or a mix of these colors.
Since they have shallow root systems, some Japanese maple varieties are frequently cultivated as potted trees. This makes them an excellent selection for patios, balconies, and other locations that receive a restricted amount of sunlight.
2. Holly
Zone: 5 to 9
The American Holly is a species of evergreen tree that’s native to the eastern and central parts of the United States. It‘s recognizable by the glossy, dark green leaves with spiny edges and the brilliant red berries that appear in the fall and winter.
Due to its tolerance for low light and ability to adapt to different types of soil, the American Holly is a common selection for trees grown in pots and shaded areas. However, full sun exposure is essential if you want this tree to bear more fruit.
3. Dogwood
Zone: 7 to 10
Dogwood is a tree that’s known for its showy, four-petaled flowers that bloom in the spring. The roots of these trees need a lot of space in order to thrive in containers, so it’s essential to use large containers when growing them in pots.
They also do best when planted in part shade because full sun can be too much for them. Dogwood trees are extremely popular among gardeners because of their ability to enhance the visual appeal of any landscape, thanks to the stunning flowers and foliage that they produce.
4. Eastern red cedar
Zone: 2 to 9
One of the trees that can be grown in pots and even in the shade is the Eastern red cedar. It’s well-known for both the fragrant wood that it produces, which is frequently used for the production of cedar chests, and the bluish-green foliage that it bears.
They’re also resistant to a wide range of soil types and weather conditions, making them an excellent option for those who are looking for a tree that requires a minimum amount of care and attention.
5. Magnolia
Zone: 5 to 9
Magnolia is one of your options if you want to grow a flowering tree in a pot. This species of flowering tree or shrub is native to Asia, Mexico, and the Americas.
Many people adore this tree because of its abundant, sweet-smelling flowers. Late in the spring or early in the summer is the blooming time for these flowers, which can be pink, purple, white, or even yellow.
Magnolia trees come in over 200 different species, ranging from small shrubs to towering trees. Popular varieties include Southern Magnolia, Saucer Magnolia, and Star Magnolia, each with their own unique characteristics and stunning flowers.
6. Fraser fir
Zone: 4 to 7
The Fraser fir is a species of conifer tree that thrives in full sun to partial shade and in soil that’s acidic, moist, and well-drained. It’s native to the higher elevations of the southern Appalachian mountains and has the potential to reach a height of fifty feet.
As a result of the desirable qualities that they possess, such as their slender, conical shape and their glossy, dark green needles with white banding beneath, these trees are frequently cultivated as potted Christmas trees.
7. Camellia
Zone: 6 to 9
Camellia is a flowering evergreen shrub or small tree that’s native to Asia but was brought to America in 1797. It’s a common type of tree that’s grown in containers and requires some level of shade in order to thrive.
This tree is loved due to the lovely flowers that can bloom in winter or early spring, depending on the variety. They’re often used as ornamental trees because of their attractive foliage and showy flowers that can come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, and red.
8. Sweetbay magnolia
Zone: 7 to 10
The Sweetbay Magnolia is a stunning flowering plant that can be grown as a tree in a pot. It’s adaptable to growing conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade, and the soil should be acidic, moist to wet, and organically rich. These trees produce beautiful, fragrant white flowers that bloom in the late spring or early summer and have a scent that’s similar to that of lemon.
9. White spruce
Zone: 2 to 6
White spruce is a tree native to North America and one of the continent’s hardiest trees. It’s usually grown as an outdoor tree, but it can also be grown in a pot and kept inside because white spruce can handle shade. This tree has silver-green needles, and its beautiful shape makes it an ideal ornamental plant to use as a Christmas tree.
10. Mountain hemlock
Zone: 5
The Mountain hemlock tree is a stunning plant you should consider cultivating in your garden. People love to grow mountain hemlocks for their unique characteristics.
This tree is known to be one of the best conifers for a small garden as you can grow them in large pots, and its irregular shape makes it a beautiful focal point for the garden.
11. Eastern white pine
Zone: 3 to 8
The Eastern White Pine is a type of evergreen coniferous tree that can reach a height of up to 150 feet. However, if you live in an area with limited space, you can also grow them in pots for a much more manageable size.
It’s also capable of growing in shade, although in cooler climates, it thrives best when grown in full sun. Due to their conical shape, these trees are also often used as Christmas trees during the holiday season.
12. Azalea
Zone: 6 to 9
The Azalea is another flowering tree that can be the perfect addition to your shaded landscape. They’re often grown in pots because they have beautiful flowers that come in a variety of colors, like pink, red, orange, and white. These flowers typically bloom in the spring and add an eye-catching splash of color to any landscape they’re a part of.
Azaleas thrive in partial shade to filtered sunlight, making them an excellent choice for growing in pots in shaded areas.