When space is limited, choosing the right feature tree can transform your garden into a stylish and functional retreat. From compact evergreens to stunning deciduous varieties, these trees are perfect for small gardens, courtyards, and urban spaces. Here are our top picks for feature trees that combine beauty, practicality, and year-round interest.
GINKGO BILOBA ‘LEMONLIME SPIRE’
Ginkgo Biloba ‘Lemonlime Spire’ is a narrow, columnar tree with unique, fan-shaped leaves that turn a vibrant yellow in autumn. Its compact form makes it ideal for small gardens or tight spaces, while its striking foliage adds a touch of elegance and seasonal interest. This low-maintenance tree is perfect for adding vertical structure to your landscape.
Height: 4-6m
Width: 1-2m
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Best For: Narrow spaces, vertical accents, autumn colour
Shop Ginkgo Biloba ‘Lemonlime Spire’
MAGNOLIA ‘TEDDY BEAR’
Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ is a compact, evergreen tree with glossy, dark green leaves and large, fragrant white flowers. Its dense foliage and upright growth habit make it an excellent choice for small gardens, courtyards, or as a focal point in urban landscapes. This tree adds a touch of elegance and year-round interest, making it a standout feature in any setting.
Height: 4-6m
Width: 2-3m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Best For: Small gardens, courtyards, feature planting
BETULA PENDULA ‘NIGRA’ (BLACK BIRCH)
Betula Pendula ‘Nigra’ is a striking deciduous tree with dark, almost black bark and delicate, weeping branches. Its compact size and elegant form make it a perfect feature tree for small gardens or urban spaces. This tree adds a dramatic, architectural element to your landscape, especially in winter when its bark stands out against the snow or frost.
Height: 5-7m
Width: 3-4m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Best For: Small gardens, architectural interest, winter landscapes
CERCIS ‘FOREST PANSY’ (REDBUD)
Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’ is a stunning deciduous tree with heart-shaped, deep purple leaves that turn golden in autumn. In spring, it produces clusters of pink flowers along its branches, creating a breathtaking display. Its compact size and ornamental beauty make it a perfect feature tree for small gardens or courtyards.
Height: 4-5m
Width: 3-4m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Best For: Small gardens, ornamental feature planting, autumn colour
OLEA EUROPAEA ‘TOLLEY’S UPRIGHT’ (OLIVE TREE)
Olea Europaea ‘Tolley’s Upright’ is a narrow, upright olive tree with silvery-green foliage and a refined, Mediterranean aesthetic. Its compact form makes it ideal for small gardens, courtyards, or as a decorative screen. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, this tree adds a touch of sophistication to modern landscapes.
Height: 4-6m
Width: 1.5-2m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Best For: Mediterranean-style gardens, narrow spaces, drought-tolerant landscapes
Shop Olea Europaea ‘Tolley’s Upright’
LAGERSTROEMIA ‘SIOUX’ (CREPE MYRTLE)
Lagerstroemia ‘Sioux’ is a small, deciduous tree with vibrant pink flowers and smooth, mottled bark. Its compact size and stunning summer blooms make it a perfect feature tree for small gardens or urban spaces. This tree adds a splash of colour and year-round interest, making it a standout choice for any landscape.
Height: 4-6m
Width: 3-4m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Best For: Small gardens, urban spaces, ornamental feature planting
MAGNOLIA ‘LITTLE GEM’
Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ is a compact, evergreen tree with glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers. Its small size and dense foliage make it an excellent choice for small gardens, courtyards, or as a privacy screen. This tree offers year-round beauty and is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to compact spaces.
Height: 4-5m
Width: 2-3m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Best For: Small gardens, privacy screens, feature planting
ACER ‘OSAKAZUKI’ (JAPANESE MAPLE)
Acer ‘Osakazuki’ is a stunning deciduous tree with bright green leaves that turn fiery red in autumn. Its compact size and elegant form make it a perfect feature tree for small gardens, courtyards, or pots. This tree adds a touch of seasonal drama and timeless beauty to any space.
Height: 4-5m
Width: 3-4m
Growth Rate: Slow
Best For: Small gardens, courtyards, ornamental feature planting
MALUS ‘IOENSIS PLENA’ (CRABAPPLE)
Malus ‘Ioensis Plena’ is a small, deciduous tree with double white flowers in spring and small, ornamental fruit in autumn. Its compact size and stunning seasonal displays make it a perfect feature tree for small gardens or urban spaces. This tree adds charm and year-round interest to any landscape.
Height: 4-5m
Width: 3-4m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Best For: Small gardens, ornamental feature planting, seasonal interest
ACER PALMATUM (JAPANESE MAPLE)
Acer Palmatum is a classic Japanese Maple with delicate, lacy foliage that turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. Its compact size and graceful form make it a perfect feature tree for small gardens, courtyards, or pots. This tree adds a touch of elegance and seasonal beauty to any space.
Height: 4-6m
Width: 3-4m
Growth Rate: Slow
Best For: Small gardens, courtyards, ornamental feature planting
From the striking Ginkgo Biloba ‘Lemonlime Spire’ to the timeless beauty of Acer Palmatum, these feature trees are perfect for small areas. Each tree offers unique beauty and functionality, ensuring your garden remains stylish and practical, no matter the size.
Explore our full range of feature trees for small spaces and find the perfect addition to your garden today.
