Trees for small gardens

Don’t think that just because you’ve got a small garden you can’t have a tree in it, and no – we’re not talking about bonsais! If you dream of having a tree, be it for shade, birds, colour, fruit or just because you like trees, you can have it. The trick is to choose the right tree for your garden and plant it in the right spot. For a small garden, you obviously want a small tree, but you also want a tree with a shallow, unaggressive root system that won’t interfere with your home’s foundations or paving. Here are six of our favourites:

Pompon tree (Dais cotinifolia): If you’re looking for a small tree that brings instant cheer, the pompon tree is hard to beat with its masses of fluffy pink pompon flowers in mid-summer (December–January). The pompon tree is fast-growing but remains compact, usually reaching around 4-6 m, which makes it an excellent choice for small gardens, pavements or as a focal point in a lawn. It’s also a wildlife-friendly choice: the nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Quick facts

• Can be grown in full sun or semi-shade.
• Indigenous tree with a wide distribution for all climates.
• Drought-resistant and frost-hardy.

Wild olive (Olea europaea subsp. africana): The wild olive is a hardy evergreen tree with silvery-grey leaves and small, dark fruits that birds love. Found across South Africa in a variety of habitats, this tree is well-suited to small gardens and urban spaces thanks to its neat shape and slow growth. It can be clipped into a formal hedge or left to develop naturally into a rounded shade tree. With its resilience to drought, wind and poor soils, the wild olive is one of the toughest and most rewarding indigenous trees you can plant. If you want to make olive oil, choose a tree like the Mission olive.

Quick facts

• Indigenous, evergreen and very low-maintenance.
• Thrives in poor soils and dry conditions.
• Attracts birds with its fruit.

Tree fuchsia (Halleria lucida): The tree fuchsia is a charming evergreen with clusters of orange-red tubular flowers that hang directly from its branches in winter. These nectar-rich blooms attract sunbirds and insects, bringing life to your garden during the cooler months when few other trees flower. It naturally forms a dense, bushy tree that can be shaped into a small standard or grown as a screen. With glossy green leaves and the ability to thrive in a range of soils, the tree fuchsia adds both colour and wildlife to small gardens.

Quick facts

• Indigenous evergreen with striking winter flowers.
• Attracts sunbirds, bees and butterflies.
• Hardy and adaptable to most soils.

Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora): The magnolia is an ornamental evergreen tree prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and large, creamy-white flowers with a delicious fragrance. In summer, the blooms stand out dramatically against the bold foliage, making it a showstopper in any garden. Although it grows into a medium-sized tree, there are also compact cultivars perfect for smaller spaces. Magnolias thrive in well-drained soil with regular water and reward gardeners with year-round beauty and seasonal bursts of perfume.

Quick facts

• Evergreen with glossy foliage.
• Showy, fragrant summer flowers.
• Compact cultivars like ‘Little Gem’ are available for small gardens.

Lavender tree (Heteropyxis natalensis): The lavender tree is an elegant, medium-sized tree with a rounded crown and aromatic leaves that release a sweet, spicy lavender scent when crushed. In autumn, the foliage turns shades of red and purple, adding a striking seasonal display to the garden. Small, yellow-green flowers appear in summer and attract insects, while the tree’s graceful shape makes it a lovely ornamental feature. It is indigenous to South Africa, adaptable to most soils, and is an excellent choice for adding fragrance, shade and colour to smaller gardens.

Quick facts

• Indigenous, fragrant and colourful.
• Attractive autumn leaf display.
• Hardy and easy to grow.

Citrus (lemon, lime, naartjie, orange): Citrus trees are a practical and rewarding addition to small gardens, offering both ornamental appeal and home-grown fruit. Their glossy evergreen leaves provide year-round greenery, while the white, sweetly scented blossoms fill the air with fragrance in spring. From lemons and limes to oranges and naartjies, these trees thrive in South Africa’s sunny climate and can be grown in the ground or in large containers. With proper watering and feeding, citrus trees will reward you with juicy harvests and a cheerful presence in your garden.

Quick facts

• Evergreen and fragrant.
• Produces delicious, home-grown fruit.
• Perfect for large pots or small gardens.