The patios are spaces that can give a lot of play. Whether it is large or small, there are many plants that will beautify it, and yes, trees too. It is often thought that these are only enjoyed, apart from in their natural habitats, in gardens, but it is not really necessary to have a lot of land for this. In fact, I can tell you myself that my patio is home to a "jungle" (rather, it is a jungle project), occupying about 200 square meters.
In those meters, there are planted about 6-7 trees, in addition to 4-5 palm trees, some shrubs and flowers. Some will think that there are too many large plants for such a small plot, and they are probably right, but the initial idea was to create a type of jungle, and this has been done. And it is that so that there are no problems, the choice of species is key. So that, Let's see what are some of the most interesting ornamental patio trees.
Acacia of Constantinople (Albizia julibrissin)
La Albizia julibrissin It is a deciduous tree that, although it can reach 15 meters, has a thin trunk whose thickness does not exceed 30-35 centimeters. It has a beautiful parasol glass that begins to develop at a very young age., and from which pink flowers sprout also a few years after germinating.
Of course, it grows slowly, especially during its youth, so I recommend acquiring a somewhat grown specimen (at least 1 meter high) if you want your patio to look nice "from now on." Once you have it, put it in an area where it gets direct sun. Resists up to -7ºC. You can check out other ornamental trees for patios in our guide..
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)
El Acer palmatum It is a deciduous tree or shrub (depending on the variety and / or cultivar) that grows between 2 and 12 meters. Although it blooms in spring, What stands out the most about this species are its leaves: webbed, with colors ranging from red to yellowish-green, through green, purple, or even orange.. There are many types, but without a doubt for patio I recommend the low ones:
- Ariadne: 3 meters
- Autumn Glory: 4-6 meters
- Corallinum: 2-4 meters
- Emerald Lace: 2-4 meters
Regardless of which one you choose, you have to have it in acid soil, in semi-shade. Resists up to -18ºC. For tips on small trees, visit our dedicated section..
Chinese orange blossom (Pitosporum tobira)
Image - Wikimedia / Jean-Pol GRANDMONTPitosporum tobira It is an evergreen plant that is generally grown more as a hedge shrub than a tree. However, it can reach 7 meters high, and as it tolerates pruning very well, it is very interesting to have it as a tree. Its leaves are dark green, and form a very dense crown. But if we talk about its flowers, these are wonderful. The white color of its petals and the sweet aroma they emit, make that I can only recommend it for your patio.
If you finally dare to buy one, place it in the sun and water it very occasionally, since it resists drought. Nor does frost harm it, as long as they are up to -12ºC. Consult species resistant to humid areas.
Saint Lucia cherry (prunus mahaleb)
Image - Wikimedia / MurielBendelprunus mahaleb It is a deciduous tree that grows over 5-6 meters in height. The leaves are green, simple, and alternately distributed. However, it is a plant that stands out much more in spring, when numerous white flowers sprout.
To grow, it requires direct sun, and more or less moderate watering throughout the year. Resists up to -18ºC. Wind-resistant trees in gardens.
False chestnut with red flower (Aesculus pavia)
Image - Wikimedia / Krzysztof Ziarnek, KenraizAesculus pavia It is a deciduous tree that reaches between 5 and 8 meters in height. It has very nice, large, webbed leaves, 10-15 centimeters long, but without a doubt its greatest attraction is its flowers. These are reddish in color, sprout in erect clusters, and are up to 17 centimeters long.
In cultivation it requires a protected exposure from the Sun, especially if the climate is temperate / warm, and acid soils. It resists well the cold of up to -18ºC. Looking for ideas for potted trees? Find out more here..
Garden grevillea (Grevillea banksii)
Grevillea banksii is an evergreen tree that grows to 7 meters tall. Its leaves are lanceolate, about 10 centimeters long, and its flowers are 15 centimeters long. These are very striking, since they are bright red or white, and appear throughout the year.
It will thrive in your patio in both sun and partial shade, in slightly acidic soil. It is frost-sensitive.
Dwarf orange tree (Fortunella)
La Fortunella It is an evergreen tree that reaches between 5 and 7 meters in height. Its leaves are similar to those of citrus, that is, they are lanceolate and dark green in color, and its flowers are white and fragrant. As for its fruits, they could be confused with mandarins, although they are smaller. These can be consumed, but I already warn you that they have a slightly acidic taste.
It grows both in full sun and in semi-shade, and you have to water it from time to time since it does not support much drought. Species resistant to excess water and in areas with frost, it resists up to -7ºC.
