10 award-winning (AGM) flowering trees for small gardens

No garden is too small for a tree, and there’s a wide and varied range of flowering trees suitable for small spaces.

This choice of 10 are all winners of the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), which means that they have been tested by the RHS and found to be reliable, straightforward to grow, and widely available.

Year-round appeal

Amelanchier lamarckii has flowers in spring, ornamental fruit in summer and fiery foliage in autumn 

Amelanchier lamarckii or juneberry is a well-branched, bushy, small tree that’s a little reminiscent of a flowering cherry or crab apple. Pure white flowers open in spring among the coppery young foliage, creating a blizzard of early bloom. They are followed later by berries which are always appreciated by birds. And finally there’s fiery autumn leaf colour. Three different seasons of interest from one fine small garden tree. 5m (16½ft). Hardiness rating H7.

Golden clusters

Acacia baileyana bears sprays of yellow flowers from late winter and into spring

The golden wattle, Acacia baileyana lights up the garden in late winter and early spring. Its silvery grey, feathery evergreen leaves make a lovely background to the fluffy yellow flower clusters gathered in arching sprays. Trim off the lower branches to create a tree habit. 4m (13ft). Hardiness rating H3.

Multi-purpose trees

Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo ‘Atlantic’) has handsome evergreen leaves, pretty autumn flowers and characterful bark

Arbutus or strawberry trees are a group of small, evergreen trees with flowers like lily-of-the-valley and unusual red and yellow fruits. What’s more their distinctive

Bark is the outermost layer of woody plants (trees, shrubs and woody climbers). It is several cells thick and provides protection against physical damage, disease and environmental stresses. Bark comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, and these can help gardeners when identifying plants. The fissures and crevices of bark on older plants also creates valuable habitat for many garden creatures as well as lichens and small plants.

Bold white bracts

Hardy Cornus kousa ‘John Slocock’ has a vertical habit, useful for maximising small spaces 

Cornus kousa ‘John Slocock’ is an unusually upright form of the Japanese dogwood, its vertical branches create a tree that fits nicely into a small space. The bold white bracts, opening in June, are veined in green and develop rosy tints as they mature, with bright red fruits like strawberries forming later. Autumn leaf tones in deep red and bronze are also a feature. It's happy in any soil except if it's shallow and chalky. 4m (13ft). Hardiness rating H5.

Tree-forming hawthorn

Red is a predominant colour for Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ thanks to its berries and autumn foliage

Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ is a tree-forming selection and a definite step up in its ornamental qualities to regular hedgerow hawthorns. ‘Prunifolia’ has more compact growth, darker and glossier foliage, and bright white flowers sparked by pink anthers. The flowers are followed by exceptionally persistent crimson fruits and fine autumn leaf colour. 5m (16½ft). Hardiness rating H7.

For the balcony

The ornamental crab apples of Malus ‘Evereste’ are a treat for garden birds 

An exceptional crab apple, Malus ‘Evereste’ is certainly one to choose if you have a balcony. It has snowy 5cm (2in) white, spring flowers opening from red

A bud is a small, undeveloped shoot that contains the potential for new growth. Buds are typically found on stems, where they can be apical (found at the tip) or axillary (found between leaf axils) and may develop into leaves, shoots or flowers.

Far eastern delight

The blossoms of Prunus mume ‘Beni-chidori’ come out when spring bulbs emerge; timely and effective

The Japanese apricot, Prunus mume ‘Beni-chidori’ is a great choice for a small tree in a number of ways. Firstly, its rich pink flowers are freshly scented and open in February and March, right along with all your spring shade lovers planted underneath. Secondly, it’s naturally small and casts only dappled shade. 3m (10ft). Hardiness rating H5.

Wistfully weeping willow

Pendent stems give Salix purpurea ‘Pendula’ its character and charm

Salix purpurea ‘Pendula’ is well worth planting in a small garden, as it’s much better-behaved than the giant weeping willows you see in parks and large gardens. It’s a lovely small weeping willow with purple stems that carry catkins before the leaves open. It makes a superb winter silhouette too followed by generous colour in spring. 4m (13ft). Hardiness rating H6.

Chinese mountain ash

The clusters of white berries from Sorbus koehneana provide colour and contrast in autumn 

Sorbus koehneana is a relatively uncommon relation of our native mountain ash with some appealing differences. It remains smaller as a whole and its leaves are smaller too. With more leaflets than the native mountain ash it gives an altogether more feathery look. The flat white flower heads begin the display in April and are followed by small porcelain white berries on red stalks. 4m (13ft). Hardiness rating H6.

The plantsman’s choice

The captivating, long flowerheads of Styrax hemsleyanus emerge in June

Styrax hemsleyanus is another that casts only light shade – ideal where you’d like to grow woodland

Perennials are any plant living for at least three years. The term is also commonly used for herbaceous perennials which grow for many years (To compare: annual = one year, biennial = two years).