Carambola trees (also known as star fruit) are known for their distinctively shaped fruits and refreshing flavor, according to Popat. While they enjoy full sun to partial shade, Popat says that they require regular pruning to maintain health.
"Dragon fruit plants are actually cacti that produce stunningly beautiful fruits,โ Popat says, noting that they need a trellis for support when being grown in the ground or a container.
"Goji berry plants are superfoods, offering health benefits along with sweet, red berries," says Popat. Plant your goji berry tree in full sun for the best fruit production.
Passion fruit vines produce aromatic fruits that are a favorite for juices and desserts, according to Popat, who says that they need ample support for climbing.
These self-pollinating trees have an interesting backstory since most of them require help from a wasp to produce fruit. "Figs have a unique, sweet taste, often described as a blend of honey and berry, with a soft, chewy texture interspersed with crunchy seeds," says Popat.
Whether you have a small yard or even just a petite patio space, it's possible to still grow trees to add depth, color, and interest. Love the look of stately birch and magnolia trees but don't have the space to plant full-size versions? Try a dwarf version instead. You'll get the same aesthetic look you're after but in a smaller, more manageable size. And in some cases, dwarf trees can even be grown in containers, making them a unique choice for your patio or deck. Ahead, we spoke to gardening experts for their recommendations for dwarf trees for small spaces.
There are hundreds of Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) options with many dwarf varieties. "Some have an upright habit, such as 'Red Dragon,' and others have a more weeping habit, such as 'Waterfall,' says Charlie Nardozzi, author of The Complete Guide to No-Dig Gardening. "The dwarf forms are slow growing, and all stay around 10 feet tall and wide or smaller."
Looking for a dwarf tree to complement your rain garden? The dwarf river birch (Betula nigra) is an excellent option for most soil types and is ideal for shade and rain gardens. "They have great bark, great form, and are small," says Don Eaton, founder and CEO of Bower & Branch.
If you're thinking of growing a fruit tree, consider a dwarf fig tree (Ficus carica). Sten recommends the 'Chicago Hardy' variety, which thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. You can also plant this variety in a tall container if you're short on space. These trees can handle colder weather but make sure to mulch in fall to protect the roots.