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Yes! Half standard trees are a great option for small gardens. This is for a number of reasons…
1. Versatility. Half standard trees feature a clear stem and a raised head of foliage. This form brings dimension to gardens and creates opportunities for underplanting. It also means that half standard can effectively establish an elegant raised hedge when planted in row along a low wall!
2. Maintenance. One of the practical advantages of half standard trees is their shorter stem (typically around 1 meter). This height makes the canopy more accessible for pruning, allowing them to be easily shaped and maintained at a desired size.
3. Tolerance to container planting. All of our half standard tree varieties are suitable for growing in large containers. This makes them a popular choice for positioning either side of a doorway.
Half & Quarter Standard Trees: Our Top 5 Favourites!
1. Photinia Red Robin
Photinia Red Robin is a fantastic evergreen variety that brings vibrant colour to gardens and boundaries throughout the year. This popular plant showcases striking red young foliage that matures into a glossy green, providing continuous visual appeal. In addition to its colourful leaves, the Photinia Red Robin produces an abundance of beautiful white flowers typically in April and May, adding another layer of seasonal interest.
It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to introduce consistent colour and life to their outdoor spaces!
2. Euonymus japonicus ‘Aureomarginatus’
Euonymus japonicus ‘Aureomarginatus’ has a dense, upright habit and striking dark green leaves edged with a vibrant yellow margin. It’s an excellent selection for adding consistent colour and structure to any garden or landscape!
3. Olive (Olea europaea)
Olive trees make a wonderful addition to Mediterranean or contemporary gardens. Their slender green leaves can be pruned to maintain a neat, round form, or allowed to grow into a larger spherical shape or a delightful small tree.
4. Bay (Laurus nobilis)
Seen here in 1/4 standard form, this batch of Bay trees feature an even shorter stem of 40cm. This makes them exceptionally compact, while still offering an excellent way to introduce height and visual appeal to smaller garden spaces. Similar to 1/2 standards, these trees are also ideal for planting as striking features on either side of an entrance or path. They are also ideal for establishing a raised hedge along a low wall.
5. Privet (Ligustrum delevayanum)
Like the Bay, this 1/4 standard Ligustrum has a 40cm clear stem. Ligustrum can achieve the same effect as all of the other mentioned trees, with the added benefit of a dense and compact growth habit. This characteristic allows it to be trimmed into very neat and formal shapes, making it an excellent choice for formal garden designs!
We have Ligustrum topiary too!
The Ligustrum’s naturally compact growth habit makes it ideal for trimming into eye-catching designs, so we also offer Privet Pom-Pom trees, which feature 3-4 perfectly shaped balls of foliage. These plants are an excellent choice for anyone looking to create a truly distinctive feature in their garden!
Hopefully this helped to show how quarter and half standard trees are a great option for small gardens!
Frequently Asked Questions
Bare root trees can be planted from November to March. Container grown trees can be planted all year round. Watch our video guide on how to do so.
As a guide, we recommend giving each tree 5 litres of water every other day during the growing season. The water should be directed at the base of the trunk.
5 Litres is a good starting point to make sure that the ground stays moist, if the soil starts to become saturated or dry adjust the amount as required.
We can offer our planting service if you are local to the nursery. Planting prices are dependent on the size of the pot. Please contact us if you would like a quote.
