Best Flowering Cherry Trees for Small Gardens and Patios
- Kerri Cuthbert
- Jul 2
- 4 min read

Limited on space? You don’t have to sacrifice spring beauty. Ornamental cherry trees offer dazzling displays of blossom and elegant structure—even in the most compact plots. In this guide, we highlight the best flowering cherry varieties for small gardens and patios in the UK. Whether you're working with a tiny lawn, courtyard, or even a large container, these trees bring charm without overwhelming your space.
If you’re looking for a complete guide to cherry tree types, care, and planting, check out our post on Cherry Trees in the UK →.
Why Flowering Cherry Trees Work in Small Gardens
Cherry trees are ideal for smaller spaces due to:
Compact Growth Habits: Many cultivars naturally remain under 4–5 metres tall, meaning they won’t outgrow your garden.
Seasonal Interest: Enjoy dramatic spring blossom followed by autumn foliage in fiery tones.
Low Maintenance: Most require only minimal pruning, making them easy to manage.
Pollinator Support: Varieties with single or semi-double flowers provide early nectar for bees and other insects.
Not all flowering trees deliver this level of multi-season interest in such a neat form.
For ideas beyond cherry trees, BBC Gardeners' World offers compact tree recommendations.
Top 5 Compact Cherry Trees to Consider
Here’s our curated shortlist of the most space-conscious ornamental cherries, perfect for urban gardens, patios, and borders.
Height/Spread: 3m x 3m
Blossom: Crisp white with pink buds (March)
Best For: Containers, patios, small lawns
Bonus: Exceptional pollinator value due to accessible single flowers
'The Bride' is a true early bloomer, often opening its petals when snowdrops are still out. Its tidy, rounded habit and outstanding wildlife benefit make it a top pick for biodiversity-focused gardens. Learn how cherry trees support pollinators →.
Height/Spread: 6m x 2m (tall and narrow)
Blossom: Soft pink (late April)
Best For: Tight front gardens, narrow borders
Bonus: Subtle fragrance and slim upright form
Despite reaching over 6m tall at maturity, its columnar shape means it only takes up a fraction of ground space. If you have a narrow strip between fences or along a driveway, Amanogawa could be the solution. Its vertical habit is recommended by the RHS list of trees for small gardens.
Height/Spread: 3–5m tall x 3–4m wide
Blossom: Deep pink pompom blooms (late April)
Best For: Lawn centrepiece in small gardens
Bonus: Graceful weeping form and strong spring presence
Also known as Cheal’s Weeping Cherry, this tree offers a domed canopy that looks stunning over daffodils or tulips. Though its dense double flowers offer little to wildlife, it’s an unbeatable spring statement piece.
Height/Spread: 5m x 2.5m
Blossom: Semi-double white (mid-April)
Best For: Courtyards, urban gardens
Bonus: Bronze spring foliage, good disease resistance
Hardy and upright, ‘Snow Goose’ is ideal for formal spaces or exposed conditions. Its narrow crown and brilliant white blooms make it a tidy, eye-catching addition.
Height/Spread: 3–4m tall x 2–3m wide
Blossom: Semi-double blush (March–April)
Best For: Early spring colour and wildlife support
Bonus: Graceful arching branches and extended bloom season
‘Hally Jolivette’ bridges the gap between winter and spring. It flowers over several weeks, making it a valuable addition to maximise seasonal display in small areas. You can see similar cultivars growing in compact settings at Kew Gardens' Cherry Walk.
Planting Tips for Small Spaces
Use containers with good drainage and a loam-based compost like John Innes No. 3.
Feed lightly with slow-release fertiliser in spring.
Place trees where they’ll receive full sun (6+ hours) for best blossom.
Consider rootstocks if planting directly into the ground — look for Gisela or Colt for dwarf or semi-dwarf growth.
If you’re planning a new planting, check out our article: How to Plant a Cherry Tree in the UK →
Best Trees for Pots and Patios
If you're growing in pots, go for dwarf or compact rootstock and ensure your container is at least 45–60cm in diameter. Raised patios or courtyard gardens can still enjoy flowering cherries — just ensure the pots don’t dry out in summer.
For year-round impact, underplant with bulbs like crocus or early tulips, or edge your pots with evergreen ground covers.
Looking for alternatives? View our guide on top trees for small gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can cherry trees be grown in pots?
Yes—compact varieties like ‘The Bride’ or ‘Amanogawa’ thrive in containers with the right care.
Do I need to prune my cherry tree regularly?
Only light pruning is needed, mainly to maintain shape or remove dead wood. See our pruning guide.
Are flowering cherries messy?
Petal drop occurs after blooming, but they don’t create significant garden mess compared to fruiting trees.
Can I plant cherry trees close to the house?
Yes, just be sure roots won’t interfere with foundations. Upright or dwarf types are best for proximity planting.
Will a small cherry tree still support pollinators?
Yes—especially single-flowered types like ‘The Bride’ and ‘Hally Jolivette’.
Explore Our Small-Space Friendly Cherry Trees
Browse the full collection of compact flowering cherry trees for small gardens available from Bowhayes Trees: 👉 Shop Small Garden Cherry Trees →

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