Fruit trees – options for both small and large gardens

Create life, colour and flavour in the garden with fruit trees that suit your space
Outdoors
Outdoors
7 min
Fruit trees bring both beauty and flavour to the garden. In this article, you’ll get an overview of different types and growth forms, so you can find the fruit trees that best suit your garden and your needs.
Jake Freeman
Jake
Freeman

Fruit trees – options for both small and large gardens

Create life, colour and flavour in the garden with fruit trees that suit your space
Outdoors
Outdoors
7 min
Fruit trees bring both beauty and flavour to the garden. In this article, you’ll get an overview of different types and growth forms, so you can find the fruit trees that best suit your garden and your needs.
Jake Freeman
Jake
Freeman

Fruit trees are a classic and atmospheric part of the garden – they provide both shade, flowers and fresh fruit for the kitchen. Whether you have a large garden with space for several varieties or a small terrace where a compact espalier tree can thrive, there are many possibilities. Fruit trees can be both decorative and functional, and with the right variety you can enjoy the harvest year after year.

In this article, you get an overview of different types of fruit trees and their characteristics, so you can find inspiration for which ones best suit your garden and your wishes.

The article presents a selection of fruit trees that represent different species, sizes and growth forms – from traditional apple and pear trees to smaller varieties such as peach and cherry, which are suitable for smaller gardens or pots. The aim is to provide a versatile picture of the many possibilities, so you can assess which types best suit your conditions. The information about the trees is based on descriptions from producers and retailers and is summarised to provide an easy-to-understand overview of growth, care and yield.

1
Flowering almond tree
Sweet Almond
A deciduous fruit tree that blooms with light pink flowers in April and produces fruits with edible almonds. The tree thrives best in full sun and requires a warm location to avoid frost damage.
Why it was chosen: Sweet Almond was selected as an example of a decorative and edible fruit tree that combines ornamental value with utility. It represents a southern species that can be grown in Denmark under protected conditions.

Sweet Almond (Prunus dulcis) is a fruit tree that blooms in April with light pink flowers, adding a distinct spring character to the garden. The fruits initially resemble small green peaches, but the flesh is dry and inedible. The kernel in the centre of the fruit is an edible almond, which can be used directly or in baking.

The tree thrives best in full sun and nutrient-rich soil. It should be watered and fertilised regularly throughout the growing season to maintain healthy growth and fruit set. Due to the Danish climate, cultivation in a greenhouse or in a warm location, such as against a south- or west-facing wall, is recommended to protect against frost and fungal diseases.

Sweet Almond has a broad-crowned growth form and can reach a height of 2–4 metres and a width of 3–4 metres. The leaves are elongated and green, and the flowers are white to light pink. The fruits typically ripen in September.

  • Flowering: Light pink flowers in April provide a beautiful spring sight.
  • Edible almonds: The kernel of the fruit can be used as regular almonds.
  • Location: Thrives best in full sun and sheltered from wind and frost.
  • Growth form: Broad-crowned tree with medium growth rate.
  • Use: Suitable for gardens and parks as both an ornamental and useful plant.

Pros and cons

  • Decorative flowering in spring
  • Produces edible almonds
  • Can be grown in a greenhouse or in a protected outdoor area
  • Suitable for sunny locations
  • Sensitive to frost and fungal diseases in open areas
  • Requires nutrient-rich soil and regular watering
  • The fruit flesh is dry and inedible

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Decorative flowering in spring
  • Produces edible almonds
  • Can be grown in a greenhouse or in a protected outdoor area
  • Suitable for sunny locations

Cons

  • Sensitive to frost and fungal diseases in open areas
  • Requires nutrient-rich soil and regular watering
  • The fruit flesh is dry and inedible

Pros

  • Decorative flowering in spring
  • Produces edible almonds
  • Can be grown in a greenhouse or in a protected outdoor area
  • Suitable for sunny locations

Cons

  • Sensitive to frost and fungal diseases in open areas
  • Requires nutrient-rich soil and regular watering
  • The fruit flesh is dry and inedible
Pros: The plant has decorative flowering in spring, produces edible almonds, can be grown in a greenhouse or in a protected outdoor area, and thrives best in sunny locations.
Cons: It is sensitive to frost and fungal diseases in open areas, requires nutrient-rich soil and regular watering, and the fruit flesh is dry and inedible.
Pros: The plant has decorative flowering in spring, produces edible almonds, can be grown in a greenhouse or in a protected outdoor area, and thrives best in sunny locations.
Cons: It is sensitive to frost and fungal diseases in open areas, requires nutrient-rich soil and regular watering, and the fruit flesh is dry and inedible.

Specifications

  • Botanical name: Prunus dulcis
  • Category: Fruit trees & Fruit bushes
  • Type: Almond tree
  • Flowering period: April (spring)
  • Flower colour: White to light pink
  • Leaf colour: Green
  • Leaf shape: Elongated
  • Fruit colour: Brown
  • Fruit size: 1–5 cm
  • Ripening time: September
  • Height: 200–400 cm
  • Width: 300–400 cm
  • Location: Full sun
  • Growth form: Broad-crowned, medium-growing
  • Hardiness: Fair (requires protection from frost)
  • Fertilisation level: Medium
  • Optimal growing conditions: Nutrient-rich soil and even watering
2
Elegant Asian ornamental tree
Sakhalin cherry
A deciduous ornamental tree with a vase-shaped crown, light pink flowers in spring, and striking red autumn colours. Suitable as a specimen tree in gardens and parks.
Why it was chosen: Sakhalin cherry was selected as a representative of Japanese cherry trees that combine ornamental value through blossom and autumn colour with robust growth and adaptability to Danish conditions.

Sakhalin cherry, also known as Prunus sargentii, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that develops a broad, vase-shaped crown. With age, the tree acquires a more spreading and multi-stemmed structure, giving it a distinctive and natural appearance in the garden.

The leaves are medium-sized and elongated with a distinct tip. They emerge in a dark bronze-red tone, later turning fresh green and ending the season with intense red and orange-red autumn colours. The smooth, reddish-brown bark with light cork spots darkens over time and develops prominent horizontal stripes.

The tree blooms profusely in April and the first half of May with large, light pink flowers that often appear before the leaves. Fruit set is rare, but small blackish-red berries can be seen in some years.

Sakhalin cherry thrives best in sun to partial shade and prefers a nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. It tolerates many soil types but should not be planted where water stands. In heavy clay soil, the soil can be loosened and supplemented with gravel or sand for better drainage.

The tree is suitable as a specimen plant in gardens, parks, and avenues, where it can be highlighted as a decorative element. During the establishment phase, staking is recommended to ensure stable growth.

  • Profusely flowering spring tree: Large, light pink flowers in April and May.
  • Decorative foliage: Changes from bronze-red spring leaves to red and orange-red autumn colours.
  • Characteristic growth form: Vase-shaped and later broad-crowned structure.
  • Robust and adaptable: Thrives in sun or partial shade on well-drained soil.
  • Suitable as an ornamental tree: Works well as a specimen tree in gardens and parks.

Pros and cons

  • Beautiful blossom and striking autumn colours
  • Tolerates many soil types
  • Suitable as a specimen tree or in groups
  • Relatively hardy and robust
  • Requires well-drained soil and should not stand in waterlogged soil
  • Needs staking during the establishment phase
  • Fruit set is rare

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Beautiful blossom and striking autumn colours
  • Tolerates many soil types
  • Suitable as a specimen tree or in groups
  • Relatively hardy and robust

Cons

  • Requires well-drained soil and should not stand in waterlogged soil
  • Needs staking during the establishment phase
  • Fruit set is rare

Pros

  • Beautiful blossom and striking autumn colours
  • Tolerates many soil types
  • Suitable as a specimen tree or in groups
  • Relatively hardy and robust

Cons

  • Requires well-drained soil and should not stand in waterlogged soil
  • Needs staking during the establishment phase
  • Fruit set is rare
Pros: The tree has beautiful blossom and striking autumn colours, tolerates many soil types, is suitable both as a specimen tree and in groups, and is also relatively hardy and robust.
Cons: It requires well-drained soil and should not stand in waterlogged soil, needs staking during the establishment phase, and fruit set occurs only rarely.
Pros: The tree has beautiful blossom and striking autumn colours, tolerates many soil types, is suitable both as a specimen tree and in groups, and is also relatively hardy and robust.
Cons: It requires well-drained soil and should not stand in waterlogged soil, needs staking during the establishment phase, and fruit set occurs only rarely.

Specifications

  • Botanical name: Prunus sargentii
  • Danish name: Sakhalin cherry
  • Category: Japanese cherry / Trees
  • Growth form: Vase-shaped, broad-crowned
  • Height: 1000–1500 cm
  • Width: 150–300 cm
  • Flowering: April–May
  • Flower colour: Pale pink to pink
  • Leaf colour: Red-green, bronze-red when emerging
  • Autumn colour: Red and orange-red
  • Placement: Full sun or partial shade
  • Soil type: Nutrient-rich and well-drained garden soil
  • Hardiness: Fully hardy
  • Use: Gardens and parks
  • Wind conditions: Should be placed in a sheltered location
  • Fertiliser level: Medium
3
Elegant weeping pear
Willow-leaved pear
A small, hardy ornamental tree with a characteristic weeping crown and narrow, silvery-green leaves that give an elegant and contrasting expression in the garden.
Why it was chosen: The willow-leaved pear was selected as a representative of smaller ornamental trees with a weeping growth form. It combines decorative foliage, robustness, and low maintenance requirements, making it suitable for both gardens and parks.

The willow-leaved pear 'Pendula' is a small tree characterised by its weeping and spreading crown. It is often grafted onto a stem, which gives a clear trunk height and a crown that develops from round to umbrella-shaped and later to a canopy form.

The leaves are narrow and covered with fine, soft hairs, giving a silvery-grey tone in spring and later a grey-green colour. The foliage resembles that of willow or olive trees and contributes to a light and elegant appearance. In autumn, the leaves take on subtle light yellow shades, and leaf fall occurs late in the season.

The bark is initially silvery white due to the many fine hairs but becomes grey and develops fissures with age. In April and May, the tree blooms with white to cream-white flowers with reddish stamens, which are gathered in corymbs and have a light sweet scent.

After flowering, small greenish-brown fruits may form, which are not edible but are sometimes taken by birds after frost. The tree thrives best in full sun and in ordinary, well-drained garden soil. It is hardy, wind-tolerant, and drought-resistant once established.

The willow-leaved pear is often used as a specimen tree or in small groups, where its light foliage and weeping growth create contrast and structure in the planting.

  • Weeping growth form: Creates an elegant and distinctive expression in the garden.
  • Silvery-grey foliage: Provides a light and contrasting touch against darker plantings.
  • Hardy and wind-tolerant: Suitable for Danish conditions and requires minimal maintenance.
  • Spring flowering: White to cream-white flowers in April–May.
  • Suitable as an ornamental tree: Works well as a specimen tree or in smaller groups.

Pros and cons

  • Decorative weeping growth and silvery-green foliage
  • Hardy and drought-tolerant after establishment
  • Requires little maintenance
  • Thrives in full sun and ordinary garden soil
  • The fruits are not edible
  • Young trees may need staking during the first seasons
  • Prefers well-drained soil and may struggle in heavy, wet soil

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Decorative weeping growth and silvery-green foliage
  • Hardy and drought-tolerant after establishment
  • Requires little maintenance
  • Thrives in full sun and ordinary garden soil

Cons

  • The fruits are not edible
  • Young trees may need staking during the first seasons
  • Prefers well-drained soil and may struggle in heavy, wet soil

Pros

  • Decorative weeping growth and silvery-green foliage
  • Hardy and drought-tolerant after establishment
  • Requires little maintenance
  • Thrives in full sun and ordinary garden soil

Cons

  • The fruits are not edible
  • Young trees may need staking during the first seasons
  • Prefers well-drained soil and may struggle in heavy, wet soil
Pros: The plant has a decorative weeping growth with silvery-green foliage, is hardy and drought-tolerant after establishment, requires little maintenance, and thrives well in full sun and ordinary garden soil.
Cons: The fruits are not edible, young trees may need staking during the first seasons, and it prefers well-drained soil as it may struggle in heavy and wet soil.
Pros: The plant has a decorative weeping growth with silvery-green foliage, is hardy and drought-tolerant after establishment, requires little maintenance, and thrives well in full sun and ordinary garden soil.
Cons: The fruits are not edible, young trees may need staking during the first seasons, and it prefers well-drained soil as it may struggle in heavy and wet soil.

Specifications

  • Botanical name: Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula'
  • Type: Ornamental tree
  • Growth form: Weeping, overhanging, broad-crowned
  • Height: 400–700 cm
  • Width: 300–600 cm
  • Leaf colour: Grey to grey-green
  • Flower colour: White to cream-white
  • Flowering period: April–May
  • Fruit colour: Greenish-brown (not edible)
  • Placement: Full sun
  • Soil type: Nutrient-rich, well-drained garden soil
  • Hardiness: Fully hardy
  • Wind conditions: Should be placed in a sheltered location
  • Use: Gardens and parks
  • Growth: Medium growing
  • Ripening time: September–October
4
Elegance in the branches
Weeping Mulberry
A medium-sized, broad-crowned tree with drooping branches, dark green heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers that thrive in full sun and nutrient-rich garden soil.
Why it was chosen: The Weeping Mulberry was selected as a representative of decorative fruit trees with a weeping growth form. It combines a distinctive appearance with moderate hardiness and is suitable for both gardens and parks.

The Weeping Mulberry, botanically known as Morus alba 'Pendula', is an ornamental tree with a characteristic weeping growth form. The tree develops a broad crown with downward-arching branches, giving an elegant and tranquil expression in the garden.

The leaves are heart-shaped and dark green, creating a dense and decorative foliage throughout the summer. In May and June, the tree blooms with small white flowers, which may later be followed by light, white fruits in late summer.

The tree thrives best in full sun and in ordinary, nutrient-rich garden soil. It grows moderately and typically reaches a height of about 3 metres and a width of about 2 metres, making it suitable for medium-sized gardens or as a specimen tree in parks.

The Weeping Mulberry is moderately hardy and requires only limited maintenance, making it a practical choice for garden owners who want a decorative tree with a natural, weeping appearance.

  • Weeping growth form: Creates an elegant and distinctive expression in the garden.
  • Flowering in May–June: Small white flowers give a light and summery touch.
  • Fruits: White mulberries that ripen in late summer.
  • Placement: Thrives best in full sun and nutrient-rich garden soil.
  • Size: Approx. 3 metres high and 2 metres wide – suitable for medium-sized gardens.

Pros and cons

  • Decorative weeping growth form
  • Suitable for sunny locations
  • Relatively easy to care for
  • Produces both flowers and fruits
  • Moderate hardiness – may require protection in harsh winters
  • Requires space to spread its broad crown

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Decorative weeping growth form
  • Suitable for sunny locations
  • Relatively easy to care for
  • Produces both flowers and fruits

Cons

  • Moderate hardiness – may require protection in harsh winters
  • Requires space to spread its broad crown

Pros

  • Decorative weeping growth form
  • Suitable for sunny locations
  • Relatively easy to care for
  • Produces both flowers and fruits

Cons

  • Moderate hardiness – may require protection in harsh winters
  • Requires space to spread its broad crown
Pros: The plant has a decorative weeping growth form, thrives well in sunny locations, is relatively easy to care for and produces both flowers and fruits.
Cons: It has only moderate hardiness and may therefore require protection in harsh winters, and it needs plenty of space to spread its broad crown.
Pros: The plant has a decorative weeping growth form, thrives well in sunny locations, is relatively easy to care for and produces both flowers and fruits.
Cons: It has only moderate hardiness and may therefore require protection in harsh winters, and it needs plenty of space to spread its broad crown.

Specifications

  • Botanical name: Morus alba 'Pendula'
  • Type: Fruit tree / ornamental tree
  • Size: Medium-sized
  • Height: Approx. 3 metres
  • Width: Approx. 2 metres
  • Leaf shape: Heart-shaped
  • Leaf colour: Dark green
  • Flower colour: White
  • Flowering period: May – June
  • Fruit colour: White
  • Growth form: Broad-crowned, weeping
  • Growth: Moderately growing
  • Placement: Full sun
  • Soil type: Ordinary nutrient-rich garden soil
  • Hardiness: Moderate
  • Fertilisation level: Medium
  • Use: Gardens and parks
5
Nordic natural power
Common Wild Apple
A native, moderately growing tree with a broad crown, white flowers and small yellow-green fruits. Suitable for gardens, parks and shelterbelts, where it contributes with flowering, autumn colours and food for birds.
Why it was chosen: Common Wild Apple was selected as a representative of the native ornamental apple trees that combine decorative value with ecological significance. It is a robust choice for Danish conditions and an example of a species that is both beautiful and beneficial to nature.

Common Wild Apple (Malus sylvestris) is a moderately growing tree with a naturally spreading and broad crown. The species is native to Denmark and is characterised by its great hardiness and ability to thrive in many soil types, including where the soil is periodically moist.

The leaves are small, oval and fresh green with light yellow autumn colours. Young shoots are brownish-green, while older trunks develop a grey-brown, crust-like bark that can peel off in small flakes.

In spring, the tree is covered with many small white to pinkish-white flowers that attract beneficial insects. Later, small, oval yellow-green fruits of 3–4 cm develop, which are sour in taste. The fruits can be used for jelly or marmalade and serve as food for birds during the winter months.

The tree thrives best in full sun or partial shade and requires no special growing conditions. It can be planted individually, in groups or as part of a shelterbelt, where its wind resistance and natural form are best displayed. When planting, staking is recommended for the first two seasons to ensure good establishment.

  • Native species: Naturally occurring in Denmark and adapted to local conditions.
  • Decorative flowering: Many small white to pinkish-white flowers in spring.
  • Edible fruits: Small yellow-green apples, suitable for jelly and marmalade.
  • High hardiness: Tolerates wind and varied soil types, including moist ground.
  • Ecological value: Attracts insects and provides food for birds.

Pros and cons

  • Robust and wind-resistant tree, suitable for Danish conditions
  • Attracts pollinators and birds
  • Decorative flowering and autumn colour
  • Can be used both as an ornamental tree and in shelterbelts
  • The fruits are sour and not suitable for fresh eating
  • Requires staking during the establishment phase for stable growth

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Robust and wind-resistant tree, suitable for Danish conditions
  • Attracts pollinators and birds
  • Decorative flowering and autumn colour
  • Can be used both as an ornamental tree and in shelterbelts

Cons

  • The fruits are sour and not suitable for fresh eating
  • Requires staking during the establishment phase for stable growth

Pros

  • Robust and wind-resistant tree, suitable for Danish conditions
  • Attracts pollinators and birds
  • Decorative flowering and autumn colour
  • Can be used both as an ornamental tree and in shelterbelts

Cons

  • The fruits are sour and not suitable for fresh eating
  • Requires staking during the establishment phase for stable growth
Pros: The tree is robust and wind-resistant, making it suitable for Danish conditions, while also attracting pollinators and birds, having decorative flowering and beautiful autumn colours, and can be used both as an ornamental tree and in shelterbelts.
Cons: The fruits are sour and not suitable for fresh eating, and the tree requires staking during the establishment phase to ensure stable growth.
Pros: The tree is robust and wind-resistant, making it suitable for Danish conditions, while also attracting pollinators and birds, having decorative flowering and beautiful autumn colours, and can be used both as an ornamental tree and in shelterbelts.
Cons: The fruits are sour and not suitable for fresh eating, and the tree requires staking during the establishment phase to ensure stable growth.

Specifications

  • Botanical name: Malus sylvestris
  • Category: Ornamental apple
  • Main category: Trees
  • Growth form: Broad-crowned
  • Growth: Moderate to vigorous
  • Height: 600–700 cm
  • Width: 300–400 cm
  • Flowering: April–May
  • Flower colour: White to pinkish-white
  • Leaf colour: Green, yellow autumn foliage
  • Fruit colour: Yellow-green
  • Fruit size: 3–4 cm
  • Placement: Full sun or partial shade
  • Hardiness: Fully hardy
  • Soil type: Nutrient-rich, well-drained garden soil; tolerates moist ground
  • Use: Gardens, parks, shelterbelts
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Fruit trees bring both beauty and flavour to the garden. In this article, you’ll get an overview of different types and growth forms, so you can find the fruit trees that best suit your garden and your needs.
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Jake
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