Standards: Small Trees for Big Impact in Small Gardens

Standards—flowering shrubs or woody vines trained into tree forms—are booming. "Patio trees" with crowns at least 30 inches above the pot are especially popular. At Hines Nurseries in Irvine, 10 acres now grow patio trees versus 2 acres for full-size trees, a reversal from 20 years ago. The trend reflects shrinking Western yards and the versatility of standards, which thrive in containers or ground.

Pruning for Bloom

"Often and lightly" is the rule. Hard pruning encourages long shoots and reduces flowers. Continuously blooming plants like Paraguay nightshade (Lycianthes rantonnei) benefit from weekly trimming. Spring bloomers like azaleas should be shaped after flowering. Vigorous bougainvillea may need hard cuts every few years, but light pruning maintains flower production.

Staking Young Standards

Standards are top-heavy. Support young trunks with a sturdy wood stake or 1/2-inch galvanized pipe. Mature plants may develop strong trunks, but keep staking in windy areas.

15 Excellent Standard Choices

• Alyogyne huegelii
• Azalea, Southern Indica varieties
• Bougainvillea
• Camellia japonica
• Cape mallow (Anisodontea hypomandarum)
• Euryops pectinatus 'Viridis'
• Flowering maple (Abutilon hybrids)
• Fuchsia hybrids
• Gardenia jasminoides 'August Beauty', 'Mystery', 'Veitchii'
• Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
• Lantana hybrids
• New Zealand tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium)
• Paraguay nightshade (Lycianthes rantonnei 'Royal Robe')
• Rhaphiolepis indica
• Roses (floribunda, ground cover, shrub, hybrid tea)

Tree roses typically come in 36- and 60-inch heights.