A weeping tree is a great choice for a focal point in the garden because the unusual drooping growth habit makes it a real eyecatcher. If you have a small area for planting, or you simply prefer a relatively short tree, choose a cultivar that is smaller than the species variety. Here are 19 small and full-size weeping trees to consider. Also called Scotch elm, umbrella elm, or weeping elm, the ‘Camperdown’ cultivar has the potential to be infected with Dutch elm disease, which is spread by bark beetles. Do not prune the tree unless necessary, as this makes it more susceptible to beetles.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, loamy, well-drained
USDA Growing Zones: 5-9Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Moist (medium to wet), well-drained
This is one of the hardiest weeping trees and works well to create a focal point in colder regions. It takes some doing to keep it trained up, but is well worth the effort.
USDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, sandy, well-drained, acid
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 7Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Fertile, moist, well-drained
USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 9, depending on varietySun Exposure: Full sun to part shade, depending on varietySoil Needs: Deep, fertile, well-drained
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Fertile, moist, well-drained
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 7Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, deep, well-drained, moist
These trees can cross-pollinate with apples, which is important because most apple trees cannot pollinate themselves or even with other trees of the same variety. Using a weeping crabapple allows this process to happen without creating an overabundance of fruit for those who desire only one apple tree. For best results, make sure the trees are planted within at least 100 feet of each other. Bees will have an easier time the closer they are, especially with dwarf weeping varieties. Common weeping cultivars include ‘Louisa, ‘Luwick,’ ‘Molazam,’ ‘Red Jade,’ ‘Red Swan,’ ‘Royal Fountain,’ and ‘Weepcanzam’.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8, depending on varietySun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Well-drained, loamy, acid
Note: If you have currant or gooseberry plants, you may not want to grow eastern white pine. These berry plants can serve as hosts for the white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola fungus is the agent) and can spread the disease to the pine. Call your local extension office to see if this is a concern in your area. White Pines do not tolerate pollution well.
Exposure: Full sun to part shadeUSDA Growing Zones: 3 to 8Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Moist, well-drained
tc397 / Getty Images In hot places like Florida, this tree can grow to heights over 100 feet tall and become a nuisance. Some areas classify it as invasive. Make sure you have enough room if you want to plant one of these.
USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 11Sun Exposure: Full sun to full shadeSoil Needs: Well-drained, dry to medium moisture
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 7Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Well-drained
USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 8Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 7Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Moist to wet, acid
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USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9, depending on varietySun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained, acid
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USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained, evenly moist
In Europe, linden trees are known as lime. These are a favorite of bees and produce a heady aroma when in bloom.
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9Sun Exposure: Varies by speciesSoil Needs: Varies by species
The ‘Pendula’ cultivar is a female variety and may produce mulberry fruits. The fruit can be great for eating and attracting wildlife, but it is a prolific producer and you may find its litter to be too much. If you want the weeping habit without fruit, choose the ‘Chaparral’ variety, which is male. Keep an eye out for suckers, especially since the tree is grafted with full-size tree rootstock. You can help control suckers by snipping off the offending part and keeping the tree watered and healthy. Depending on the graft location, the tree can grow 6 to 20 feet tall at maturity.
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8Sun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shadeSoil Needs: Rich, well-drained, sandy loam
USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 9aSun Exposure: Full sunSoil Needs: Rich, moist, slightly acid
