Rather than cut down a fresh tree each year, more and more of us are opting to grow a Christmas tree outside in a container or in the garden to decorate each year.

To grow a tree in a container in the medium to long term, the tree selected needs to be relatively slow growing and of a modest sized tree. The traditional varieties of Christmas tree are not suitable for growing in a container or small garden. They are all fast growing and get too large too soon..

When buying a cut Christmas tree, typically the selection offered to us for sale will be the Norway spruce (Picea abies ) which is a fast growing tree ultimately reaching 55 meters. The Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana ) although slightly slower growing it will get to a very similar size over time, as will the Douglas fir.

A Christmas tree to keep and grow on in a container really needs to be something which looks like a Christmas tree, but is smaller and much slower growing, so it will not get too large.

All container-grown trees need to be kept well-watered throughout the year. As always, when growing any shrub or plant in a container, there is an increased risk of the roots drying out and regular watering is essential. Plant into a large container with built in growing space but not so huge the new tree is lost. In terms of compost, check the variety you choose with your retailer as some are best in ericaceous compost.

Ideas for Containter Christmas Trees
The Alberta spruce is a contender, although ultimately reaching 3m, picea gluca var. albertiana ‘Conica’ is very slow growing. It is an evergreen, conical in shape, with a slight blue tinge to its foliage. It can be kept in a container and is best in ericaceous compost. You can prune it in the autumn to maintain the conical shape if there are wayward branches. Suttons have Picea glauca 'Sanders Blue' for sale on their website, another ideal contender. A small, conical tree with steely-blue to deep grey-green needle-like foliage, slow growing ultimate height 400 x 300.

Also suitable is Picea glauca 'Perfecta' which can be container grown in a sunny spot in ericaceous compost. Ultimate height 1.5 x 60 and makes an ideal Christmas tree and on line to buy at Suttons.

Picea pungens 'Blue Diamond Super Blue' is a really attractive, lovely Blue Spruce, which will slowly grow up to 2m. It has pronounced silvery blue foliage and again can be prune to keep to a “Christmas Tree “shape. In part, because of its lovely blue colour, it is becoming more popular as a Christmas selection.

The last suggestion is Picea abies 'Rydal', a Norway spruce with an eventual height around 2.5m which means it may need to be transferred out into the garden in the later years. However, it is slow growing and will remain suited to a container for many years. It has an upright conical habit which looks good decorated as a Christmas tree. It also has lovely red new growth in the spring, fading to green, showing that a Christmas tree is not just for Christmas, but a handsome tree in its own right.

These are all good garden evergreens which will withstand growing in a container for a number of years and can easily stand in as a Christmas tree. Alternatively, there are many dwarf varieties of conifer and pine which are even smaller still which may suit.