F ive top space-saving plants

Prunus ‘Amanogawa’

Flowering cherries are one of the joys of spring but they cast dense shade and their surface roots deprive the soil underneath, and any plants, of moisture. ‘Amanogawa’, the flagpole cherry, is just right for small gardens, growing narrowly upright and living up to the translation of its Japanese name (Milky Way) in spring. H: 5m (16½ft), S: 1.5m (5ft).

Rose ‘Laura Ford’

Every garden needs a few roses but there’s not always room for a climber. Patio climbers, such as ‘Laura Ford’, take up little room and bloom from the base to the top. This yellow rose has perfectly formed blooms, healthy leaves and a light scent. Reaching 2m (6½ft) in height and blooming all summer, it can be grown in the soil or in a pot.

Photinia ‘Little Red Robin’

The larger ‘Red Robin’ is one of the most popular evergreen shrubs in gardens, grown more for its brilliant red, new growth than the white flowers on untrimmed bushes. But it’s a large shrub, barely suitable for small gardens. This dwarf version is just as colourful but has smaller leaves and is neat enough for the smallest garden or in pots. H/S: 1m (3¼ft).

Sambucus ‘Black Tower’

Black-leaved elders are beautiful and will grow almost anywhere, but their vigour is their downfall in small gardens. ‘Black Tower’ is a good choice where space is at a premium because it has a chunky, upright habit. Young leaves are green but mature to deep purple and the pink flowers and berries accommodate wildlife. H: 3m (10ft), S: 1m (3¼ft).