The Christmas tree plays a central role in the festivities of many homes each year, and whether you have a real or artificial tree, it can be hard to get around the fact they take up a lot of room. If you're working with limited indoor space, or simply want to get some of your space back, you might be intrigued by the idea of using a real mini Christmas tree.
They're exactly what you imagine them to be: miniature versions of real Christmas tree varieties. As well as being space-saving, there's no denying they bring a a cute charm that full-size trees just can't quite achieve. Plus, if you normally opt for an artificial tree to avoid the mess real trees can cause, it's much easier to keep miniature trees tidy.
If you haven't heard of this Christmas tree idea before but want to find out more, you're in the right place. Here, we've put together a list of the best mini real Christmas trees to choose from.
5 mini real Christmas tree varieties
There are few things better than a miniature version of something else, and there's something endearing about mini real Christmas trees that allows them to make just as big a statement as full-sized trees. Not sure which mini real Christmas tree to go for? Try one of these beautiful varieties:
1. Tuscan Blue Rosemary
This is the obvious choice if you seek a real mini Christmas tree that gives of a delicious scent. As an indoor plant to make your living room smell nice, this variety of rosemary is guaranteed to uplift your Christmas decorations.
'Even though this isn't a miniature tree, the cone-like shape in which rosemary grows allows it to give the same effect. The needle-like foliage also give it that pine tree look,' says Head of Gardens at H&G, Rachel Bull. 'Tuscan Blue also produces beautiful blue flowers from winter into spring, so you can enjoy it beyond the holidays,' she adds.
Of course, a big bonus is this is an edible herb you can use to cook with. It's easy to harvest rosemary by taking cuttings with these scissors from Walmart. You can also get live Tuscan Blue rosemary plants from Walmart.
This is a good option for a real mini Christmas tree to sit on your kitchen countertop, especially if it's already part of your indoor herb garden. Just make sure that wherever it's positioned, it has plenty of sunlight exposure.
Rachel is a gardening editor, flower grower and floral designer. Her journalism career began on Country Living magazine, sparking a love of container gardening and wild planting. After more than a decade writing for and editing a range of consumer, business and special interest titles, Rachel became editor of floral art magazine The Flower Arranger. She then trained and worked as a floral designer and stylist in London for six years, before joining the Homes & Gardens team.
2. Boulevard Cypress
This is a great choice of tree to turn into a mini real Christmas tree. It naturally has a pyramid shape, with a silver-blue hue perfect for cool-toned Christmas aesthetics.
The reason this low-maintenance tree for pots can work as a mini festive indoor tree is that it grows slowly, reaching around six feet tall in 10 years.
'You would just need to get a young Boulevard Cypress, prune it a little around the base as you would for a large tree, and give it Christmas tree care to keep it looking its best through the festive season,' advises Rachel.
Like other real mini Christmas tree varieties, you might choose to do a bit of pruning to tidy it up. When doing so, use essential pruning tools like these pruning shears from Amazon.
You can purchase a Boulevard Cypress from the Gardening Know How Shop.
3. Lemon Cypress
A vibrant choice that will enhance your Christmas decorating alongside the best holiday houseplants, Lemon Cypress is easy to grow as a mini real Christmas tree.
Not only does this chartreuse evergreen tree bring plenty of color, it also has a lemon scent that makes a great addition to any homemade pot pourri you're using this year.
'For me, using real plants for festive decorating it an opportunity to evoke multiple senses,' says Rachel. 'There's no doubt a Lemon Cypress is among the best scented foliage for Christmas decorations, whether you use it as a mini tree or chop it up to add to garlands,' she adds.
Shop this Tabletop Dwarf Lemon Cypress from Fast Growing Trees.
4. Lawson Cypress
Another conifer option, Lawson Cypress varieties tend to have a slow growth rate, making them easy to contain as a real mini Christmas tree. Once again, you should opt for a young tree for the festive season.
Something to be aware of when using any type of small conifer for a Christmas tree is that they mustn't be overwatered. Water only when the soil is dry, otherwise you might notice your conifer turn brown.
The Gardens team here at H&G always like to use this soil moisture meter from Amazon to identify when it's time to give different plants a top up.
Fast Growing Trees sell Tabletop Lawson Cypress Trees, ideal for placing in smaller spots in your home.
5. Emerald Petite Arborvitae
Although Emerald Petite Arborvitae trees grow up to six feet tall, they can be easily kept smaller by pruning tree branches and foliage.
This tree is the first true dwarf in the Emerald Abrorvitae family, offering a deep green color in a compact size. Outdoors, this is the perfect choice of tree for small gardens.
'If you want that classic pine tree look in a small form, this is an effective alternative to go for,' says Rachel.
Browse Arborvitae trees at Nature Hills.
FAQs
Can you replant mini real Christmas trees?
Just like full-sized real Christmas trees, it is possible to replant real mini Christmas trees, so long as they were sold as living trees with intact roots. For example, you might be using a Lemon Cypress tree as a mini festive tree growing in soil. After the holiday season, you can move its container outdoors or plant it out in the ground. Just bear in mind your US hardiness zone and whether your real mini Christmas tree variety will thrive in your local climate.
Don't get too distracted by the charm of mini real Christmas trees that you forget to care for them. You'll need to research specific care requirements for the tree you are using, but there are also some general real Christmas tree mistakes to avoid.
If you like the idea of using something different to a real Christmas tree this year but aren't taken by any of these miniature versions, discover beautiful Christmas tree alternative plants in our expert guide.
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