Overview: Fruit trees for the garden in many varieties


Overview: Fruit trees for the garden in many varieties


Fruit trees are one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your garden. They not only create a beautiful, green appearance, but also provide the opportunity to harvest fresh fruit year after year. Whether you have a large garden with space for several trees or just a smaller terrace, there are fruit trees in many sizes and varieties that can be adapted to your needs and preferences.
In this article, you’ll get an overview of different types of fruit trees – from classic apple and pear trees to more exotic varieties such as peach and fig – as well as inspiration on how to choose the right tree for your garden.
The article presents a wide selection of fruit trees available from Swedish retailers. The aim is to provide insight into the many options available on the market, so that you can more easily find the type that suits your garden, climate, and taste preferences. The product information is based on descriptions from producers and retailers and has been summarised to provide a clear and informative overview.

Sweet Almond (Prunus dulcis) is a fruit tree that blooms in April with light pink flowers and gives the garden a clear sense of spring. The fruits initially resemble small green peaches, but the flesh is dry and inedible. The kernel in the middle of the fruit is an edible almond that can be used directly or in baking.
The tree thrives best in full sun and in nutrient-rich soil. It should be watered and fertilised regularly during the growing season to maintain good growth and fruit set. Due to the Danish climate, cultivation in a greenhouse or in a warm location, for example against a south- or west-facing wall, is recommended to protect against frost and fungal diseases.
Sweet Almond has a broad-crowned growth form and can reach a height of 2–4 metres and a width of 3–4 metres. The leaves are elongated and green, and the flowers are white to light pink. The fruits usually ripen in September.
- Flowering: Light pink flowers in April provide a beautiful spring display.
- Edible almonds: The kernel of the fruit can be used like regular almonds.
- Placement: Thrives best in full sun and sheltered from wind and frost.
- Growth form: Broad-crowned tree with medium growth rate.
- Use: Suitable for gardens and parks as both an ornamental and useful plant.
Pros and cons
- Decorative flowering in spring
- Produces edible almonds
- Can be grown in a greenhouse or in a sheltered open area
- Suitable for sunny locations
- Sensitive to frost and fungal diseases in open areas
- Requires nutrient-rich soil and regular watering
- The fruit flesh is dry and inedible
Pros and cons
Pros
- Decorative flowering in spring
- Produces edible almonds
- Can be grown in a greenhouse or in a sheltered open area
- Suitable for sunny locations
Cons
- Sensitive to frost and fungal diseases in open areas
- Requires nutrient-rich soil and regular watering
- The fruit flesh is dry and inedible
Pros
- Decorative flowering in spring
- Produces edible almonds
- Can be grown in a greenhouse or in a sheltered open area
- Suitable for sunny locations
Cons
- Sensitive to frost and fungal diseases in open areas
- Requires nutrient-rich soil and regular watering
- The fruit flesh is dry and inedible
Specifications
- Botanical name: Prunus dulcis
- Category: Fruit trees & Fruit bushes
- Type: Almond tree
- Flowering period: April (spring)
- Flower colour: White to light pink
- Leaf colour: Green
- Leaf shape: Elongated
- Fruit colour: Brown
- Fruit size: 1–5 cm
- Ripening time: September
- Height: 200–400 cm
- Width: 300–400 cm
- Placement: Full sun
- Growth form: Broad-crowned, medium-growing
- Hardiness: Fair (requires protection from frost)
- Fertilisation level: Medium
- Optimal growing conditions: Nutrient-rich soil and even watering

Sakhalin cherry, also known as Prunus sargentii, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that develops a broad, vase-shaped crown. With age, the tree acquires a more spreading and multi-stemmed structure, giving it a characteristic and natural appearance in the garden.
The leaves are medium-sized and elongated with a distinct tip. They emerge in a dark bronze-red tone, later becoming fresh green and ending the season with intense red and orange-red autumn colours. The smooth, reddish-brown bark with light lenticels darkens over time and develops pronounced horizontal stripes.
The tree flowers profusely in April and the first half of May with large, light pink flowers that often appear before the leaves. Fruit set is rare, but small black-red berries can be seen in some years.
Sakhalin cherry thrives best in sun to partial shade and prefers a nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. It tolerates many soil types but should not be planted where water stands. In heavy clay soil, the soil can be loosened and supplemented with gravel or sand for better drainage.
The tree is suitable as a specimen plant in gardens, parks and avenues, where it can be highlighted as a decorative element. During the establishment phase, staking is recommended to ensure stable growth.
- Profusely flowering spring tree: Large, light pink flowers in April and May.
- Decorative foliage: Changes from bronze-red spring leaves to red and orange-red autumn colours.
- Characteristic growth form: Vase-shaped and later broad-crowned structure.
- Robust and adaptable: Thrives in sun or partial shade on well-drained soil.
- Suitable as an ornamental tree: Well suited as a specimen tree in gardens and parks.
Pros and cons
- Beautiful flowering and striking autumn colours
- Tolerates many soil types
- Suitable as a specimen tree or in groups
- Relatively hardy and robust
- Requires well-drained soil and should not stand in waterlogged soil
- Needs staking during the establishment phase
- Fruit set is rare
Pros and cons
Pros
- Beautiful flowering and striking autumn colours
- Tolerates many soil types
- Suitable as a specimen tree or in groups
- Relatively hardy and robust
Cons
- Requires well-drained soil and should not stand in waterlogged soil
- Needs staking during the establishment phase
- Fruit set is rare
Pros
- Beautiful flowering and striking autumn colours
- Tolerates many soil types
- Suitable as a specimen tree or in groups
- Relatively hardy and robust
Cons
- Requires well-drained soil and should not stand in waterlogged soil
- Needs staking during the establishment phase
- Fruit set is rare
Specifications
- Botanical name: Prunus sargentii
- Swedish name: Sakhalin cherry
- Category: Japanese cherry / Tree
- Growth form: Vase-shaped, broad-crowned
- Height: 1000–1500 cm
- Width: 150–300 cm
- Flowering: April–May
- Flower colour: Light pink to pink
- Leaf colour: Red-green, bronze-red when emerging
- Autumn colour: Red and orange-red
- Placement: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil type: Nutrient-rich and well-drained garden soil
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Use: Gardens and parks
- Wind conditions: Should be placed in a sheltered position
- Fertilisation level: Medium

The willow-leaved pear 'Pendula' is a small tree characterised by its weeping and spreading crown. It is often grafted onto a stem, which gives a clear trunk height and a crown that develops from round to umbrella-shaped and later flat-topped.
The leaves are narrow and covered with fine, soft hairs that give a silvery-grey tone in spring and later a grey-green colour. The foliage resembles that of willow or olive trees and contributes to a light and elegant appearance. In autumn, the leaves take on subtle light yellow shades, and leaf fall occurs late in the season.
The bark is initially silvery white due to the many fine hairs, but with age becomes grey and develops fissures. In April and May, the tree blooms with white to cream-white flowers with reddish stamens, gathered in corymbs and with a slightly sweet scent.
After flowering, small greenish-brown fruits may form, which are not edible but are sometimes taken by birds after frost. The tree thrives best in full sun and in ordinary, well-drained garden soil. It is hardy, wind-resistant, and tolerates drought once established.
The willow-leaved pear is often used as a specimen tree or in small groups, where its light foliage and weeping growth habit create contrast and structure in plantings.
- Weeping growth form: Creates an elegant and distinctive expression in the garden.
- Silvery-grey foliage: Gives a light and contrasting character against darker vegetation.
- Hardy and wind-resistant: Suitable for Scandinavian conditions and requires minimal maintenance.
- Spring flowering: White to cream-white flowers in April–May.
- Suitable as an ornamental tree: Works well as a specimen tree or in smaller groups.
Pros and cons
- Decorative weeping growth and silvery-green foliage
- Hardy and drought-tolerant after establishment
- Requires little maintenance
- Thrives in full sun and ordinary garden soil
- The fruits are not edible
- Young trees may need staking during the first seasons
- Prefers well-drained soil and may struggle in heavy, wet soil
Pros and cons
Pros
- Decorative weeping growth and silvery-green foliage
- Hardy and drought-tolerant after establishment
- Requires little maintenance
- Thrives in full sun and ordinary garden soil
Cons
- The fruits are not edible
- Young trees may need staking during the first seasons
- Prefers well-drained soil and may struggle in heavy, wet soil
Pros
- Decorative weeping growth and silvery-green foliage
- Hardy and drought-tolerant after establishment
- Requires little maintenance
- Thrives in full sun and ordinary garden soil
Cons
- The fruits are not edible
- Young trees may need staking during the first seasons
- Prefers well-drained soil and may struggle in heavy, wet soil
Specifications
- Botanical name: Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula'
- Type: Ornamental tree
- Growth form: Weeping, overhanging, broad-crowned
- Height: 400–700 cm
- Width: 300–600 cm
- Leaf colour: Grey to grey-green
- Flower colour: White to cream-white
- Flowering period: April–May
- Fruit colour: Greenish-brown (not edible)
- Placement: Full sun
- Soil type: Nutrient-rich, well-drained garden soil
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Wind conditions: Should be placed in a sheltered position
- Use: Gardens and parks
- Growth rate: Medium-growing
- Ripening time: September–October

The Weeping Mulberry, botanically known as Morus alba 'Pendula', is an ornamental tree with a characteristic weeping growth form. The tree develops a broad crown with downward-curving branches, giving an elegant and tranquil expression in the garden.
The leaves are heart-shaped and dark green, creating a dense and decorative foliage mass during the summer. In May and June, the tree blooms with small white flowers, which may later be followed by light, white fruits in late summer.
The tree thrives best in full sun and in ordinary, nutrient-rich garden soil. It grows moderately and usually reaches a height of about 3 metres and a width of about 2 metres, making it suitable for medium-sized gardens or as a specimen tree in parks.
The Weeping Mulberry is moderately hardy and requires only limited maintenance, making it a practical choice for garden owners who want a decorative tree with a natural, weeping appearance.
- Weeping growth form: Creates an elegant and distinctive expression in the garden.
- Flowering in May–June: Small white flowers provide a light and summery feel.
- Fruits: White mulberries that ripen in late summer.
- Placement: Thrives best in full sun and nutrient-rich garden soil.
- Size: About 3 metres high and 2 metres wide – suitable for medium-sized gardens.
Pros and cons
- Decorative weeping growth form
- Suitable for sunny locations
- Relatively easy to care for
- Produces both flowers and fruits
- Moderately hardy – may require protection during severe winters
- Requires space to develop its broad crown
Pros and cons
Pros
- Decorative weeping growth form
- Suitable for sunny locations
- Relatively easy to care for
- Produces both flowers and fruits
Cons
- Moderately hardy – may require protection during severe winters
- Requires space to develop its broad crown
Pros
- Decorative weeping growth form
- Suitable for sunny locations
- Relatively easy to care for
- Produces both flowers and fruits
Cons
- Moderately hardy – may require protection during severe winters
- Requires space to develop its broad crown
Specifications
- Botanical name: Morus alba 'Pendula'
- Type: Fruit tree / ornamental tree
- Size: Medium-sized
- Height: About 3 metres
- Width: About 2 metres
- Leaf shape: Heart-shaped
- Leaf colour: Dark green
- Flower colour: White
- Flowering period: May – June
- Fruit colour: White
- Growth form: Broad-crowned, weeping
- Growth rate: Moderately growing
- Placement: Full sun
- Soil type: Ordinary nutrient-rich garden soil
- Hardiness: Medium
- Fertilisation level: Medium
- Use: Gardens and parks

Common Wild Apple (Malus sylvestris) is a moderately growing tree with a naturally spreading and broad crown. The species is native to Denmark and is characterised by its great hardiness and ability to thrive in many soil types, even where the soil is periodically moist.
The leaves are small, oval and fresh green with light yellow autumn colours. Young shoots are brownish-green, while older trunks develop a grey-brown, crust-like bark that can flake off in small pieces.
In spring, the tree is covered with many small white to pinkish-white flowers that attract beneficial insects. Later, small, oval yellow-green fruits of 3–4 cm develop, which are tart in taste. The fruits can be used for jelly or marmalade and serve as food for birds during the winter months.
The tree thrives best in full sun or partial shade and requires no special growing conditions. It can be planted individually, in groups or as part of a hedge, where its wind resistance and natural form come into their own. When planting, staking is recommended during the first two seasons to ensure good establishment.
- Native species: Occurs naturally in Denmark and is adapted to local conditions.
- Decorative flowering: Many small white to pinkish-white flowers in spring.
- Edible fruits: Small yellow-green apples, suitable for jelly and marmalade.
- High hardiness: Tolerates wind and varying soil types, even moist soil.
- Ecological value: Attracts insects and provides food for birds.
Pros and cons
- Robust and wind-resistant tree, suitable for Danish conditions
- Attracts pollinators and birds
- Decorative flowering and autumn colour
- Can be used both as an ornamental tree and in hedges
- The fruits are tart and not suitable for fresh consumption
- Requires staking during the establishment phase for stable growth
Pros and cons
Pros
- Robust and wind-resistant tree, suitable for Danish conditions
- Attracts pollinators and birds
- Decorative flowering and autumn colour
- Can be used both as an ornamental tree and in hedges
Cons
- The fruits are tart and not suitable for fresh consumption
- Requires staking during the establishment phase for stable growth
Pros
- Robust and wind-resistant tree, suitable for Danish conditions
- Attracts pollinators and birds
- Decorative flowering and autumn colour
- Can be used both as an ornamental tree and in hedges
Cons
- The fruits are tart and not suitable for fresh consumption
- Requires staking during the establishment phase for stable growth
Specifications
- Botanical name: Malus sylvestris
- Category: Ornamental apple
- Main category: Tree
- Growth form: Broad-crowned
- Growth: Moderate to vigorous
- Height: 600–700 cm
- Width: 300–400 cm
- Flowering: April–May
- Flower colour: White to pinkish-white
- Leaf colour: Green, yellow autumn leaves
- Fruit colour: Yellow-green
- Fruit size: 3–4 cm
- Placement: Full sun or partial shade
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
- Soil type: Nutrient-rich, well-drained garden soil; tolerates moist soil
- Use: Gardens, parks, hedges









