Hi Kath t. I’m sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. The tree that sprung straight in to my mind is a fairly new one. Its a small tree, suitable for a large pot, but just grow it in the pot that keeps it snug and then gradually increase the size of your pot as the roots fill it. This is best with all trees in pots. Not a good idea to put a lanky young sapling in a great big pot as the wind will rock it about too much. The tree I am thinking of is Styrax japonicus ‘Marley’s Pink Parasol’...available from Wisley’s Plant Centre. There is also a Styrax with a white flower. Its a beautiful small but elegant tree for a warm sunny position. Acers prefer some shade or you could choose from an array of those. The other obvious choice would be a Dwarf Conifer...one that’s properly dwarf as opposed to one that grows slowly into a large tree. And my last idea is a crab apple tree. They are fantastic...tons of spring blossom and fruits that stay on the tree well into winter. You can get them with yellow, orange or red fruits in various sizes. Malus ‘Evereste’ is lovely and ‘John Downie’ is a gorgeous compact one with elongated fruits in rosy hues. I hope you get some other good ideas!

sorry to hear about your dad. yes a small tree is a lovely idea. contorted hazels are good too as well as the suggestions already given. I agree about the Malus 'Evereste', its a lovely tree. I like Rowan but they may get too big.

I thought about Prunus ko-jo-mai. It's a spring flowering dwarf cherry, very prolific pale pink flowers. In the ground it will reach 7 feet but it can stay in a pot and not get as big.

Great idea Stera! Contorted Hazel is also a great idea from Seaburngirl! I have two Swedish Birches in large planters, and Birch would also be an idea...especially the smaller growing weeping Birch.

Is it your intention to always have your tree in a pot, or will you be able to plant it in the ground at a future date?

I second Steragram’s suggestion. It’s a lovely small tree that can stay in a pot, and as well as Spring blossom has beautifully coloured leaves in Autumn.

Lovely idea to remember your Dad by.

I am sorry to hear of your loss but I think a tree would be a lovely way to remember him. I too agree with Steragrams suggestion. If you prefer a Rowan there are two small rockery types 1. Sorbus reducta - white flowers and red berries. 2. Sorbus poteriifolia pygmaea - white flowers and pink berries. Both are very slow growing and ideal for pots which can be sunk in to your rockery and dug up if you move. It saves you having to worry about watering.

I might look those up myself Scotsgran...thank you!

I'm sorry you lost your Dad. My Dad passed away a couple years ago. He was my best friend. Your idea is brilliant.

Another idea is to buy a tree for him in a planted memorial forest, then you won't have to worry about moving house, especially if there is one near you so you can visit it from time to time. And then it could be a proper big forest tree.