A Tree for a Container

Can anyone recomend a good tree for a large container, please?

I have a medium sized garden (on a south east facing slope), with several large pine trees at the top of it, however the aspect of the garden and its layout tends to prevent tree planting elsewhere in the garden as it would cast too much shade. So I was wondering if I could grow one in a pot on the patio which is sheltered and gets very warm in summer, and could use some extra height and shade.

Ideally the tree would be able to cope with drought and need little in the way of attention. Multi season interest preferable (summer flowers, autumn colour, winter bark etc). Tall order I know but there must be something out there which fits the bill. Any ideas?

 

I have a Japanese Maple, Chinese Witch Hazel and a red cordyline in pots on the patio and they all look very nice

 

Dwarf flowering cherries can look nice - I got a weeping one that has blossom in early spring, and gorgeous autumn colour.

 

I have a blue spruce planted in a half barrel, basicly the barrel has bonsaied it beutifully to a nice 8' conical seems fairly drought tolerant and normally only gets a splash with the hose when I water the rest.

Otherwise as already sudgested a witch hazel will give you spring and autumn colur.

 

Thanks for the replies. keep the suggestions coming!

 

Most trees that provide you with seasonal interest are deciduous - and will not cope well with drought and limited attention in a container. They will need both watering and feeding to produce seasonal colour.

Amelanchier, Malus, Cotinus,Prunus, Sorbus and Cornus would seem to meet the specification - as well as the previously mentioned acers. White bark birch would also provide some winter interest.