What is a hardy, large tree that I can use as a container/patio plant?

My patio gets FULL SUN, there is no shade and I want a large tropical tree or two! My backyard has Queen Palms, Hibiscus and other tropical plants. I live in a desert type climate so when it is hot it is at least 100 degrees in the summer but in the winter it gets in the 40s here in Southern California. Please some good suggestions?
What is a hardy, large tree that I can use as a container/patio plant?
Crepe myrtle would be a good choice for a container type tree. However, it is more of a shrub that grows to the height of a small tree. You would need a large pot for all of these examples. At least the size of half a barrel or approximately 25 liters.

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Japanese Maples are always popular with their beautiful colors and form.

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Some Roses also do well in pots and containers.

here's a web site that can tell you all about it.

http://www.davidaustinroses.com/american...
Reply:You might want to try a rubber tree. The leaves are huge, the plant loves sun and the plant is very hardy. Although not a tree, jade plants and scheffelera plants grow well in lots of heat and sun and will grow to a good size. These plants have lovely geometric designs and would great on a patio.
Reply:Hardy large trees, even the tropicals, are rather slow-growing. If you're thinking container stuff for fast shade on your patio, try a fruitless mulberry - they are v. fast growing compared to anything else, and at least for a few years can survive in a container. Crape myrtle [previous answer] is gorgeous but takes longer to grow than the mulberry. Have you considered split-bamboo roll-up/down blinds at a strategic west-facing location from an overhang?



Good patio shrubs in your climate include: euonymous [comes in varying leaf-patterns %26amp; colors] and raphiolepsis indica [sturdy green, small-leaves, gorgeous blossoms %26amp; dark blue berries in the fall]. They do great in containers and do not defoliate in the winter...green all year round. Suggest this only because looking out at greenery is cooling...maybe clustered in their containers around the big tree thingie?
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