Compact plants are selectively bred varieties or naturally grow to be smaller and more compact than average. Their petite size makes them suitable for small spaces and containers.

Examples include dwarf conifers like dwarf Alberta spruce, compact vegetable varieties like Patio tomato, and smaller cultivars of perennials like Little Devil ninebark and compact cranesbill geranium. Bonsai trees are purposefully grown to be miniaturized.

Compact houseplants include varieties of palms, figs like the fiddle leaf fig ‘Bambino,’ gardenia, and hibiscus.

Compact plants allow the flexibility of gardening in tight spaces and mixed planting. Their restrained growth also reduces maintenance needs.