Trees and Shrubs for Garden Containers

Year around enjoyment will be there when you select a potted tree or shrub that’s evergreen or has attractive bark, even when its leaves are gone.  They are great choices for containers if you need a large plant for a certain spot.  Perhaps a Christmas Tree?

Basically the only limit on the size of tree that you can plant will be your ability to lift the container.  There are special planter lifts available, however, perhaps a grouping of many smaller shrubs and trees is more practical.  If in a windy place, the top-heavy trees can be very easily blown over and damaged.  With very large containers, ensure that you place the container on the movable base before filling it with soil and the plant.  The wheels are great and come in handy when moving the plant around as the seasons change or to protect it from winter chills away from fierce wind or brutal sunshine.

In many areas, one large tree in a container is all you need to add a spectacular focal point to your patio, deck or courtyard.  They are an investment, so make sure that you know what you want when you visit garden shop or nursery. 

If your garden or balcony is overlooked by a neighboring window at a certain height, you will need to select an evergreen for year-round privacy.  Then, if your space is limited, you could consider a large tree on a long truck, thus all the foliage can spread out like a canopy above a seating area, with the added bonus of giving you shade while affording privacy.

When faced with a blank wall or fence, you will want to cover it or camouflage it with well spaced shrubs or trees.  The effect of evenly spaced containers along the wall or fence gives a finished look without the feeling of being closed in.  Some of the plants to be considered would be conifers such as Chamaecyparis, Juniperus and the Picea species, the Eucalyptus gunnii and the boxwood (Buxus).  All are suitable for garden planters and containers.  Small or dwarf varieties are great, they are easily handled and are usually slower growing. 

Each of the containers can be surrounded by colorful annuals during the season to add color and variety to the potted tree.

If you are choosing to plant shrubs in your containers, be sure to check that there are drainage holes in the bottom and then place broken crockery or bits of polystyrene on the bottom to increase drainage and not block the holes.  Fill the pot with fresh loam-based potting mix (no peat please) and fill to where you can stand the plant up in the container on the soil with a two inch gap to the rim of the pot. 

Place the shrub in its container (the one you brought home from the nursery) in the center of the pot and start filling around it, making sure the soil is firmly packed.  You want to create a hole for the plant to slip into, in exactly the right place and at the correct depth.  If it’s not center, redo a second time.  Gently remove the shrub in its container out of the pot leaving the hole intact.  Be sure that the plant is well watered at this point.  Then carefully remove the shrub from its container and tease the roots at the edge of the root so that they grow outward.  Gently lower the shrub into the hole created, add more soil if required.  Be sure to water in well to remove any air pockets.  Secret:  place a piece of crockery at the corner of the finished container and pour water over it – you will have an even flow of water and not expose the roots. 

Finally, scatter gravel or small river rock in the thin layer around the shrub.  This is a lovely decorative touch and serves to keep the plant moist without excessive evaporation.