Potted Trees: Deciduous and Evergreen Varieties and Tips for the Container Garden
© Kathy Reiffenstein
How to Plant Trees in a Container
Small, dwarf, and semi-dwarf tree varieties are best for container growing because they can establish its roots comfortably in the limited amount of potting soil. Most tree "feeder" roots are wire-thin, short, and grow horizontall in the top inches of soil to absorb water and nutrients. When they are damaged, an equivalent number of branches will eventually die.
Select a pot that is large enough to allow root expansion and to accommodate sufficient potting mixture. Before planting, loosen the soil around the root ball and lift the tree by it, not the trunk, into the new pot. Add a slow release fertilizer once a year. Try to plant the tree several months before your most severe weather arrives (cold climates should plant in spring/summer; hot climates in fall/winter).
Basic Rules of Container Gardening
Small, slow-growing trees are ideal, as they require less pruning and re-potting. The quintessential container tree is the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum). From beautifully sculpted branches to lacy, intricate leaves to stunning fall colors of both leaves and bark, this tree offers four-season interest. There are many varieties, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one suited to your climate. Cold winters are not a problem for this beauty, but good drainage and protection from the wind are essential. Varieties inclide ‘Dissectum’ with pale green leaves; ‘Atropurpureum’ with purplish or bronze leaves; and ‘Nigrum’ with darker blackish purple leaves.
The eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), native to the eastern U.S., is a flowering tree with shiny, heart-shaped leaves and small, lavender-pink flowers in spring. ‘Forest Pansy’ is a good choice for containers, preferring well-drained soil and lots of sun. With deep burgundy-wine colored leaves throughout the season and a shiny black bark, this tree is striking.
Small, dwarf, and semi-dwarf tree varieties are best for container growing because they can establish its roots comfortably in the limited amount of potting soil. Most tree "feeder" roots are wire-thin, short, and grow horizontall in the top inches of soil to absorb water and nutrients. When they are damaged, an equivalent number of branches will eventually die.
Select a pot that is large enough to allow root expansion and to accommodate sufficient potting mixture. Before planting, loosen the soil around the root ball and lift the tree by it, not the trunk, into the new pot. Add a slow release fertilizer once a year. Try to plant the tree several months before your most severe weather arrives (cold climates should plant in spring/summer; hot climates in fall/winter).
Basic Rules of Container Gardening
- Choose trees that are well-suited to your area and the microclimate of your garden.
- Make sure your container is clean (sterilize with 1 part bleach to 10 parts water).
- Use a potting mixture, preferably organic, specifically designed for containers. With trees, you can add 5-10% of sterilized soil to the potting mixture to support the heavier plant and provide a more stable container. Don't use regular garden soil – it will not drain well enough and likely contains weeds or soil diseases.
- Water appropriately. Containers tend to dry out more quickly, but don't over-water.
- Put the plant on a wheeled plant stand for easy movement to move it as light conditions change.
- If you leave the container stationary, set it up on bricks or small blocks of wood to provide good air circulation and drainage to prevent root rot.
Small, slow-growing trees are ideal, as they require less pruning and re-potting. The quintessential container tree is the Japanese maple (Acer palmatum). From beautifully sculpted branches to lacy, intricate leaves to stunning fall colors of both leaves and bark, this tree offers four-season interest. There are many varieties, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find one suited to your climate. Cold winters are not a problem for this beauty, but good drainage and protection from the wind are essential. Varieties inclide ‘Dissectum’ with pale green leaves; ‘Atropurpureum’ with purplish or bronze leaves; and ‘Nigrum’ with darker blackish purple leaves.
The eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), native to the eastern U.S., is a flowering tree with shiny, heart-shaped leaves and small, lavender-pink flowers in spring. ‘Forest Pansy’ is a good choice for containers, preferring well-drained soil and lots of sun. With deep burgundy-wine colored leaves throughout the season and a shiny black bark, this tree is striking.
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