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Ornamentals in
Containers and Planters
Matching the right container, pot, or planter to a tree or shrub is more than choosing a style, it also considers the space and other needs of the planting.
Containers and Planters
for Trees and Shrubs
With trees and shrubs, often the size of the container always an issue. Large planters offer necessary support for plants with extensive root systems, since they can hold a greater volume of soil, water, and nutrients.
Good drainage is another must for healthy plants, so make sure that your container has an adequate number of drainage holes. If you have your heart set on an unusual shrub planter that lacks holes, in most cases you can drill some yourself.
Then, there’s weight. Once planted and watered, large pots are very heavy. Build or place fixed and moveable containers in their final location before you plant. Another option is to set heavy pots on roller-wheeled dollies for easily movement.
Container Appearance and Type
Appearance is another factor in choosing containers, together with the soil mix they’ll contain. Make sure they match their setting, your landscape’s other features, and are a good fit for the conditions in your site. Using a prepared soil medium is always better for container shrub and tree plantings.
Concrete, stone, terra cotta, and wood are all good options for container materials. If you live in a cold-winter or hot-summer climate, choose containers that withstand freezing and baking temperatures.
The best cold-climate choices are high-quality wood planters, thick stone planters, or lightweight containers made of fiberglass, polyethylene, or structural foam. Many molded containers resemble terra cotta or concrete, but weigh far less.
When it comes to planting soil, choose a high-quality potting soil that matches the need of each container plant.
While nurseries and garden centers stock both soil-based and lightweight soil-free potting mixes, its better to use a soil-based mix if you are planting a large-sized tree or shrub. These heavier mixes help anchor the plant’s root system and support the planting.
When planting water-loving plants such as hydrangeas, you may want to consider adding water-retaining polymers, commonly called “hydrogels,” to the planting mix. These polymers soak up water when moist, then slowly release it into the surrounding soil mixture as they dry.
The opposite is true for plants of the desert or native trees and shrubs of arid regions. Cacti and arid species require soil mixes drain quickly and dry thoroughly between waterings to avoid root rot and other fungal diseases.
Specimen Trees
in Structural Planters
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