Container gardening suggestions?

HU-196206895

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hi there

i really like these white planters for my back patio, sunny in morning, shade in afternoon.

do you have any suggestions? The small square inner size is 9.5 square 12” tall and larger square is 13.5 square inner size and 16” tall. Will a tree like this in one of the photos work for the bigger box? in the smaller one, I’m envisioning a flow-y (Like coming down sides a little) delicate look that’s not high maintenance and both all year green. Big one would love a mini tree but don’t know if the pot is big enough.

i am in, zone 6a,7, and need something to be OK during the winter.

I would love if you could suggest something for me

thanks so much!

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

6 years ago

You would need to wrap the container itself, not the plant. And with something more insulating, like bubble wrap.

The roots are the most cold vulnerable portion of the plant. And roots of containerized plants are exposed to much greater cold than they would be if planted in the ground, due to the insulating properties of the soil mass. For example, Japanese maples are usually rated to a zone 5 or -15F. However, the roots can be fatally cold damaged by prolonged (more than a day or two) exposure to temps in the low 20's, which is pretty easy to encounter in a zone 7 or less. And that's the temps they would be exposed to if planted in a container.

Perfectly safe in the ground....not so safe planted in a container :-)

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Comments (6)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
6 years ago
zone alone is not enough info ... big city name please ...

be sure.. the most important thing in a pot.. is NOT THE PLANT ... but the media you fill the pot with ...

also ... a pic or two.. of where you want to set the pots.. might help with suggestions ...

ken
HU-196206895 thanked ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
HU-196206895
Original Author
6 years ago
Central Jersey area, near Howell

Not a great pic, but I have this off hand.

im thinking of pairing it with these ikea Chairs and or possible this bench

i want it to be a relaxing soothing stylish vibe.
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
If you intend the containers to be permanent, year round outdoor containers, then you will want to pick plants that are very hardy....at the least, suitable to a zone 5 but lower zones are even better. That might limit most container sized trees to conifers.
HU-196206895
Original Author
6 years ago
@gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

hmm, didn’t really have that in mind. would wrapping in burlap help to winterize them?

I do have an evergreen in one of these planters in the front. It does OK, not amazing, but I’m ok with that.
HU-196206895
Original Author
6 years ago
I see. Thanks for explaining. Though I could find a place to get these in the earth for the winter months (nov-mar?)