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cindy_r59

Container Fruit Trees Zone 5b

4 years ago

I’m looking for ideas for fruit trees or bushes that will survive in wine barrels over winter. I don’t have the ability to move them into a garage each fall. Any suggestions will be very much appreciated.

Comments (7)

  • 4 years ago

    Very few plants of ANY type can survive a zone 5 winter in a container without significant protection. That is because the roots are the least cold hardy portion of the plant and most easily damaged by relatively mild temperatures. Anything lower than around 20F could be problematic. If planted in the ground, this is really a non-issue as the soil (even frozen) never gets that cold and acts like insulation but the roots of containerized plants are exposed to ambient air temperatures without any insulation and that can easily descend below zero!!

    You might get away with some soft fruits (e.g., berries) but I wouldn't hold my breath. If you cannot plant in the ground, then consider much smaller containers that are more portable so they can be transported into some kind of winter protection. Your overwinter survival rate will be very low otherwise.

    Cindy R thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Is the problem that you don’t have a garage or that you physically can’t lift them? If the latter you can get various wheeled caddies and dollies for containers.

  • 4 years ago

    I have a garage but have mobility issues so can’t move heavy pots. I have seen many comments about ornamentals that survive in pots in this zone but nothing edible so far.

  • 4 years ago

    I'm zone 5b Colorado. Mind you, zone 5 in one state is not at all the same as in another. My neighbor has peach tree in a pretty big pot. I can let you know if it survives the winter. I am dubious that it will but I didn't dare try to tell him this because he is one of those people that would rather not listen to advice which is fine. We all have to learn somehow. I will update you in April when it should be producing flower here.

  • 4 years ago

    That would be great. Thank you so much!

  • 4 years ago

    I assume you don't plan to be at this address very long. I'd still plant the tree in the ground. You could perhaps study up on grafting and if you move take a cutting (scion) of your tree with you.


    If it's a HOA standing in your way I guess there's nothing you can do, unless your more hardheaded than they are.


    There's a dolly for moving furniture etc. called a moving dolly !! It's about 4 inches tall and I'm thinking you could buy one and leave it under the pot permanently.

    Cindy R thanked John D Zn6a PIT Pa